Valsartan Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 26, 2023.

Applies to valsartan: oral solution, oral tablet.

Important warnings This medicine can cause some serious health issues

Oral route (capsule; tablet; solution)

When pregnancy is detected, discontinue valsartan as soon as possible.

Drugs that act directly on the renin-angiotensin system can cause injury and death to the developing fetus.

Serious side effects of valsartan

Along with its needed effects, valsartan may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking valsartan:

Less common

• bloody urine
• cold sweats
• confusion
• decreased frequency or amount of urine
• difficult breathing
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying position
• fainting
• increased thirst
• irregular heartbeat
• loss of appetite
• lower back or side pain
• nausea
• nervousness
• numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips
• swelling of the face, fingers, or lower legs
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vomiting
• weakness or heaviness of the legs
• weight gain

Rare

• chills
• fever
• hoarseness
• sore throat
• swelling of the mouth, hands, or feet
• trouble with swallowing or breathing (sudden)

Incidence not known

• black, tarry stools
• bleeding gums
• blood in the urine or stools
• dark urine
• general tiredness and weakness
• large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
• light-colored stools
• pinpoint red spots on the skin
• redness, soreness, or itching skin
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• upper right abdominal or stomach pain
• yellow eyes and skin

Other side effects of valsartan

Some side effects of valsartan may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

• back pain
• blurred vision
• cold or flu-like symptoms
• coughing
• diarrhea
• difficulty with moving
• headache
• muscle pain or stiffness
• pain, swelling, or redness in the joints
• stomach pain

Incidence not known

• hair loss
• thinning of the hair

For healthcare professionals

Applies to valsartan: oral capsule, oral liquid, oral tablet.

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Headache (up to 14%), dizziness (up to 14%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Vertigo^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Cough
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dyspnea^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Angioedema^[Ref]

A 71-year-old woman experienced an acute onset of angioedema and a photosensitive pruritic rash after 3 months of valsartan therapy. Her symptoms dissipated and the rash resolved after treatment with subcutaneous epinephrine, intravenous methylprednisolone, diphenhydramine, and emollient cream.

A unique case of dose-dependent, valsartan-induced angioedema has been reported. Two hours after initiating a dose increase (160 to 320 mg/day) of valsartan, a patient developed angioedema (i.e., swelling of lips and tongue). Symptoms resolved following a reduction in dose to the original dosage of 160 mg/day.^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Symptomatic hypotension in 5.5% of heart failure patients in clinical trials
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Palpitations, chest pain
• Frequency not reported: Dizziness related to orthostatic hypotension
• Postmarketing reports: Heart failure^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Common (1% to 10%): Hyperkalemia, hyponatremia^[Ref]

Renal

• Frequency not reported: Impaired renal function, increases in serum creatinine concentrations, blood urea nitrogen, and potassium
• Postmarketing reports: Renal failure^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Pruritus, rash, alopecia
• Postmarketing reports: Bullous dermatitis^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Diarrhea, constipation, dry mouth, dyspepsia, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, flatulence
• Postmarketing reports: Taste disturbance (i.e., altered sensitivity of basic tastes) has been reported following repeated dosing^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Common (1% to 10%): Back pain, muscle cramps, myalgias
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Rhabdomyolysis^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Frequency not reported: Anxiety, insomnia, paresthesias, somnolence^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Impotence^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hematocrit decreased, hemoglobin decreased, neutropenia
• Postmarketing reports: Thrombocytopenia, vasculitis^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Hepatitis
• Frequency not reported: Hepatic enzymes increased^[Ref]

Valsartan-associated hepatotoxicity in a patient with hepatitis B surface antigen (HBs-Ag) positivity (without signs and symptoms) has been reported. After 1 month of treatment with valsartan, this patient developed pruritic erythematous skin changes, nausea, jaundice, right subcostal abdominal pain, elevated liver enzymes, and mild hepatomegaly. Signs and symptoms of hepatotoxicity resolved within 2 to 3 weeks following discontinuation of valsartan and the patient remained asymptomatic after 6 months of follow-up.^[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

• Losartan vs Valsartan - What's the difference between them?
• What is the strength of Prexxartan (valsartan) oral solution?

Further information

Valsartan side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer