Amlodipine vs. Valsartan
See how Amlodipine and Valsartan compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Amlodipine relaxes blood vessel walls directly, while valsartan blocks a hormone that tightens them, so they lower blood pressure through different pathways.
Amlodipine also treats angina and coronary artery disease, while valsartan is also approved for heart failure and for improving survival after a heart attack.
A calcium channel blocker plus an ARB is a common two-drug combination for blood pressure that isn't controlled by either medication alone.
Amlodipine vs. Valsartan Drug Summary
Amlodipine
Amlodipine is a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker used for high blood pressure and angina. It relaxes blood vessel walls so the heart doesn't have to work as hard, and it's taken as one tablet by mouth once a day.
Valsartan
Valsartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) used for high blood pressure, heart failure, and after a heart attack. It blocks a hormone that narrows blood vessels, and it's taken as one tablet by mouth once a day.
Amlodipine vs. Valsartan Side Effects
Amlodipine
Valsartan
Amlodipine vs. Valsartan Dosage
Amlodipine
Valsartan
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 2.5 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 10 mg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | As tolerated |
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 80 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | Up to 320 mg daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | As tolerated |
Amlodipine
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 2.5 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 10 mg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | As tolerated |
Valsartan
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 80 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | Up to 320 mg daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | As tolerated |
Amlodipine vs. Valsartan Indications
Amlodipine
Amlodipine is FDA-approved to treat high blood pressure, chronic stable angina, and vasospastic (Prinzmetal's) angina. It is also approved to reduce the risk of hospitalization and revascularization procedures in people with coronary artery disease.
Hypertension, alone or with other medications
Chronic stable angina
Vasospastic (Prinzmetal's) angina
Coronary artery disease (reduces hospitalization risk)
Valsartan
Valsartan is FDA-approved to treat high blood pressure in adults and children age 1 and older. It is also approved for heart failure and to improve survival after a heart attack in patients with reduced heart function.
Hypertension in adults and children 1 and older
Heart failure (NYHA class II-IV)
Post-heart attack, to reduce cardiovascular death
Often combined with a diuretic for added BP control
Amlodipine vs. Valsartan Pros and Cons
Amlodipine
Amlodipine has one of the longest track records of any blood pressure medication and does not need dose changes for kidney problems. Its main drawback is dose-related ankle and leg swelling, and it needs to be introduced carefully in people with severe coronary artery disease.
Pros
Long half-life means a missed dose is well tolerated
No kidney dose adjustment needed
Also approved for angina, useful if both conditions overlap
Decades of real-world safety data since 1987
Cons
Leg and ankle swelling is common and dose-related
Can cause flushing and heart palpitations in some patients
May worsen angina if started or increased abruptly in severe coronary artery disease
Valsartan
Valsartan is also approved for heart failure and for improving survival after a heart attack, giving it uses beyond blood pressure alone. Because it acts on the kidneys' hormone system, it requires periodic blood tests for kidney function and potassium, and it cannot be used during pregnancy.
Pros
Also treats heart failure and improves survival after a heart attack
Does not cause the ankle swelling common with calcium channel blockers
Available in combination pills with a diuretic for added control
Low rate of dry cough compared with ACE inhibitors
Cons
Requires periodic blood tests for kidney function and potassium
Cannot be used during pregnancy and must be stopped if it occurs
Higher doses (320 mg) raise the risk of dizziness
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