For the treatment of hypertension.
Valsartan competes with angiotensin II for binding at the AT<sub>1</sub> receptor subtype. As angiotensin II is a vasoconstrictor which also stimulates the synthesis and release of aldosterone, blockage of its effects results in a decreases in systemic vascular resistance.
Absolute bioavailability = 23% with high variability
The initial phase t<sub>1/2 &alpha;</sub> is < 1 hour while the terminal phase t<sub>1/2 &beta;</sub> is 5-9 hours.
* 17 L
* 2 L/h [IV administration] * 4.5 L/h [heart Failure patients receiving oral administration 40 to 160 mg twice a day]