What Is Amlodipine and Valsartan Used For?

Amlodipine and valsartan is used for the treatment of high blood pressure. It works by relaxing the blood vessels, which improves blood flow and reduces blood pressure. The combination drug is not approved for use in children. Currently, there are no "off-label" amlodipine and valsartan uses.

Amlodipine and Valsartan Uses: An Overview

 Amlodipine and valsartan (Exforge®) is a prescription medication approved for treating high blood pressure (hypertension). The combination drug, as the name implies, contains two medications -- valsartan (Diovan®) and amlodipine (Norvasc®).
 
A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers -- for example, 120/80. The top number is known as the systolic blood pressure, and the bottom number is the diastolic blood pressure. High blood pressure is defined as an average blood pressure higher than 140/90, with multiple blood pressure readings.
 
High blood pressure treatment (including blood pressure medication) can decrease the risk of developing health problems, such as a stroke, heart disease, or congestive heart failure, which can occur with long-term high blood pressure (see Effects of High Blood Pressure). However, medications cannot cure high blood pressure. Exercise and diet are also important for controlling high blood pressure (see High Blood Pressure Diet and Exercise and High Blood Pressure for more information).
 
As a combination medication, amlodipine and valsartan was initially approved only as treatment for people who had not responded adequately to just a single blood pressure medication. However, amlodipine and valsartan is now approved to be a first-line medication to treat high blood pressure that is unlikely to respond to just a single medication. For instance, it is a good choice for people with very high blood pressure, since a single medication is not likely to lower blood pressure enough.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
 
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