Valsartan vs losartan: ARBs compared
Valsartan (Diovan) and losartan (Cozaar) are angiotensin receptor blockers for high blood pressure. Valsartan is also approved for heart failure and after a heart attack; losartan is approved for kidney disease in type 2 diabetes. Both are inexpensive generics with the same core cautions.
Updated October 4, 2026
At a glance
- Approved for
- Valsartan
- High blood pressure; heart failure; after a heart attack
- Losartan
- High blood pressure; kidney disease in type 2 diabetes; lowering stroke risk in some people
- How often
- Valsartan
- Once a day for blood pressure; twice a day for heart failure
- Losartan
- Once or twice a day
- Duration
- Valsartan
- Lasts through the day
- Losartan
- Shorter-acting; some people need it twice a day
- Combination products
- Valsartan
- Also in Entresto, with sacubitril
- Losartan
- Combined with hydrochlorothiazide
- Generic
- Valsartan
- Yes
- Losartan
- Yes
Valsartan Diovan | Losartan Cozaar | |
|---|---|---|
| Approved for | High blood pressure; heart failure; after a heart attack | High blood pressure; kidney disease in type 2 diabetes; lowering stroke risk in some people |
| How often | Once a day for blood pressure; twice a day for heart failure | Once or twice a day |
| Duration | Lasts through the day | Shorter-acting; some people need it twice a day |
| Combination products | Also in Entresto, with sacubitril | Combined with hydrochlorothiazide |
| Generic | Yes | Yes |
Which conditions tip the choice
For high blood pressure alone, both work well. Valsartan has evidence and approval for heart failure and for people with heart damage after a heart attack, and it is the valsartan in Entresto, a heart failure combination. Losartan is approved to slow kidney damage in type 2 diabetes with protein in the urine.
Shared cautions
Neither can be taken during pregnancy. Potassium supplements, salt substitutes containing potassium and potassium-sparing diuretics can raise potassium too high, anti-inflammatories can harm the kidneys with them, and both raise lithium levels, so blood tests check potassium and kidney function. Never take valsartan with Entresto, which already contains it.
The recalls
In 2018 and 2019, many lots of generic valsartan, losartan and related medicines were recalled because of nitrosamine impurities. Manufacturers changed their processes, and products sold now must meet FDA limits. If you were affected, the current supply is not part of those recalls.
Switching
Switching between ARBs is straightforward, with blood pressure and blood tests checked afterward. Both are common alternatives for people who get a cough from ACE inhibitors such as lisinopril.
Cost
Both are inexpensive generics, and 90-day supplies usually cost less per day.
Missed doses
Take a missed dose when you remember unless the next one is near, and never double up. Standing up slowly helps with dizziness, especially when starting or after a dose increase.
Questions for your prescriber
- Does my heart or kidney condition make one a better fit?
- Do I need it once or twice a day?
- When should my potassium and kidney tests be checked?
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Sources
Written by the Script Unlock editorial team from the sources above. It is general information, not advice for you or your pet; your prescriber decides which medicine is right.
Script Unlock is a marketplace that lets licensed pharmacies quote a cash price on your prescription. It does not prescribe, dispense or sell medication, does not process patient payments, and does not give medical advice. Always follow the instructions of your prescriber and pharmacist and read the medication guide supplied with your medicine.