From the Guidelines
Amlor (amlodipine) is a calcium channel blocker, and valsartan belongs to a class of medications called angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). These medications are often prescribed for hypertension, but they work through different mechanisms. Calcium channel blockers like Amlor prevent calcium from entering the muscle cells of the heart and blood vessels, while ARBs like valsartan block specific receptors that would otherwise allow blood vessels to constrict. Sometimes these medications are prescribed together for better blood pressure control, as they have complementary effects through their different mechanisms of action, as seen in the 2018 guideline for the prevention, detection, evaluation, and management of high blood pressure in adults 1. The most recent evidence from the 2022 AHA/ACC/HFSA guideline for the management of heart failure also supports the use of these medications in the treatment of heart failure, with specific dosing recommendations for ARBs like valsartan 1. Overall, the use of Amlor and valsartan can be beneficial in the management of hypertension and heart failure, with careful consideration of their mechanisms of action and potential interactions. Key points to consider when prescribing these medications include:
- Amlor (amlodipine) is a calcium channel blocker that works by relaxing blood vessels, making it easier for the heart to pump blood.
- Valsartan belongs to a class of medications called angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), which block the action of angiotensin II, a natural substance that narrows blood vessels and causes blood pressure to rise.
- These medications are often prescribed for hypertension, but they work through different mechanisms.
- Calcium channel blockers like Amlor prevent calcium from entering the muscle cells of the heart and blood vessels, while ARBs like valsartan block specific receptors that would otherwise allow blood vessels to constrict.
- Sometimes these medications are prescribed together for better blood pressure control, as they have complementary effects through their different mechanisms of action.
From the FDA Drug Label
Valsartan tablets are indicated for the treatment of hypertension, to lower blood pressure in adults and pediatric patients one year of age and older. Numerous antihypertensive drugs, from a variety of pharmacologic classes and with different mechanisms of action, have been shown in randomized controlled trials to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, and it can be concluded that it is blood pressure reduction, and not some other pharmacologic property of the drugs, that is largely responsible for those benefits Valsartan Tablet, USP is a nonpeptide, orally active, and specific angiotensin II receptor blocker acting on the AT1receptor subtype. No clinically significant pharmacokinetic interactions were observed when valsartan tablets (valsartan) was coadministered with amlodipine, atenolol, cimetidine, digoxin, furosemide, glyburide, hydrochlorothiazide, or indomethacin
Amlodipine is related to the calcium channel blocker drug group. Valsartan is related to the angiotensin II receptor blocker drug group. Key points about these drug groups include:
- Angiotensin II receptor blockers work by blocking the action of angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor, which is part of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) that regulates blood pressure.
- Calcium channel blockers work by inhibiting the influx of calcium ions into cardiac and vascular smooth muscle cells, thereby reducing vascular resistance and lowering blood pressure. 2, 2, 2
From the Research
Drug Classification
- Amlodipine is classified as a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Valsartan is classified as an angiotensin II receptor blocker 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
Combination Therapy
- Amlodipine and valsartan are often used in combination as a fixed-dose therapy for the treatment of hypertension 3, 4, 5, 6.
- This combination has been shown to be effective in reducing blood pressure and is generally well tolerated 3, 4, 5, 6.
Comparison with Other Therapies
- The combination of amlodipine and valsartan has been compared to other antihypertensive therapies, including amlodipine or valsartan monotherapy, and other combination therapies such as lisinopril plus hydrochlorothiazide 4, 5, 7.
- The results of these comparisons suggest that the combination of amlodipine and valsartan is an effective and rational treatment option for the management of hypertension 4, 5, 6.