{"id":32414,"date":"2021-05-22T09:56:38","date_gmt":"2021-05-22T13:56:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=32414"},"modified":"2024-11-20T14:27:34","modified_gmt":"2024-11-20T19:27:34","slug":"valsartan-side-effects","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/valsartan-side-effects\/","title":{"rendered":"Valsartan side effects and how to avoid them"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"#valsartan-side-effects\">Valsartan side effects<\/a> | <a href=\"#serious-side-effects\">Serious side effects<\/a> | <a href=\"#how-long-do-side-effects-last\">How long do side effects last?<\/a> | <a href=\"#warnings\">Warnings<\/a> | <a href=\"#interactions\">Interactions<\/a> | <a href=\"#how-to-avoid-side-effects\">How to avoid side effects<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Valsartan is a generic prescription drug used to treat <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/blood-pressure-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">high blood pressure<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which lowers the risk of strokes and heart attacks. Valsartan can be used in people with <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/congestive-heart-failure-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">chronic heart failure<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, to reduce hospitalizations. Valsartan also helps increase survival in people with <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">left ventricular failure or left ventricular dysfunction after a heart attack<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Belonging to a class of drugs called <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/angiotensin-ii-receptor-blockers\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">angiotensin II receptor blockers<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (ARBs), valsartan relaxes blood vessels to reduce blood pressure and increase blood flow.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Also available under the brand name, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/diovan\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diovan<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, valsartan is often used with other blood pressure or heart drugs, particularly <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/hydrochlorothiazide\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hydrochlorothiazide<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/amlodipine-besylate\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">amlodipine<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/beta-blockers\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">beta-blockers<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or blood clot medications. Like all prescription drugs, valsartan can cause problems, so it\u2019s important to review side effects, cautions, and drug interactions before taking this medication.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"valsartan-side-effects\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Common side effects of valsartan<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although many people do not usually experience side effects, valsartan\u2019s most <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/online.epocrates.com\/drugs\/64105\/valsartan\/Adverse-Reactions\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">common side effects<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dizziness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Low blood pressure (hypotension)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diarrhea<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Joint pain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fatigue<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Symptoms of a viral infection<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Back pain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stomach pain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High blood potassium (hyperkalemia)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cough<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Headache<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"serious-side-effects\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Serious side effects of valsartan<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The most serious side effects caused by valsartan include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dangerously low blood pressure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dangerously high levels of potassium in the blood<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kidney damage and kidney failure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Low levels of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Low platelets<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hepatitis<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Muscle damage<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Severe allergic reactions<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Side effects may also vary based on the indication for which the drug is being taken. In clinical trials, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/dailymed.nlm.nih.gov\/dailymed\/drugInfo.cfm?setid=8478a05f-38fd-412d-af49-69a73a787c8f\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1 out of 10 people<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (10%) who took valsartan for heart failure, and 2.3% of people taking it for high blood pressure, stopped using the drug because of side effects.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-long-do-side-effects-last\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How long do valsartan side effects last?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most side effects such as low blood pressure, elevated blood potassium, and other temporary adverse effects will typically resolve when the medication is discontinued. Extremely low blood pressure or extremely high potassium levels may require emergency medical treatment, but with treatment, can be corrected in a few hours or days. Blood disorders (such as low platelets or low neutrophil counts) may need a few days of treatment. Kidney problems and severe muscle damage could become long-term, chronic medical conditions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"warnings\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Valsartan contraindications &amp; warnings<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As with all prescription drugs, there are risks when taking valsartan. Because of underlying medical conditions, some people are at a higher risk for problems when taking valsartan.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Abuse and dependence<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Valsartan does not cause dependence or cause withdrawal symptoms. However, valsartan is used to control blood pressure, so the sudden discontinuation of valsartan can cause blood pressure to rise to unhealthy levels. In people with heart failure or heart attack, this spike in blood pressure raises the risk of stroke or heart attack. Always talk to a doctor or healthcare provider before stopping this drug.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Overdose<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Valsartan is not toxic, but the drug should always be taken as directed. Valsartan lowers blood pressure, so taking too much valsartan could result in dangerously low blood pressure. If blood pressure falls too low, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK531492\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">circulatory collapse<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (shock) could result, a potentially lethal condition in which the circulatory system is not able to provide the body with enough oxygen.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even if normal doses are taken, people taking valsartan should watch for symptoms of low blood pressure such as dizziness, problems concentrating, vision changes, fainting, and loss of consciousness. Severe hypotension will require immediate emergency treatment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Restrictions<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Valsartan is used in a wide range of people from children (6 years or older) to senior citizens. However, the drug may not be given to some people. Others may require extra caution and monitoring to avoid serious side effects.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When taking valsartan, watch for symptoms of rare but potentially serious hypersensitivity reactions such as rash, swelling around the face, lips, or tongue, trouble breathing, itching, or blisters. Get emergency medical help if you have any of these symptoms of an allergic reaction.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Valsartan has a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/black-box-warning\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">black box warning<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which is the strongest warning required by the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration). Pregnant women should not take valsartan. The drug can harm a fetus, particularly the unborn baby\u2019s kidneys, resulting in a higher rate of fetal or newborn death.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For breastfeeding, valsartan is present in breast milk and has not been determined as safe for infants. Breastfeeding is not recommended while taking valsartan. Nursing women will often be advised to switch to a different medication or discontinue breastfeeding.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\t\t<div class=\"singlecare-dynamic-newsletter-wrapper sin-newsletter-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"heading\">Get our heart health newsletter<\/span>\n\t\t\t<form class=\"form-wrapper\" data-newsletter-form=\"1\" data-subsource=\"Heart Health Newsletter\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"input-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<label for=\"dynamic-email\">Email<\/label>\n\t\t\t\t\t<input type=\"email\" id=\"dynamic-email\" class=\"email\" required>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"input-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<input class=\"submit-form-btn\" type=\"submit\" value=\"Click to sign up\">\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/form>\n\t\t\t<p class=\"success-message\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When taking valsartan, your healthcare provider will order blood tests to determine how well the kidneys are working. The most important tests are blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine. High BUN or creatinine levels often indicate the kidneys are failing. Potassium levels will also need monitoring.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seniors are commonly prescribed valsartan, but they may be more closely monitored for blood pressure, blood potassium, and kidney problems.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The FDA has approved valsartan for use in children as young as 6 years old to treat hypertension. Valsartan is not recommended for use in children younger than 6 years old.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"interactions\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Valsartan interactions<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Two drugs are never used with valsartan because of the risk of low blood pressure, high blood potassium, or kidney damage:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aliskiren (in people with diabetes only)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Isocarboxazid<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other types of drugs either avoided or used with caution in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/online.epocrates.com\/drugs\/64104\/valsartan\/Drug-Interactions\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">people taking valsartan<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> include<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>ACE inhibitors and ARBs <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">such as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/irbesartan\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">irbesartan<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/losartan-potassium\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">losartan<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/enalapril-maleate\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">enalapril<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">,<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/captopril\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">captopril<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/lisinopril\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">lisinopril<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Potassium-sparing diuretics <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/spironolactone\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">spironolactone<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Taking <\/span><b>potassium supplements<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, potassium drugs, or using potassium salt substitutes increases the risk of high potassium when taking valsartan.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Aminoglycoside antibiotics<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> treat bacterial infections but are toxic to the kidneys. Doctors generally avoid giving them with valsartan because of the risk of kidney damage.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/nsaids\"><b>NSAIDs<\/b><\/a><b> (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Taken for pain relief, NSAIDs can harm the kidneys when taken with valsartan.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Platinum-based cancer drugs: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because they are toxic to the kidneys, combining certain cancer-fighting drugs with valsartan will require monitoring to make sure the combination does not decrease renal function.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Lithium:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The combination with valsartan increases the risk of kidney dysfunction and damage.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Cyclosporine<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: An alternative to cyclosporine may be needed, or if not possible, close monitoring of kidney function and potassium is necessary.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Antiviral drugs:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Many antiviral drugs are toxic to the kidneys, so kidney function will need to be monitored when an antiviral drug is combined with valsartan.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Tricyclic antidepressants, antipsychotics, alcohol, barbiturates, opioids, alpha-2 agonists, and erectile dysfunction medications:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> These medications, too, lower blood pressure, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/academic.oup.com\/painmedicine\/article\/16\/suppl_1\/S27\/2472479\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">sometimes dramatically<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Medications that raise blood pressure:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> As a side effect, some drugs raise blood pressure including include amphetamines, stimulants, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/adhd-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ADHD medications<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/narcolepsy-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">wakefulness agents<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, decongestants, corticosteroids, sympathomimetic drugs (like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/epinephrine\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">epinephrine<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">), and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/migraine-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">migraine drugs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (triptans).\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"how-to-avoid-side-effects\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to avoid valsartan side effects<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When taken for hypertension, valsartan has few and often minimal side effects. The risk of severe side effects is greater when valsartan is used to treat heart failure or heart problems immediately following a heart attack. There are ways, however, to help control or prevent side effects while maximizing the therapeutic benefits of valsartan.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Tell the doctor about all medical conditions<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When talking to a doctor or healthcare professional, make sure the prescriber is aware of all your medical conditions, particularly<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Liver problems<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kidney problems<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pregnancy or any pregnancy plans<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Breastfeeding an infant<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Tell the doctor or pharmacist about all medications being taken<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many of valsartan\u2019s side effects are worsened by interactions with other drugs. The prescriber and pharmacist should both know about all the medications currently being taken, even if they don\u2019t seem important, especially:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Blood pressure medications<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heart medications<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/diuretics\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diuretics<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or \u201cwater pills\u201d<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NSAIDs, including over-the-counter medications like aspirin<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lithium<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any drug, supplement, or multivitamin containing potassium<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The best idea for visiting a doctor or healthcare professional is to keep a current list of all the medications being taken. Anytime a doctor is seen or a prescription filled, this list can help minimize the risk of adverse effects when taking medicines.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Take valsartan as directed<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Follow all the directions on the prescription label or provided by a healthcare professional. Do not take more or less than prescribed unless you\u2019ve consulted with a doctor or healthcare professional.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. Avoid becoming dehydrated\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High blood potassium and low blood pressure (hypotension) are two of the most common side effects of valsartan. At the extreme, both can quickly become a medical emergency. One way to avoid these side effects is to prevent dehydration, primarily by drinking enough fluids throughout the day. Now, many people taking valsartan may also be on a low-salt diet or a diuretic. Both increase the risk of dehydration, as does taking laxatives. In these cases, special care needs to be taken to avoid dehydration.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5. Watch for signs of low blood pressure<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lightheadedness, dizziness, and fainting are the most pronounced signs of low blood pressure. If they occur, talk to a doctor or other healthcare provider for advice.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6. Move slowly and carefully<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dizziness is the most common side effect of valsartan. Almost <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/dailymed.nlm.nih.gov\/dailymed\/drugInfo.cfm?setid=8478a05f-38fd-412d-af49-69a73a787c8f\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1 in 6 people<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> taking valsartan for blood pressure will experience dizziness at some point. To avoid dizziness, try standing up slowly from a sitting or lying down position. Make slow movements, especially when bending down or getting up. If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down to prevent falling. Sometimes, though, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK482356\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">lying flat might make the spinning worse<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Let the dizziness pass before attempting to get up.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7. Avoid NSAIDs<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Popular pain-relievers such as aspirin and ibuprofen can harm the kidneys when taken with valsartan. Ask a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional about pain or fever relief alternatives, such as Tylenol (acetaminophen), when taking valsartan.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Valsartan side effects | Serious side effects | How long do side effects last? | Warnings | Interactions | How to avoid side effects Valsartan is a generic prescription drug used to treat high blood pressure, which lowers the risk of strokes and heart attacks. Valsartan can be used in people with chronic heart failure, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":32428,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4589],"tags":[790,737],"coauthors":[8861],"class_list":["post-32414","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drug-info","tag-chronic-disease","tag-heart-health","wpautop"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Valsartan side effects, warnings and restrictions | SingleCare<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Dizziness, low blood pressure, and diarrhea are common valsartan side effects. 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