Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB) — Blood Pressure Medicine
Last reviewed June 2026
Who is this for?
Valsartan is a blood pressure-lowering medicine that works by relaxing your blood vessels, making it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body.
Blocks angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptors on vascular smooth muscle and cardiac tissue, preventing vasoconstriction and aldosterone secretion, thereby reducing blood pressure and decreasing cardiac workload and remodelling.
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
For high blood pressure, most adults start with one 80 mg tablet once daily. Your doctor may increase it to 160 mg or even 320 mg once daily depending on how your blood pressure responds. You can take it with or without food, but try to take it at the same time every day. Common Nigerian brands include Carvals, Nucard, Valsar-Denk, and Valsartil.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue your normal schedule. Do not take two tablets at once to make up for a missed dose.
Buy only from licensed pharmacies — do not purchase from roadside vendors or open markets, as fake blood pressure medicines are common in Nigeria. Do not stop taking valsartan suddenly because your blood pressure feels normal; high blood pressure often has no symptoms but still damages your body. Always attend your follow-up appointments so your doctor can check your blood pressure and kidney function.
Avoid using valsartan together with potassium supplements or salt substitutes that contain potassium, as this can cause dangerously high potassium levels. Be careful if you also take painkillers like ibuprofen or diclofenac regularly, as they can reduce how well valsartan works and may affect your kidneys. Alcohol can increase the blood pressure-lowering effect and make you feel more dizzy, so drink with caution.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Valsartan with your other drugs?
Valsartan is NOT safe during pregnancy — it can cause serious harm or death to your unborn baby, especially in the second and third trimesters. If you are breastfeeding, consult your doctor before using it.
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 it in its original container and always store out of reach of children.
For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under — especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
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Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.
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