Valsartan side effects
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Common Side Effects of Valsartan: Dizziness, Headache, and Fatigue
Valsartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker used to treat hypertension, is generally well-tolerated. The most frequently reported side effects are dizziness, headache, and fatigue. These effects are usually mild and occur at similar rates as with placebo or other antihypertensive drugs 1479. Dizziness and malaise/lassitude are particularly common in the first month of treatment, and are also among the main reasons patients may stop taking the drug .
Less Common and Rare Side Effects: Cough, Impotence, and Skin Reactions
Some patients may experience less common side effects such as cough, impotence, and facial swelling (edema). Hyperkalemia (high potassium levels) and angioedema (swelling under the skin) have also been reported, though these are rare 14. Cutaneous (skin) reactions, including exanthematous drug eruptions (widespread, itchy rashes), have been documented but are considered very rare . Physicians should be aware of these potential skin reactions, especially if a patient develops a rash after starting valsartan .
Valsartan in Combination Therapies: Sacubitril/Valsartan and Additional Risks
When valsartan is combined with sacubitril (as in sacubitril/valsartan), the side effect profile changes slightly. The most common side effects reported with this combination are hypotension (low blood pressure), dizziness, cough, peripheral swelling, increased blood potassium, and renal impairment 23. Notably, sacubitril/valsartan is associated with a higher risk of hypotension compared to other similar drugs, but a lower risk of renal dysfunction and hyperkalemia . Some studies have also identified new potential side effects such as hearing loss, memory impairment, and weight changes, though these are less common 25.
Ototoxicity and Hearing-Related Side Effects
Recent pharmacovigilance studies have highlighted a possible link between sacubitril/valsartan and ototoxicity (hearing-related side effects), including dizziness, hearing loss (hypoacusis), balance disorders, and even deafness. Most of these events occur within the first three months of treatment, and while most are not life-threatening, they can lead to hospitalization or disability in rare cases .
Valsartan Use in Special Populations: Pregnancy and Children
Valsartan is not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the second and third trimesters, due to the risk of fetal toxicity, including severe kidney problems in the fetus. However, some adverse effects may be reversible if the drug is stopped early in pregnancy . In children, valsartan is generally well-tolerated, with only mild adverse events reported .
Overall Tolerability and Safety Profile
Across multiple studies and real-world data, valsartan is considered safe and well-tolerated for most patients, with side effects that are generally mild and manageable 1479. Serious or unexpected adverse events are rare, and the drug is often preferred for patients who cannot tolerate ACE inhibitors due to cough . However, rare but serious side effects such as angioedema, severe skin reactions, and ototoxicity should be monitored.
Conclusion
Valsartan is a widely used antihypertensive medication with a favorable safety profile. The most common side effects are mild, such as dizziness, headache, and fatigue. Rare but important risks include skin reactions, angioedema, and, when used in combination with sacubitril, hearing-related side effects and hypotension. Valsartan should be used with caution in pregnancy and patients should be monitored for any unusual symptoms, especially during the first months of therapy.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic