Losartan vs. Valsartan
See how Losartan and Valsartan compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Losartan and valsartan are both angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) that work the same way, so they carry similar risks of low blood pressure and high potassium.
Losartan has a specific FDA approval for slowing kidney damage in type 2 diabetes, while valsartan is also approved for heart failure and for improving survival after a heart attack.
Both are sold as inexpensive generic tablets, and doctors often switch a patient from one to the other if side effects appear or blood pressure control is not good enough.
Losartan vs. Valsartan Drug Summary
Losartan
Losartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) used to treat high blood pressure, lower stroke risk in some patients, and slow kidney damage in type 2 diabetes. It is taken as a once-daily tablet, usually starting at 50 mg.
Valsartan
Valsartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and to improve survival after a heart attack. It is taken once daily for hypertension, usually starting at 80 mg or 160 mg.
Losartan vs. Valsartan Side Effects
Losartan
Valsartan
Losartan vs. Valsartan Dosage
Losartan
Valsartan
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 25 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 100 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 | 320 mg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | As tolerated |
Losartan
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 25 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 100 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 | 320 mg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | As tolerated |
Losartan vs. Valsartan Indications
Losartan
Losartan is FDA-approved to treat high blood pressure in adults and children age 6 and up. It also has specific approvals to reduce stroke risk in people with hypertension and enlarged heart muscle, and to slow kidney damage in type 2 diabetes with hypertension.
High blood pressure in adults and children 6 and older
Stroke risk reduction with hypertension and heart enlargement
Slowing kidney damage in type 2 diabetes with hypertension
Often combined with a diuretic for added blood pressure control
Valsartan
Valsartan is FDA-approved to treat high blood pressure in adults and children age 6 and up. It also has specific approvals to treat heart failure and to improve survival in people with reduced heart function after a heart attack.
High blood pressure in adults and children 6 and older
Heart failure, NYHA class II through IV
Post-heart attack care with reduced heart function
Often combined with a diuretic for added blood pressure control
Losartan vs. Valsartan Pros and Cons
Losartan
Losartan has a long track record as a generic ARB and is one of the least expensive options in its class. It carries a specific FDA-approved indication for slowing kidney damage in type 2 diabetes, a use valsartan does not have.
Pros
FDA-approved specifically for diabetic kidney disease protection
Also lowers uric acid, a plus for patients prone to gout
One of the least expensive ARBs as a generic tablet
Cons
Not FDA-approved for heart failure or post-heart attack care
Needs a lower starting dose in patients who are volume-depleted
Lower maximum dose than valsartan if more control is needed
Valsartan
Valsartan carries broader FDA approvals than losartan, covering heart failure and post-heart attack care in addition to hypertension. It also offers a higher top-end dose for patients who need more blood pressure control.
Pros
FDA-approved for heart failure, not just hypertension
FDA-approved to improve survival after a heart attack
Higher top-end dose (320 mg) for harder-to-control blood pressure
Cons
Not FDA-approved for diabetic kidney disease protection
Twice-daily dosing required for heart failure and post-MI use
No uric acid-lowering effect reported like losartan's
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