Valsartan Capsules

Angiotensin receptor blockers are a widely used class of antihypertensive medication recommended in NICE guidance for patients who cannot tolerate ACE inhibitors. Valsartan capsules are a prescription-only ARB used in adults for hypertension management, heart failure in patients not tolerating ACE inhibitors, and reduction of cardiovascular mortality following myocardial infarction. Valsartan acts on the renin-angiotensin system by blocking the AT1 receptor and is available as capsules in three strengths. A prescription can only be issued following a clinical consultation.

Valsartan capsules are an oral prescription medicine containing Valsartan as the active ingredient. Valsartan belongs to the angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) class of medicines, also referred to as angiotensin II receptor antagonists. ARBs block the AT1 receptor, preventing angiotensin II from raising blood pressure and damaging target organs. Unlike ACE inhibitors, ARBs do not affect bradykinin and do not typically cause the dry cough associated with that class.

Valsartan is licensed in the UK for three indications. The first is treatment of hypertension in adults. The second is treatment of symptomatic heart failure in adults when ACE inhibitors cannot be used or in combination with an ACE inhibitor when beta blockers cannot be used. The third is reduction of cardiovascular mortality in haemodynamically stable adults with left ventricular failure or dysfunction following recent myocardial infarction. These last two indications require specialist initiation and are covered in the prescribing process section below.

Three capsule strengths are available: 40 mg, 80 mg, and 160 mg. Valsartan is also available as tablets from some manufacturers. This page covers the capsule formulation specifically. If your prescription specifies tablets rather than capsules, check with your pharmacist before taking the medicine.

Valsartan lowers blood pressure and provides cardiovascular protection through its selective blockade of the AT1 receptor in the renin-angiotensin system.

AT1 Receptor Blockade

Angiotensin II is a hormone produced through the renin-angiotensin system that raises blood pressure and promotes cardiovascular damage over time. It exerts these effects by binding to and activating the AT1 receptor. Valsartan selectively and competitively blocks the AT1 receptor, preventing angiotensin II from binding. Without angiotensin II activation at AT1, blood vessels remain relaxed and widened, sodium and water retention is reduced, and blood pressure falls. Sustained AT1 blockade also reduces the hormonal drive that contributes to cardiac remodelling after myocardial infarction and in chronic heart failure.

Why Valsartan Is Used When ACE Inhibitors Are Not Tolerated

ACE inhibitors and ARBs both reduce the harmful effects of angiotensin II, but through different mechanisms. ACE inhibitors prevent the production of angiotensin II; ARBs block the receptor through which angiotensin II acts. Both achieve similar blood pressure lowering, but ACE inhibitors also accumulate bradykinin, which can cause a dry persistent cough in up to 15 per cent of patients. ARBs such as Valsartan do not affect bradykinin and are therefore preferred when ACE inhibitor cough is a problem. This is the basis for valsartan's use in heart failure when ACE inhibitors cannot be tolerated.

Always take Valsartan exactly as your prescriber instructs. The information below summarises key points from the current UK SmPC. Read the Patient Information Leaflet supplied with your medicine before starting treatment.

• Take Valsartan once daily for hypertension and post-MI indications, or twice daily for heart failure, depending on the indication and your prescriber's instructions.
• Valsartan can be taken with or without food.
• Swallow the capsule whole with a glass of water. Do not open or crush the capsule.
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember on the same day. If you only remember the following day, skip the missed dose and continue as normal. Do not take two doses on the same day.
• Do not stop taking Valsartan without speaking to your prescriber first. Hypertension, heart failure, and post-MI care all require ongoing treatment.
• Your prescriber will monitor your blood pressure, kidney function, and potassium levels periodically. Attend all follow up appointments to allow safe and effective dose review and adjustment.
• If you develop any new symptoms such as dizziness, significant swelling, or changes in urination, contact your prescriber.

Valsartan capsules are available in three strengths. The appropriate dose and frequency depend on the indication being treated.

Valsartan 40 mg Capsules

The 40 mg capsule is the starting dose for heart failure and post-MI indications, where the SmPC specifies beginning at 40 mg twice daily. This cautious starting dose allows blood pressure and kidney function to be assessed before any increase. It is also used during dose titration in patients who are more sensitive to blood pressure lowering. For hypertension, the standard starting dose is 80 mg once daily; the 40 mg capsule is not typically the starting dose for this indication.

Valsartan 80 mg Capsules

The 80 mg capsule is the standard starting dose for hypertension. Most patients begin treatment at 80 mg once daily, with a blood pressure review after four weeks. For heart failure and post-MI, 80 mg twice daily is one of the intermediate titration doses. Blood pressure response and tolerability are assessed before any dose increase is made.

Valsartan 160 mg Capsules

The 160 mg capsule is used for higher dose requirements across all three indications. For hypertension, the dose may be increased to 160 mg once daily if 80 mg has not achieved adequate blood pressure control; the maximum dose for hypertension is 320 mg daily, though this would require higher-strength products or multiple capsules. For heart failure and post-MI, 160 mg twice daily is the target maintenance dose, reached through gradual titration. All dose adjustments are made by your prescriber. Do not change your dose without medical advice.

Like all medicines, Valsartan can cause side effects. The information below is based on the current UK SmPC. Refer to the Patient Information Leaflet for the full list.

Common Side Effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)

• Dizziness, particularly on standing.
• Raised blood potassium (hyperkalaemia). Blood tests help to detect and manage this.
• Low blood pressure (hypotension), particularly in patients who are volume depleted or also taking diuretics.
• Changes in kidney function.

Uncommon Side Effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)

• Headache.
• Fatigue.
• Nausea or abdominal discomfort.
• Skin rash or itching.

Serious Side Effects: Seek Urgent Medical Attention

Go to your nearest accident and emergency department or call 999 immediately if you experience:

• Angioedema: sudden swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. This is rare but potentially life threatening. Seek emergency help immediately. If you have had angioedema from any ARB or ACE inhibitor, you must tell your prescriber before taking valsartan.
• Signs of severely raised potassium such as muscle weakness, an irregular heartbeat, or confusion.
• A marked reduction in urine output, which may indicate kidney impairment.

Report any suspected side effect to your prescriber, pharmacist, or via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk.

Valsartan Capsules May Be Suitable If You:

• Are an adult with a confirmed diagnosis of hypertension.
• Have symptomatic heart failure and cannot tolerate ACE inhibitors due to cough or other side effects, and are under specialist supervision.
• Have left ventricular failure or dysfunction following myocardial infarction and are haemodynamically stable, and are under specialist supervision.
• Are already prescribed Valsartan and require a repeat prescription through an online prescribing service.

Valsartan Capsules Are Not Suitable If You:

• Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Valsartan is contraindicated in pregnancy. ARBs cause serious harm to the developing baby, particularly in the second and third trimesters, including kidney damage, skull abnormalities, and foetal death. Contact your prescriber immediately if you become pregnant while taking valsartan.
• Are breastfeeding.
• Have severe liver disease or biliary cirrhosis.
• Have severe kidney impairment or are on dialysis.
• Have diabetes or moderate to severe kidney impairment and are also taking aliskiren.
• Have a known allergy or hypersensitivity to Valsartan or any excipient listed in the SmPC.
• Are under 18 years of age.

Tell your prescriber about all medicines you take. Key interactions for Valsartan include:

• Potassium supplements, potassium-sparing diuretics (such as spironolactone or amiloride), and potassium-containing salt substitutes: these can raise blood potassium to dangerous levels when combined with valsartan.
• NSAIDs such as ibuprofen: regular use can reduce the blood pressure lowering effect of Valsartan and increase the risk of kidney problems.
• Lithium: Valsartan can increase lithium blood levels. Close monitoring is required.
• Aliskiren: contraindicated in combination with Valsartan in patients with diabetes or significant kidney impairment.
• ACE inhibitors: combining Valsartan with an ACE inhibitor increases the risk of adverse effects including low blood pressure, raised potassium, and kidney problems. This combination is only used under specialist supervision for heart failure when beta blockers cannot be used.

Your prescriber will review all current medicines during the clinical assessment before any prescription is considered.

Valsartan is a Prescription Only Medicine. The clinical consultation is the essential first step. A prescription will only be issued if a registered prescriber concludes, based on their individual assessment of your circumstances, that Valsartan is clinically appropriate for you.

During your online consultation with Pharmacy Planet, a registered prescriber will review the information you provide. This includes your diagnosis, blood pressure history, cardiac history, kidney function where available, current medicines, and other relevant medical information. The prescriber will assess which strength is appropriate and whether online prescribing is suitable for your indication and clinical situation.

Initiation of Valsartan for heart failure or post-MI left ventricular dysfunction involves complex clinical monitoring that is not appropriate through an online prescribing service. These indications require in-person specialist or GP care for initiation. Patients already established and stable on Valsartan for these indications may be able to obtain repeat prescriptions through this service, subject to the prescriber's assessment.

If you are under the care of a cardiologist, heart failure specialist, or GP for any of the conditions Valsartan is used to treat, please keep them informed of all medicines prescribed through online services. Coordinated care supports the safest approach to blood pressure management and cardiovascular therapy.

Store below 30°C. Store in the original packaging to protect from moisture and light. Keep out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date printed on the packaging. Do not dispose of medicines via household waste or wastewater. Return unused or out of date capsules to your pharmacist for safe disposal. Full storage instructions are provided in the Patient Information Leaflet supplied with your medicine.

Pharmacy Planet is a GPhC-registered online pharmacy providing access to prescription medicines through a clinically led consultation process. Our registered prescribers and pharmacists are committed to patient safety, clinical accuracy, and responsible prescribing. We follow GPhC standards, MHRA guidance, and ASA advertising regulations in all aspects of our service. Every prescription is reviewed and dispensed by qualified healthcare professionals. We provide clear, factual information to help patients understand their antihypertensive medication and make informed decisions about their RAAS support and cardiovascular therapy. If you have questions about Valsartan or any other medicine, our pharmacy team is available to help. We are committed to transparent, patient centred care.

References

1. Electronic Medicines Compendium (eMC). Valsartan 40 mg, 80 mg and 160 mg capsules — Summary of Product Characteristics. https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc. Accessed May 2026.
2. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Hypertension in adults: diagnosis and management. NICE guideline NG136. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng136. Accessed May 2026.
3. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Chronic heart failure in adults: diagnosis and management. NICE guideline NG106. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng106. Accessed May 2026.
4. NHS. High blood pressure (hypertension). https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/high-blood-pressure-hypertension. Accessed May 2026.
5. Joint Formulary Committee. British National Formulary (BNF). Valsartan. BMJ Group and Pharmaceutical Press. https://bnf.nice.org.uk. Accessed May 2026.
6. Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Yellow Card — report a side effect. https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk. Accessed May 2026.

Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs) and Direct Renin Inhibitors

The table below compares ARB tablets and Rasilez (aliskiren), the only direct renin inhibitor licensed for hypertension in the UK. All act on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and are taken once daily as tablets.

Important: This comparison is for general information only and does not replace medical advice. A prescriber will decide which treatment is suitable for you following an online consultation.