How do you take Amlodipine (Amlodipine Besilate); Valsartan?

Take one tablet once a day, at the same time each day. You can take it with or without food. Common strengths in Nigeria include 5/160 mg and 10/160 mg — your doctor will decide which strength is right for you. Swallow the tablet whole with water. Available in Nigeria as Carvals-AM, Odizat, and Potenza brands.

What are the side effects of Amlodipine (Amlodipine Besilate); Valsartan?

Swelling of the ankles or feet, dizziness or feeling lightheaded especially when standing up, headache, feeling tired or weak, flushing (face feeling warm or hot)

Who should not take Amlodipine (Amlodipine Besilate); Valsartan?

People allergic to Amlodipine, Valsartan, or any ingredient in the tablet. People with severe liver disease. People who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. People with very low blood pressure. People who have diabetes and are already taking Aliskiren (another blood pressure drug).

Prescription

Antihypertensive (Calcium Channel Blocker + Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker combination)

Amlodipine; Valsartan

Q: What is Amlodipine (Amlodipine Besilate); Valsartan used for?

High blood pressure (hypertension), reducing the risk of stroke and heart attack in people whose blood pressure is not controlled by one drug alone

Last reviewed June 2026

Who is this for?

What is this drug?

This is a combination medicine containing two blood pressure-lowering drugs — Amlodipine (which relaxes blood vessels) and Valsartan (which blocks a chemical that tightens blood vessels). Together, they work to bring down high blood pressure more effectively than either drug alone.

What is it used for?

High blood pressure (hypertension)reducing the risk of stroke and heart attack in people whose blood pressure is not controlled by one drug alone

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High Blood Pressure Heart Conditions Heart Failure

How it works

Blocks L-type calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle, causing vasodilation and reducing peripheral vascular resistance, while simultaneously inhibiting angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptors, preventing vasoconstriction and aldosterone secretion to further lower blood pressure.

Prescription Required

You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.

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What to watch out for

Buy only from registered pharmacies — do not buy blood pressure medicines from roadside sellers or open markets as fake drugs are common and dangerous. Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly because you feel fine — high blood pressure often has no symptoms but can still cause stroke. Do not share this prescription with anyone else, even if they also have high blood pressure — the dose must be prescribed by a doctor.

Common Side Effects

Swelling of the ankles or feet
dizziness or feeling lightheaded especially when standing up
headache
feeling tired or weak
flushing (face feeling warm or hot)

Serious Side Effects

Severe dizziness or fainting — this could mean your blood pressure has dropped too low. Swelling of the face
lips
tongue
or throat making it hard to breathe (allergic reaction) — go to the hospital immediately. Irregular or very fast heartbeat.

Drug Interactions

Avoid taking with potassium supplements or salt substitutes that contain potassium, as Valsartan can raise potassium levels dangerously. Be careful combining with other blood pressure drugs like lisinopril or enalapril without your doctor's guidance, as your blood pressure may drop too low. Alcohol can increase dizziness and lower your blood pressure further, so limit or avoid it.

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Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Warning

This drug is NOT safe during pregnancy — Valsartan can cause serious harm or death to the unborn baby, especially in the second and third trimesters. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, tell your doctor immediately.

Who Should NOT Take This

People allergic to Amlodipine
Valsartan
or any ingredient in the tablet. People with severe liver disease. People who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. People with very low blood pressure. People who have diabetes and are already taking Aliskiren (another blood pressure drug).

How to Store

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat — Nigerian weather can be very hot, so avoid leaving it in your car or near windows. Keep the tablets in their original pack and away from children. Do not store in the bathroom where humidity is high.

For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.