Valsartan

Blood pressure medicine (ARB)
PRESCRIPTION ONLY IN INDIA

Valsartan is a blood pressure medicine (ARB) found in 1 medicine sold in India, such as Vymada 50. Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.

What it is used for

Lowers blood pressure and is used in heart failure.

How it works

An angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB), also combined with sacubitril for heart failure.

How to take it

Usually 80 to 320 mg once a day (or twice for heart failure).

Common side effects

  • Dizziness, especially when standing up
  • Tiredness
  • Raised potassium

Get medical help straight away if

  • Swelling of the face, lips or tongue
  • Fainting
  • Much less urine
  • Muscle weakness or irregular heartbeat (high potassium)

Be careful

Not in pregnancy; can raise potassium.

Other medicines and interactions

Potassium supplements, salt substitutes, spironolactone and NSAIDs raise potassium and kidney risk. Do not combine with an ACE inhibitor or aliskiren. Raises lithium levels.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Must not be used in pregnancy (it harms the baby's kidneys); switch before trying to conceive. Ask your doctor about breastfeeding; other medicines may be preferred.

Combination medicines that contain Valsartan (1)

Vymada 50

Common questions

What is Valsartan used for?

Lowers blood pressure and is used in heart failure.

How does Valsartan work?

An angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB), also combined with sacubitril for heart failure.

How should I take Valsartan?

Usually 80 to 320 mg once a day (or twice for heart failure).

What are the side effects of Valsartan?

Common: Dizziness, especially when standing up, tiredness, raised potassium. Get help straight away for: Swelling of the face, lips or tongue, fainting, much less urine, muscle weakness or irregular heartbeat (high potassium).

Does Valsartan interact with other medicines?

Potassium supplements, salt substitutes, spironolactone and NSAIDs raise potassium and kidney risk. Do not combine with an ACE inhibitor or aliskiren. Raises lithium levels.

Is Valsartan safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Must not be used in pregnancy (it harms the baby's kidneys); switch before trying to conceive. Ask your doctor about breastfeeding; other medicines may be preferred.

Does Valsartan need a prescription in India?

Yes. In India it is a prescription (Schedule H) medicine, so a pharmacist should sell it only with a doctor's prescription.

Which brands contain Valsartan?

Vymada 50.

Sources and further reading

NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.

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For information only, not medical advice. This page is a plain-language summary written from standard prescribing information and the public guides linked below. Brands sometimes change their formula, so always check the composition printed on the pack. Doses here are typical adult doses; yours may differ. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without your doctor or pharmacist, and keep all medicines away from children. In an emergency, call 112 (India) or your local emergency number.