Valsartan vs. Carvedilol
See how Valsartan and Carvedilol compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Valsartan is an ARB taken once daily, while Carvedilol is an alpha/beta-blocker taken twice daily with food.
Both drugs treat high blood pressure and heart failure, but Carvedilol also slows heart rate, which helps people with angina.
Valsartan's most common side effects are headache and dizziness, while Carvedilol's are dizziness, fatigue, and low blood pressure.
Valsartan vs. Carvedilol Drug Summary
Valsartan
Valsartan is an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) used for high blood pressure, heart failure, and to improve survival after a heart attack that has weakened the heart. It works by relaxing blood vessels and is taken as a tablet once a day.
Carvedilol
Carvedilol is a combined alpha- and beta-blocker used for high blood pressure, chronic heart failure, and heart damage after a heart attack. It slows the heart rate and relaxes blood vessels, and it is taken twice daily with food.
Valsartan vs. Carvedilol Side Effects
Valsartan
Carvedilol
Valsartan vs. Carvedilol Dosage
Valsartan
Carvedilol
| 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 |
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 3.125 mg twice daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 25 mg twice daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 3 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 |
Carvedilol
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 3.125 mg twice daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 25 mg twice daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 3 increases | As tolerated |
Valsartan vs. Carvedilol Indications
Valsartan
Valsartan is FDA-approved to lower blood pressure, treat heart failure, and reduce cardiovascular death after a heart attack that has weakened the heart. It is approved for adults and children as young as 6 for blood pressure control.
Hypertension in adults and children 6 and older
Heart failure (NYHA class II-IV)
Post-heart attack with left ventricular dysfunction
Lowers risk of stroke and heart attack from high blood pressure
Carvedilol
Carvedilol is FDA-approved for essential hypertension, chronic heart failure, and to lower the risk of death after a heart attack that has weakened the heart. It is typically added to other heart failure medications like diuretics and ACE inhibitors.
Essential hypertension, alone or combined
Chronic heart failure, mild to severe
Left ventricular dysfunction after a heart attack
Often added to diuretics and ACE inhibitors for heart failure
Valsartan vs. Carvedilol Pros and Cons
Valsartan
Valsartan blocks angiotensin II without affecting heart rate, which makes it a fit for people who also have asthma or a naturally slower pulse. It is available as an inexpensive generic and is usually well tolerated, though heart failure patients need potassium monitoring.
Pros
Taken once a day instead of twice
Does not slow heart rate, so no bradycardia monitoring needed
Fewer restrictions for people with asthma or COPD
Cons
Carries a boxed warning against use during pregnancy
Can raise potassium levels, especially in heart failure
Does not help with angina or fast heart rhythms
Carvedilol
Carvedilol's combined alpha- and beta-blocking action lowers both blood pressure and heart rate, giving it an added benefit for people with angina or a prior heart attack. It has strong outcomes data in severe heart failure, but the twice-daily dosing and heart-rate effects call for closer monitoring.
Pros
Also slows heart rate, helpful for angina or a fast pulse
Backed by major heart failure survival trials
Can ease chest pain from reduced heart oxygen demand
Cons
Must be taken twice daily with food
Can cause bradycardia and should not be stopped abruptly
Not recommended for people with severe asthma or bronchospasm
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