valsartan

Valsartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) used primarily to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), heart failure, and to improve survival after a heart attack. It works by selectively blocking the angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor in various tissues such as vascular smooth muscle and the adrenal gland. This action prevents angiotensin II from causing vasoconstriction and aldosterone-mediated sodium retention, leading to relaxation of blood vessels, reduced blood pressure, decreased cardiac workload, and increased excretion of sodium. Valsartan is also indicated for reducing hospitalization risk in patients with heart failure and for slowing progression of diabetic nephropathy due to its renoprotective effects. The drug was originally developed by Novartis and first approved in Europe in 1996 and subsequently in the United States in 1997.

Brand names

DiovanPrexxartanValzan

Other names

valsartan