valsartan + amlodipine

VAA489 is a fixed-dose combination (FDC) antihypertensive medication consisting of valsartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), and amlodipine, a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker (CCB). Developed by Novartis, it is used to treat essential hypertension in patients whose blood pressure is not adequately controlled by monotherapy. Valsartan selectively blocks the binding of angiotensin II to the AT1 receptor in many tissues, such as vascular smooth muscle and the adrenal gland, while amlodipine inhibits the influx of calcium ions into vascular smooth muscle and cardiac muscle cells. This dual mechanism results in potent vasodilation and a reduction in peripheral vascular resistance. The combination has been shown to provide superior blood pressure reduction compared to either component administered as monotherapy.

Brand names

Exforge

Other names

valsartan/amlodipine