Valsartan, USP is a nonpeptide, orally active, and specific angiotensin II receptor blocker acting on the AT 1 receptor subtype. Valsartan, USP is chemically described as N -(1-oxopentyl)-N-[[2’-(1 H -tetrazol-5-yl)[1,1’-biphenyl]-4-yl]methyl]-L-valine. Its empirical formula is C 24 H 29 N 5 O 3 , its molecular weight is 435.5, and its structural formula is: Valsartan, USP is a white to practically white fine powder. It is soluble in ethanol and methanol and slightly soluble in water. Valsartan tablets, USP are available for oral administration, containing 40 mg, 80 mg, 160 mg or 320 mg of valsartan, USP. The inactive ingredients of the tablets are colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, hypromellose, iron oxides (yellow, black and/or red), macrogol, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, talc and titanium dioxide. f9674dc4-figure-01

What kind of drug is valsartan?

The FDA classifies valsartan as an angiotensin 2 receptor blocker. Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) block the AT1 receptor that the hormone angiotensin II uses to tighten blood vessels and make the body hold onto salt and water. With that receptor blocked, vessels relax and widen, so blood pressure falls. If you are checking whether it is safe to combine with something else, the class is what matters — two drugs from the same class usually should not be stacked.

Can you take valsartan with other medicines?

It depends on the medicine. We check it against the FDA labels rather than guessing: our interaction checker searches each drug's own label for the other and quotes what it says, naming the section it came from. Run valsartan against whatever else you take — and remember that a label not naming a drug is not the same as that combination being safe.

What brand names is valsartan sold under?

We track 2 valsartan-containing products in the U.S.: Valsartan and Diovan. They are the same active ingredient; they differ in form, manufacturer, price and FDA recall record.

What forms does valsartan come in?

Across the brands we track, valsartan is currently marketed as solution and tablet, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory. Each form is dosed differently — follow the label for the exact product you were prescribed.

Is there a generic valsartan?

Yes. Our catalog lists 1 generic valsartan product alongside the brand versions. A generic has the same active ingredient and must meet the FDA's bioequivalence standard; it usually costs less. Ask your pharmacist which one your plan covers.

Valsartan: uses, dosing, side effects & brands

Valsartan is an angiotensin 2 receptor blocker sold in the U.S. under 2 brand and generic names, for diabetic nephropathies, heart failure and hypertension. Below: what the FDA label says, every product that contains it, what the pills look like, and its recall record.

By the pharmaranks editorial teamReviewed against the FDA (openFDA label, NDC Directory & Enforcement) sourcesHow we research

Key facts

Drug class: Angiotensin 2 Receptor Blocker
Treats: Diabetic Nephropathies, Heart Failure and Hypertension
Available as: Solution · Tablet
Sold as: 2 products — Valsartan and Diovan
Prescription?: Prescription only
Generic available?: Yes
Typical price: about $4 for a 30-count supply
Boxed warning: Boxed warning

How valsartan is dosed

From the FDA label for Valsartan (application ANDA204011). Other valsartan products — different forms, different strengths — are dosed differently. Follow the label for the one you were prescribed.

Indication Starting Dose Dose Range Target Maintenance Dose* Adult Hypertension ( 2.1 ) 80 mg or 160 mg once daily 80 mg to 320 mg once daily --- Pediatric Hypertension (6 to 16 years) ( 2.2 ) 1.3 mg/kg once daily (up to 40 mg total) 1.3 mg/kg to 2.7 mg/kg once daily (up to 40 mg to 160 mg total) --- Heart Failure ( 2.3 ) 40 mg twice daily 40 mg to 160 mg twice daily 160 mg twice daily Post-Myocardial Infarction (2.4) 20 mg twice daily 20 mg to 160 mg twice daily 160 mg twice daily * as tolerated by patient 2.1 Adult Hypertension The recommended starting dose of valsartan tablets is 80 mg or 160 mg once daily when used as monotherapy in patients who are not volume-depleted. Patients requiring greater reductions may be started at the higher dose. Valsartan tablets may be used over a dose range of 80 mg to 320 mg daily, administered once a day. The antihypertensive effect is substantially present within 2 weeks and maximal reduction is generally attained after 4 weeks. If additional antihypertensive effect is required over the starting dose range, the dose may be increased to a maximum of 320 mg or a diuretic may be added. Addition of a diuretic has a greater effect than dose increases beyond 80 mg. Valsartan tablets may be administered with other antihypertensive agents. 2.2 Pediatric Hypertension 6 to 16 Years of Age For pediatric patients who can swallow tablets, the usual…

Valsartan side effects

Hypertension: Most common adverse reactions are headache, dizziness, viral infection, fatigue and abdominal pain. (6.1) Heart Failure: Most common adverse reactions are dizziness, hypotension, diarrhea, arthralgia, back pain, fatigue and hyperkalemia. (6.1) Post-Myocardial Infarction: Most common adverse reactions which caused patients to discontinue therapy are hypotension, cough and increased blood creatinine. (6.1) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact AvKARE at 1-855-361-3993 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Studies Experience Because clinical studies are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical studies of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical studies of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Adult Hypertension Valsartan has been evaluated for safety in more than 4,000 patients, including over 400 treated for over 6 months, and more than 160 for over 1 year. Adverse reactions have generally been mild and transient in nature and have only infrequently required discontinuation of therapy. The overall incidence of adverse reactions with valsartan was similar to placebo. The overall frequency of adverse reactions was neither dose-related nor related to gender, age, race, or regimen. Discontinuation of therapy due to side effects was required…

Valsartan and food

Potassium-rich foods & salt substitutes
Don't use potassium-based salt substitutes unless your clinician approves, and ask before taking potassium supplements. Your clinician may check your potassium level with blood tests.
Lisinopril (an ACE inhibitor) — MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) ↗

Every valsartan product we track (2)

Same active ingredient — different manufacturer, form, price and FDA recall record. That last one is what our independent score measures.

Valsartan products
#	Drug	Rating	Type	Form	Generic?	Typical price
1	Valsartan Boxed warning	70/100	Prescription	Solution	Generic	$4	View →
2	Diovan

What valsartan pills look like

Imprint codes, colour and shape from the FDA’s labelling data. Match the imprint on your pill — or search any imprint.

Valsartan pill imprints
Imprint	Strength	Colour	Shape	Maker
N3	24 mg / 26 mg	white	oval	—
N2	49 mg / 51 mg	yellow	oval	—
N1	97 mg / 103 mg	pink	oval	—
725;L	24 mg / 26 mg	white	capsule	—
726;L	49 mg / 51 mg	yellow	capsule	—
L727	97 mg / 103 mg

Combination products containing valsartan

A combination is a different drug — different dosing, different warnings. It is listed here so you can find it, not so you can substitute it.

Frequently asked questions

What is valsartan?: Valsartan, USP is a nonpeptide, orally active, and specific angiotensin II receptor blocker acting on the AT 1 receptor subtype. Valsartan, USP is chemically described as N -(1-oxopentyl)-N-[[2’-(1 H -tetrazol-5-yl)[1,1’-biphenyl]-4-yl]methyl]-L-valine. Its empirical formula is C 24 H 29 N 5 O 3 , its molecular weight is 435.5, and its structural formula is: Valsartan, USP is a white to practically white fine powder. It is soluble in ethanol and methanol and slightly soluble in water. Valsartan tablets, USP are available for oral administration, containing 40 mg, 80 mg, 160 mg or 320 mg of valsartan, USP. The inactive ingredients of the tablets are colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, hypromellose, iron oxides (yellow, black and/or red), macrogol, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, talc and titanium dioxide. f9674dc4-figure-01
What kind of drug is valsartan?: The FDA classifies valsartan as an angiotensin 2 receptor blocker. Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) block the AT1 receptor that the hormone angiotensin II uses to tighten blood vessels and make the body hold onto salt and water. With that receptor blocked, vessels relax and widen, so blood pressure falls. If you are checking whether it is safe to combine with something else, the class is what matters — two drugs from the same class usually should not be stacked.
Can you take valsartan with other medicines?: It depends on the medicine. We check it against the FDA labels rather than guessing: our interaction checker searches each drug's own label for the other and quotes what it says, naming the section it came from. Run valsartan against whatever else you take — and remember that a label not naming a drug is not the same as that combination being safe.
What brand names is valsartan sold under?: We track 2 valsartan-containing products in the U.S.: Valsartan and Diovan. They are the same active ingredient; they differ in form, manufacturer, price and FDA recall record.
What forms does valsartan come in?: Across the brands we track, valsartan is currently marketed as solution and tablet, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory. Each form is dosed differently — follow the label for the exact product you were prescribed.

Sources: FDA openFDA drug label, National Drug Code Directory, and Enforcement (recall) database. This page reproduces public FDA data and is not medical advice. Dosing is set by your prescriber.