Administration Protocol for Valsartan 160 mg and Amlodipine 10 mg
Valsartan 160 mg should be administered once daily, while amlodipine 10 mg should also be administered once daily, with both medications typically taken together. 1
Dosing Information
Valsartan
- Standard dose: 160 mg once daily
- Dosage range: 80-320 mg daily
- Administration: Can be taken with or without food
- Timing: Consistent time each day
- Maximum daily dose: 320 mg 1, 2
Amlodipine
- Standard dose: 10 mg once daily
- Dosage range: 2.5-10 mg daily
- Administration: Can be taken with or without food
- Timing: Consistent time each day
- Maximum daily dose: 10 mg 1
Administration Considerations
Pharmacokinetics
- Antihypertensive effect of valsartan is substantially present within 2 weeks with maximal reduction generally attained after 4 weeks 2
- The combination of amlodipine and valsartan provides greater blood pressure reduction than either agent alone 3, 4
Special Populations
- Elderly patients: Both medications are effective in elderly patients (≥65 years) with similar efficacy to the general population 5
- Patients with stage 2 hypertension: The combination is particularly effective in patients with more severe hypertension 5
Clinical Advantages of the Combination
- The combination of amlodipine 10 mg and valsartan 160 mg has been shown to normalize blood pressure in approximately 85.2% of hypertensive patients within 8 weeks 3
- Valsartan helps prevent amlodipine-induced peripheral edema, improving overall tolerability 3, 4
- The combination provides complementary mechanisms of action: calcium channel blockade and angiotensin II receptor blockade 6
Monitoring and Follow-up
- Blood pressure should be monitored regularly after initiation
- Monitor for potential side effects:
- Hypotension
- Peripheral edema (though reduced with combination compared to amlodipine alone)
- Hyperkalemia, especially in patients with chronic kidney disease
- Renal function changes 1
Contraindications and Cautions
Avoid in:
- Pregnancy (contraindicated)
- Severe bilateral renal artery stenosis
- Patients with history of angioedema with ARBs
- Hypersensitivity to either component 1
Use with caution in:
- Severe renal impairment
- Hepatic impairment
- Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) - amlodipine should be used cautiously, though valsartan is beneficial 1
Missed Dose Management
If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered, unless it is almost time for the next dose. The dose should not be doubled to make up for a missed dose 2.