Amlodipine and Valsartan

Amlodipine and valsartan is a combination medicine that is used for the treatment of high blood pressure. By relaxing the blood vessels, the medication improves blood flow and helps to lower blood pressure. Amlodipine and valsartan is available by prescription and comes in tablet form. While most people tolerate the drug well, possible side effects include water retention, dizziness, and sore throat.

 

What Is Amlodipine and Valsartan?

Amlodipine and valsartan (Exforge®) is a prescription medication used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It is a combination medication, which (as the name implies) contains amlodipine (Norvasc®) and valsartan (Diovan®).
 
(Click What Is Amlodipine and Valsartan Used For? for more information on amlodipine and valsartan uses, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Amlodipine and Valsartan?

Amlodipine and valsartan is made by Novartis Pharmaceuticals.
 

How Does Amlodipine and Valsartan Work?

Amlodipine and valsartan contains two medications, amlodipine and valsartan. Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker. It helps to slow down the rate at which calcium moves into the walls of the blood vessels. This, in turn, helps to relax the blood vessels, which improves blood flow and lowers blood pressure.
 
Valsartan belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin II receptor blockers. Angiotensin II is a naturally occurring chemical in the body that causes blood vessels to narrow (constrict). By blocking angiotensin II, valsartan helps to relax the blood vessels, lowering blood pressure.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;