Valsartan: Uses, Side Effects, and How to Take It
Valsartan is a prescription medicine in the angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) family. It is used to treat high blood pressure, help manage heart failure, and reduce the risk of death after a heart attack in certain patients.
Valsartan helps lower blood pressure and protect the heart, but it can raise potassium and affect kidney function. Take it exactly as prescribed and ask your doctor or pharmacist about your personal risks and other medicines.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- C09CA03
- Generic
- Valsartan
- Class
- arb
- Brands
- Diovan
- Availability
- rx
- Pregnancy
- D
- Lactation
- caution
- Half-life (h)
- 6
- Onset (min)
- 60
- Duration (h)
- 24
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- Regions
- CN, US, EU, JP
- Monitoring
- renal-function, blood-pressure, potassium
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 80mg to 320mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 1.3mg/kg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 40mg to 160mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
9 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid use
discontinue use when pregnancy is detected; avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks to fetus
regular fetal monitoring including ultrasound for fetal growth and amniotic fluid
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second third trimestercontraindicated
do not use during 2nd and 3rd trimesters; switch to alternative antihypertensive before planning pregnancy
immediate discontinuation and thorough fetal assessment
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingavoid use
discontinue breastfeeding or discontinue drug; valsartan passes into breast milk in small amounts
monitor infant for hypotension
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderly 65 yearsstart at lower end of dosing range
initiate at 40mg daily; monitor renal function and blood pressure closely; increased sensitivity to blood pressure effects
regular monitoring of renal function, blood pressure, and serum potassium
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children 6 16 yearsweight-based dosing
for children 6-16 years: initial dose 1.3mg/kg once daily (up to 40mg); titrate to maximum 2.7mg/kg once daily (up to 160mg); not recommended in children under 6 years
monitor blood pressure, renal function, and serum potassium during treatment
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild moderateno initial adjustment needed
use with caution; monitor renal function and potassium levels regularly
baseline and periodic monitoring of serum creatinine and potassium
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severereduce starting dose
use with extreme caution; start at 20-40mg daily; consider lower doses; avoid in patients with bilateral renal artery stenosis
frequent monitoring of renal function and serum potassium required
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild moderateno initial adjustment needed
use with caution; no dose adjustment needed for mild to moderate hepatic impairment
monitor liver function tests periodically
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severeuse with caution
use with caution in severe hepatic impairment; limited clinical data available
monitor liver function and clinical status
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
FDA approval date for Valsartan
Drug class
Pharmacological classification
Common uses
Therapeutic indications
Mechanism of action
Pharmacodynamic properties
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 22, 2026. · Read our editorial policy