This article describes valsartan oral tablet’s dosages, its strengths, and details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for valsartan.
Valsartan oral tablet is a generic version of the brand-name drug Diovan. Valsartan also comes in an oral liquid solution, as well as an oral liquid suspension prepared by a pharmacist. But these aren’t described in this article. To learn more about these forms, talk with your doctor.
If you want to know more about valsartan oral tablet, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses, side effects, and more.
Boxed warning: Risk of fetal harm
Valsartan has a boxed warning for the risk of fetal harm. Boxed warnings are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
See the end of this article for more information.
Form and strengths of valsartan
Valsartan oral tablet comes as follows:
- Form: tablet that you swallow
- Strengths:
- 40 milligrams (mg)
- 80 mg
- 160 mg
- 320 mg
Dosage of valsartan
This article describes the recommended dosages* for valsartan oral tablet.
If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you. Do not change your dosage of valsartan oral tablet without your doctor’s recommendation.
* The drugmaker provides these recommended dosages. If your doctor prescribes valsartan, be sure to take the dosage they prescribe for you.
Usual recommended dosages of valsartan in adults
Valsartan oral tablet is approved for use in adults to:
- treat hypertension (high blood pressure)*
- treat specific types of heart failure†
- decrease the risk of death after a heart attack in certain situations‡
* Doctors prescribe valsartan to lower blood pressure, which decreases the risk of fatal and nonfatal heart-related events. These include primary stroke and heart attack.
† Doctors prescribe valsartan oral tablet to reduce the risk of hospitalization for heart failure in certain adults. Specifically, these adults have New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class II to IV heart failure. NYHA classifies heart failure based on severity of symptoms.
‡ Doctors prescribe valsartan oral tablet to reduce the risk of heart-related death in certain clinically stable adults. Specifically, these adults have failure or impaired function of the heart’s left ventricle after a heart attack.
Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of valsartan oral tablet. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of valsartan oral tablet that gives the desired outcome.
The table below describes dosages that are commonly prescribed when valsartan is taken alone. Dosages are in milligrams (mg). In some cases, your doctor may prescribe valsartan together with another medication to treat your condition.
That said, always take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs.
| Purpose | Starting dosage | Dosage range§ |
| treat hypertension (high blood pressure) | 80 mg to 160 mg once per day | 80 mg to 320 mg once per day |
| treat specific types of heart failure | 40 mg twice per day | 40 mg to 160 mg twice per day |
| decrease risk of death after a heart attack in certain situations | 20 mg twice per day | 20 mg to 160 mg twice per day |
§ The dosage is determined based on how you tolerate the medication.
Dosage of valsartan in children
Valsartan is approved to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) in children ages 1 year and older.
In general, valsartan oral tablet is prescribed for children older than age 5 years.
Note: For some children, doctors may prescribe a liquid suspension of valsartan for swallowing. (It’s not discussed in this article. Pharmacists prepare this suspension using valsartan oral tablets and other ingredients.) The suspension is typically used in children ages 1 to 5 years and children who cannot swallow pills. It’s also typically used in children whose dosage doesn’t have a corresponding strength in the tablet form.
To learn more about the liquid suspension, talk with your doctor.
The table below describes dosages that are commonly prescribed for children ages 1 to 16 years. (Children of age 17 years typically receive the adult dosage. See the table above.) Dosages are in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) of body weight. For reference, 1 kg is about 2.2 pounds (lb).
| Starting dosage | Dosage range |
| 1 mg/kg once per day (up to 40 mg per day) | • 1 mg/kg to 4 mg/kg once per day • maximum dosage: 160 mg once per day |
For example, assume a doctor prescribes valsartan for a 12-year-old child weighing 40 kg (about 88 lb). The child’s starting dosage would be 40 mg once per day.
Dosage adjustments for valsartan
Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of valsartan oral tablet based on several factors, including:
- the specific condition being treated and how severe it is
- your age
- other health conditions you may have
Missed dose of valsartan
If you miss a dose of valsartan tablets, take it as soon as possible. But if it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. And then take the next scheduled dose at your regular time. Do not double a dose to make up for a missed dose.
If you’re not certain whether to take a missed dose, check with your doctor or pharmacist right away.
For tips on how to plan your doses of valsartan oral tablet and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:
- downloading a reminder app on your phone
- setting an alarm
- putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about valsartan oral tablet and its dosage.
