Valsartan

Valsartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) used for high blood pressure, heart failure in selected patients, and sometimes after heart attack in specialist care, depending on your treatment plan.

It helps blood vessels relax, which lowers pressure and reduces heart workload.

It blocks the action of angiotensin II on its receptors, leading to vasodilation and reduced fluid retention signals compared with untreated high renin states.

Effects accumulate over days; blood tests may guide dose changes.

Usually once or twice daily as prescribed, with or without food. Swallow tablets or capsules with water.

Do not stop suddenly if you have heart failure — discuss with your GP.

Dizziness on standing, tiredness, or mild headache can occur, especially when starting. Cough is less common with ARBs than with ACE inhibitors but can still happen.

Raised potassium is possible — attend monitoring blood tests.

Seek urgent help for facial swelling, breathing difficulty, or severe allergic reaction. Sudden reduced urine, severe dizziness, or fainting need prompt review.

If you could become pregnant, avoid ARBs and discuss immediately if pregnancy is suspected.

Take a missed dose when remembered unless the next dose is due soon; do not double.

Pregnancy, bilateral renal artery stenosis, and some potassium problems need alternatives. Severe kidney impairment requires dose review.

Add-on aliskiren with diabetes or kidney disease is generally avoided.

NSAIDs can reduce kidney protection and raise potassium with ARBs. Potassium supplements and salt substitutes need caution.

Lithium levels can rise — tell your prescriber if you take lithium.

ARBs can harm a developing baby — do not use in pregnancy. Breastfeeding advice is individual.

Kidney function and potassium are often checked after starting or dose changes, and periodically long term.

Losartan, candesartan, or an ACE inhibitor may be considered if appropriate; calcium channel blockers are other blood pressure options.