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Compare Plendil vs. Diovan

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

Key takeaways

Felodipine ER (Plendil) and valsartan (Diovan) are both used to treat high blood pressure, but they belong to different medication classes and work in different ways. Felodipine ER is a calcium channel blocker (CCB) that relaxes blood vessels to lower blood pressure and is typically taken once daily. Valsartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) that blocks a hormone to prevent blood vessels from tightening and is taken once or twice daily. Felodipine ER is only available as a tablet, while valsartan comes in both tablet and liquid forms. Valsartan is also used to lower the risk of heart-related problems in people with heart failure or after a heart attack, which is not an indication for felodipine ER. Both medications can cause dizziness, but felodipine ER may also cause swelling and headaches, while valsartan can lead to high potassium levels and kidney problems. Neither medication is safe to use during pregnancy.

  • Felodipine er (Plendil)
    Valsartan (Diovan)
  • Felodipine er (Plendil)
    Valsartan (Diovan)

  • Summary of Plendil vs. Diovan

    Summary for Calcium channel blocker (CCB)
    Prescription only

    Felodipine ER (Plendil) is a calcium channel blocker. It lowers blood pressure by relaxing your blood vessels. This medication is one of the first-choice options for treating high blood pressure in adults. It's taken by mouth, typically once daily. Some side effects of this medication include swelling, headache, and flushing. Brand name Plendil has been discontinued.

    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 Plendil vs. Diovan

    Indications for
    •High blood pressure (hypertension)
    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 Plendil vs. Diovan

    Pros and Const for Calcium channel blocker (CCB)
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Taken once daily
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    Cons
    •Only available as a tablet
    •Not a good choice if you've heart failure
    •Not recommended in pregnancy
    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 Plendil vs. Diovan

    Common Side Effects for
    •Swelling in the arms, hands, legs, or feet (up to 17%)
    •Headache (up to 15%)
    •Flushing (up to 7%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (up to 8%)

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

  • Warnings of Plendil vs. Diovan

    Common Side Effects for
    •Severely low blood pressure
    •Caution with heart failure
    •Swelling
    Common Side Effects for
    •Harm to unborn baby
    •Low blood pressure
    •Kidney damage
    •High potassium levels

  • Prices with our coupons for Plendil vs. Diovan

    Learn more about Felodipine er
    Learn more about Valsartan

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