Hypertension (HBP, high blood pressure)is a common medical condition affecting 48% of adult Americans.
Valsartan and Cozaar are classified asangiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs).
While generally viewed as similar, these drugs share notable differences.
Mayur Kakade / Getty Images
Arteries carry blood from the heart to various parts of the body.
Specifically, high blood pressure is defined as pressure greater than 140/90 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).
This article will focus on two ARBs, valsartan and losartan.
What Are ARBs?
Valsartan is an orally administered ARB.
Both brand-name Diovan and generic forms of valsartan come in oral tablets and a liquid suspension.
This is called off-label prescribing.
Both generic losartan and brand-name Cozaar are available as oral tablets.
Dosing Guidelines
General dosing guidelines for valsartan and losartan appear below.
Your healthcare provider will snag the proper prescription schedule and strength for you.
The suspension is usually taken daily with or without food to treat high blood pressure.
Therefore, be sure to closely monitor yourself or a loved one for the emergence of adverse effects.
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you observe side effects that fail to dissipate or worsen.
Pregnant individuals should never take an ARB.
Other drug interactions may occur with valsartan or losartan.
Consult your healthcare provider for more information about drug interactions and how they may affect you.
They can administered to adults and children depending on need.
Valsartan and losartan are FDA-approved to treat high blood pressure and similar conditions, such as HF.
Consult your healthcare provider for more information about valsartan and losartan.
Do not store medication in the bathroom or any area susceptible to high moisture levels.
As with all medications, keep out of sight and out of reach of children and pets.
Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
These medications have a boxed warning, the most severe warning issued by the FDA.
it’s possible for you to take valsartan or losartan with or without food.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.High blood pressure facts.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.High blood pressure treatment.
DailyMed.Label: Diovan- valsartan tablet.
DailyMed.Label: Cozaar- losartan potassium tablet, film coated.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About high blood pressure.
American Heart Association.Types of blood pressure medications.
Webb RL, de Gasparo M.Role of the angiotensin II receptor blocker valsartan in heart failure.ExpClinCardiol.
2001;6(4):215-21.
National Kidney Foundation.ACE inhibitors and ARBs.
2013;15(1):48-54. doi:10.1111/jch.12021
Vinik AI, Ziegler D.Diabetic cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy.Circulation.
2007;115(3):387-397. doi:10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.106.634949
DailyMed.Label: Diovan HCT- valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablet, film coated.
DailyMed.Label: Entresto- sacubitril and valsartan tablet, film coated.
DailyMed.Label: Exforge- amlodipine besylate and valsartan tablet, film coated.
DailyMed.Label: Exforge HCT- amlodipine valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablet, film coated.
1995;91(3):691-697. doi:10.1161/01.CIR.91.3.691
DailyMed.Label: Hyzaar- losartan potassium and hydrochlorothiazide tablet, film coated.
2007;9(3).
2011;13(9).
2001;23(8):1166-1179. doi:10.1016/s0149-2918(01)80099-0
National Library of Medicine.