amlodipine + valsartan at a glance
Medicine class
Calcium-channel blocker plus angiotensin II receptor blocker
Licensed use
Essential hypertension in adults not adequately controlled by amlodipine or valsartan alone
Administration
Swallow with water; it may be taken with or without food
Food caution
Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice
What is amlodipine + valsartan used for?
The selected UK product is licensed for:
Treatment of essential hypertension in adults whose blood pressure is not adequately controlled by amlodipine or valsartan alone.
How does amlodipine + valsartan work?
Amlodipine reduces calcium entry into vascular smooth muscle, helping blood vessels relax. Valsartan blocks angiotensin II at AT1 receptors, reducing vasoconstriction and aldosterone-related effects. Together they lower vascular resistance through complementary mechanisms.
amlodipine + valsartan preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 5 mg + 160 mg, 5 mg + 80 mg, 10 mg + 160 mg
How to take amlodipine + valsartan
Follow the dispensing label and prescriber's instructions. Swallow the tablet with water; it can be taken with or without food.
Do not take it with grapefruit or grapefruit juice.
Do not stop treatment without discussing it with the prescriber.
Dizziness or tiredness can impair driving or machinery use.
amlodipine + valsartan side effects
Common or expected effects
- Headache
- Swelling of the ankles, feet, legs, hands or arms
- Tiredness or weakness
- Flushing or feeling warm
- Blocked nose, sore throat or flu-like symptoms
Get urgent medical advice
- Allergic reaction or angioedema, particularly facial, tongue or throat swelling
- Severe blistering, peeling or widespread skin reaction
- Severe hypotension, fainting or collapse
- Heart attack or serious abnormal heartbeat symptoms
- Severe abdominal and back pain suggesting pancreatitis
- Kidney impairment or high potassium, which may be detected through blood tests
amlodipine + valsartan in pregnancy
Valsartan-containing treatment should not be started during pregnancy. It is not recommended in the first trimester and is contraindicated in the second and third trimesters because of fetal kidney and other toxicity. Anyone planning pregnancy or discovering they are pregnant should contact their prescriber promptly so treatment can be reviewed and changed where appropriate.
amlodipine + valsartan while breastfeeding
The combination is not recommended during breastfeeding because evidence for the combined product is lacking; an alternative with a better-established safety profile is preferred, especially for a newborn or premature infant. Specialist advice is appropriate if treatment is considered essential.
amlodipine + valsartan interactions
Check all prescribed, non-prescribed and herbal products. Important examples include:
ACE inhibitors, other ARBs or aliskiren
Combining renin–angiotensin system blockers increases the risk of hypotension, high potassium and kidney impairment; some combinations are contraindicated.
Potassium supplements, potassium-containing salt substitutes and potassium-sparing diuretics
These can raise blood potassium and may require closer monitoring.
NSAIDs, including ibuprofen, naproxen and diclofenac
They may reduce the blood-pressure effect and increase the risk of kidney impairment and high potassium.
Common questions about amlodipine + valsartan
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is amlodipine + valsartan used for?
It treats essential hypertension in adults whose blood pressure is not adequately controlled by amlodipine or valsartan alone.
Why are amlodipine and valsartan combined?
They relax blood vessels through different pathways, producing a complementary blood-pressure-lowering effect.
Can amlodipine + valsartan be taken with food?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.