Generic name: Valsartan Capsules [ val-SAR-tan ]
Brand name: Diovan
Drug class: Angiotensin receptor blockers

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 14, 2024.

Uses of Valsartan Capsules:

• It is used to treat high blood pressure.
• It is used to treat heart failure (weak heart).
• It is used to help heart function after a heart attack.
• It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Valsartan Capsules?

• If you have an allergy to valsartan or any other part of this medicine (valsartan capsules).
• If you are allergic to this medicine (valsartan capsules); any part of this medicine (valsartan capsules); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have kidney disease.
• If you are taking a drug that has aliskiren in it and you also have diabetes or kidney problems.
• If you are breast-feeding. Do not breast-feed while you take this medicine (valsartan capsules).

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this medicine (valsartan capsules).

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this medicine (valsartan capsules) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Valsartan Capsules?

For all patients taking this medicine (valsartan capsules):

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take this medicine (valsartan capsules). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert until you see how this medicine (valsartan capsules) affects you.
• To lower the chance of feeling dizzy or passing out, rise slowly if you have been sitting or lying down. Be careful going up and down stairs.
• It may take several weeks to see the full effects.
• Check your blood pressure as you have been told.
• Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
• If you are taking a salt substitute that has potassium in it, a potassium-sparing diuretic, or a potassium product, talk with your doctor.
• If you are on a low-salt or salt-free diet, talk with your doctor.
• Talk with your doctor before you drink alcohol.
• Be careful in hot weather or while being active. Drink lots of fluids to stop fluid loss.
• Tell your doctor if you have too much sweat, fluid loss, throwing up, or loose stools. This may lead to low blood pressure.
• If you are taking this medicine (valsartan capsules) and have high blood pressure, talk with your doctor before using OTC products that may raise blood pressure. These include cough or cold drugs, diet pills, stimulants, ibuprofen or like products, and some natural products or aids.
• This medicine may not work as well in black patients. Talk with the doctor.

Children:

• Talk with the doctor before you give this medicine (valsartan capsules) to a child younger than 6 years old.

How is this medicine (Valsartan Capsules) best taken?

Use this medicine (valsartan capsules) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Take with or without food.
• Take this medicine (valsartan capsules) at the same time of day.
• Drink lots of noncaffeine liquids unless told to drink less liquid by your doctor.
• Keep taking this medicine (valsartan capsules) as you have been told by your doctor or other health care provider, even if you feel well.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of kidney problems like unable to pass urine, change in how much urine is passed, blood in the urine, or a big weight gain.
• Signs of a high potassium level like a heartbeat that does not feel normal; change in thinking clearly and with logic; feeling weak, lightheaded, or dizzy; feel like passing out; numbness or tingling; or shortness of breath.
• Very bad dizziness or passing out.
• Swelling in the arms or legs.
• Change in eyesight.

Related/similar drugs

What are some other side effects of Valsartan Capsules?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Feeling dizzy, tired, or weak.
• Stomach pain or diarrhea.
• Back pain.
• Joint pain.
• Headache.
• Flu-like signs.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Valsartan Capsules?

• Store at room temperature.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about this medicine (valsartan capsules), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Frequently asked questions

• Losartan vs Valsartan - What's the difference between them?
• What is the strength of Prexxartan (valsartan) oral solution?

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer