Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Avapro vs. Diovan

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Irbesartan (Avapro) and valsartan (Diovan) are both angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) used to treat high blood pressure. Irbesartan is also used to treat diabetic kidney disease, while valsartan is used to lower the risk of heart-related problems in adults with heart failure or after a heart attack. Both medications are available in generic forms, making them more affordable. Irbesartan is typically taken once a day, whereas valsartan can be taken once or twice a day depending on the condition being treated. Common side effects for both include dizziness and tiredness, but valsartan can also cause stomach pain and a viral infection. Neitehr medication is safe to use during pregnancy and both can raise potassium levels, requiring regular blood work to monitor kidney health.

  • Irbesartan (Avapro)
    Valsartan (Diovan)
  • Irbesartan (Avapro)
    Valsartan (Diovan)

  • Summary of Avapro vs. Diovan

    Summary for ARB
    Prescription only

    Irbesartan (Avapro) is a medication that's used to treat high blood pressure; it's also used to treat diabetic kidney disease. It's a part of a drug class called angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB). The dosage for irbesartan (Avapro) can differ if you've kidney problems or are taking diuretics ("water pills"). Common side effects include dizziness and tiredness. Irbesartan (Avapro) is available in both brand name (Avapro) and generic tablet.

    Summary for ARB
    Prescription only

    Valsartan, also known by its brand name, Diovan, is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). It's used to treat high blood pressure in adults and children. It's also used to lower the risk of serious heart-related problems in adults with heart failure or in adults after a heart attack. Valsartan (Diovan) is available as a lower-cost generic and comes as a tablet and liquid. The dosage depends on your condition, but it's typically taken by mouth once or twice per day. Potential side effects of valsartan (Diovan) include dizziness and fatigue.

  • Indications of Avapro vs. Diovan

    Indications for
    •Treatment of high blood pressure
    •Slow the worsening of kidney disease from diabetes
    Indications for
    •High blood pressure in adults and children
    •Lower the risk of hospitalization for heart failure in adults
    •Lower the risk of death after a heart attack in adults

  • Pros and Cons of Avapro vs. Diovan

    Pros and Const for ARB
    Pros
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Typically taken once a day
    •Less likely to cause dry cough compared to ACE Inhibitors
    Cons
    •Not safe for use while pregnant
    •High risk of raising potassium levels
    •Requires regular blood work to make sure your kidneys are healthy
    Pros and Const for ARB
    Pros
    •A first-choice medication for high blood pressure, heart failure, and heart attack for many people
    •Taken typically once per day, but sometimes twice per day
    •Available as a tablet and a liquid
    •Can be used in children
    Cons
    •Takes about 2-4 weeks to see full benefits of valsartan (Diovan) for high blood pressure
    •Might not work as well for Black people
    •Not safe to use during pregnancy
    •Can raise potassium levels

  • Common Side Effects of Avapro vs. Diovan

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (up to 10%)
    •Low blood pressure when going from sitting to standing position (5%)
    •Feeling tired (4%)
    •Diarrhea (3%)
    •Heartburn (2%)

    Please note: People who took irbesartan (Avapro) for high blood pressure were more likely to experience tiredness, diarrhea, and heartburn. People who took this medication for diabetic kidney disease were more likely to experience dizziness.

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (up to 8%)

    Note: Side effects were reported by adults who took valsartan for high blood pressure.

  • Warnings of Avapro vs. Diovan

    Common Side Effects for
    •Harm to unborn baby
    •Low blood pressure
    •Worsening kidney problems
    •High levels of potassium
    Common Side Effects for
    •Harm to unborn baby
    •Low blood pressure
    •Kidney damage
    •High potassium levels

  • Prices with our coupons for Avapro vs. Diovan

    Learn more about Irbesartan
    Learn more about Valsartan

Compare other Hypertension drugs

Atacand vs AvaproAvapro vs AceonAvapro vs BenicarAvapro vs DiovanAvapro vs EdarbiCozaar vs AvaproEnalapril vs AvaproLisinopril vs AvaproAtacand vs CozaarAtacand vs DiovanCapoten vs DiovanCozaar vs AtenololCozaar vs DiovanCozaar vs TenorminCozaar vs ZestrilEdarbi vs LosartanEnalapril vs AltaceEnalapril vs AtacandEnalapril vs BenicarEnalapril vs ChlorthalidoneEnalapril vs DiovanEnalapril vs EdecrinExforge vs CozaarExforge vs DiovanFelodipine vs DiovanLisinopril vs DiovanMicardis vs DiovanNifedipine vs DiovanNorvasc vs CozaarZestoretic vs Diovan
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.