Valsartan vs. Amlodipine: Comparing High Blood Pressure Medications
Valsartan (an ARB) and Amlodipine (a calcium channel blocker) are two widely used prescription medications for treating high blood pressure. While both effectively lower blood pressure, they belong to different drug classes and work in distinct ways, leading to differences in their side effect profiles and specific uses.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Valsartan | Amlodipine Besylate |
|---|---|---|
| Drug Class | Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB) | Calcium Channel Blocker (Dihydropyridine) |
| Mechanism of Action | Blocks the effects of angiotensin II, relaxing blood vessels and reducing fluid retention. | Relaxes blood vessels by blocking calcium from entering cells in the heart and blood vessel walls. |
| Primary Use | High blood pressure (hypertension) in adults and children 6+ | High blood pressure (hypertension) in adults and children 6+, and certain types of chest pain (angina) |
| Key Advantage | Often preferred if ACE inhibitors cause a cough, or for patients with heart failure or kidney disease (with careful monitoring). | Effective for lowering blood pressure and can also treat angina (chest pain) or coronary artery disease. |
| Main Limitation | Risk of fetal toxicity during pregnancy; requires monitoring of kidney function and potassium levels. | Can cause swelling in the ankles/feet; may worsen angina or cause acute heart attack in rare cases with severe aortic stenosis. |
| Common Side Effects | Dizziness, lightheadedness (due to low blood pressure), high potassium, kidney issues (rare) | Swelling in ankles/feet, headache, flushing, dizziness, fatigue |
| When to Choose | Your doctor might choose Valsartan if you need an effective blood pressure medication that also offers benefits for heart failure or kidney protection, or if you cannot tolerate ACE inhibitors due to side effects like cough. It's important to monitor kidney function and potassium levels while on this medication. | Amlodipine may be preferred if you have high blood pressure along with certain types of chest pain (angina) or coronary artery disease, as it can help manage both conditions. It is also a good option for general blood pressure control, especially if you tolerate its common side effects well. |
| Side Effects | Valsartan's main concerns include potential for high potassium and kidney function changes, while Amlodipine is well-known for causing swelling in the ankles and feet. Both can cause dizziness due to blood pressure lowering. Your doctor will weigh these potential effects against your overall health. | |
| Cost | Both Valsartan and Amlodipine are available as generics, making them generally affordable. The specific cost can vary based on your insurance plan and pharmacy. |
Bottom Line
Both Valsartan and Amlodipine are effective medications for managing high blood pressure, but they work differently and have distinct side effect profiles. Your doctor will consider your overall health, other medical conditions (like angina or heart failure), and potential side effects to determine which medication is best suited for you.
Valsartan Overview
VALSARTAN (brand name: Valsartan) is a ARBs. 1 INDICATIONS & USAGE Valsartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) indicated for: Hypertension in adults and children six years and older, to lower blood pressure. Lowering blood pressure reduces the risk of fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular events, primarily strokes and myocardial…
Full Valsartan guide →Amlodipine Besylate Overview
Amlodipine (Norvasc) is a long-acting dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker (CCB) used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), chronic stable angina, vasospastic (Prinzmetal's) angina, and coronary artery disease. It is one of the most widely prescribed medications in the United States, known for its once-daily dosing, excellent tolerability, and proven cardiovascular outcomes data from the ALLHAT and CAMELOT trials. Amlodipine is available as a generic for as little as $4/month.
Full Amlodipine Besylate guide →Compare prices for Valsartan and Amlodipine Besylate
Check real-time pharmacy prices before you fill — free, no account needed.
Medical Disclaimer
The information on RxGuide is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, pharmacist, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or medication. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.