Valsartan vs. Olmesartan

See how Valsartan and Olmesartan compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.

Key Takeaways

  • Valsartan and olmesartan are both angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) that relax blood vessels to lower blood pressure.

  • Valsartan has broader FDA approval, covering chronic heart failure and reducing cardiovascular death after a heart attack, while olmesartan is approved only for hypertension.

  • Generic valsartan typically costs far less per month than olmesartan, which can matter for people paying out of pocket.

Valsartan vs. Olmesartan Drug Summary

Valsartan

Valsartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) used to treat high blood pressure, chronic heart failure, and to reduce the risk of death after a heart attack. For blood pressure it's usually taken once daily as a tablet, though heart failure and post-heart attack dosing is typically split into two daily doses.

Olmesartan

Olmesartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) approved only for treating high blood pressure in adults and children 6 and older. It's taken as a once-daily oral tablet, either alone or combined with other blood pressure medications.

Valsartan vs. Olmesartan Side Effects

Valsartan

Most common
headache (up to 14%)
dizziness (up to 14%)
viral infection (up to 3%)
fatigue (up to 2%)

Olmesartan

Most common
headache (>1%)
dizziness (3%)
back pain (>1%)
diarrhea (>1%)

Valsartan vs. Olmesartan Dosage

Valsartan

Dosage
Dosage Table
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

Olmesartan

Dosage
Dosage Table
STAGE DOSE WHEN
Starting dose 40 mg once daily Week 3 onward
Maximum dose 40 mg once daily Same as starting
Dose changes None Fixed dose

Valsartan vs. Olmesartan Indications

Valsartan

Valsartan treats high blood pressure in adults and children 6 and older. It's also approved for chronic heart failure to help reduce hospital stays, and for lowering the risk of cardiovascular death after a heart attack in people with reduced heart function.

  • Hypertension in adults and children 6 and older

  • Chronic heart failure (NYHA class II-IV), to reduce hospitalizations

  • Post-heart attack with reduced left ventricular function, to lower cardiovascular death risk

  • Can be combined with other blood pressure medications

Olmesartan

Olmesartan is FDA-approved only for treating high blood pressure in adults and children 6 and older, either alone or combined with other blood pressure drugs. It is not approved as a first medication for people 75 or older or for those with significant liver problems.

  • Hypertension in adults and children 6 and older

  • Can be combined with other blood pressure medications

  • Not approved as initial therapy in patients 75 or older

  • Not approved as initial therapy in liver impairment

Valsartan vs. Olmesartan Pros and Cons

Valsartan

Valsartan's clinical profile extends beyond blood pressure into heart failure and post-heart attack care, giving it a wider role than a typical ARB. Its generic version has been on the market for years and is widely available at low cost.

Pros

  • Also approved for heart failure and reducing death risk after a heart attack, not just blood pressure

  • Long-established generic with low typical cost, roughly $20 to $50 per month without insurance

  • Dosing can go up to 320 mg daily for patients who need more blood pressure control

Cons

  • Heart failure and post-heart attack dosing requires twice-daily tablets, unlike a simple once-daily regimen

  • Higher reported rates of headache and dizziness (up to 14% each) than olmesartan's label

  • Multiple dose strengths and schedules depending on the condition being treated can make titration more complex

Olmesartan

Olmesartan's clinical profile is narrower, with FDA approval limited to blood pressure, but its dosing is simple and consistent across all patients. It carries a distinct warning not shared with valsartan.

Pros

  • Same once-daily dosing schedule at every approved use, since it only treats hypertension

  • Only three dose strengths, making titration straightforward

  • Lower reported rates of headache and dizziness in its label compared with valsartan's rates

Cons

  • Not approved for heart failure or post-heart attack care, unlike valsartan

  • Carries a specific warning for severe sprue-like enteropathy, a rare cause of chronic diarrhea and weight loss

  • Higher typical monthly list price, roughly $115 to $205, versus valsartan's lower-cost generic

Common Symptoms and Related Diseases You Can Explore

Explore a range of common symptoms the Doctronic Symptom Checker can help you understand.