Pharmacological and clinical profile of valsartan.

The development of angiotensin II (Ang II) receptor antagonists is one of the latest advances in the pharmacological treatment of hypertension and other related diseases. Since the antagonism of angiotensin biological activity has been shown to represent a potent way to favorably affect systemic hypertension, its use is becoming more and more widespread among clinical practice. Besides the originally developed inhibitors of angiotensin II converting enzyme, today molecules that are effective in selectively blocking the type I angiotensin II receptor are available. In this report we describe the main characteristics of one of these compounds, the angiotensin receptor antagonist valsartan, in terms of pharmacological profile as well as efficacy and tolerability. The main purpose is to provide a comprehensive description of the knowledge gained during several years of experimental and clinical studies that can be useful for guidance during the choice for treatment of hypertension, as well as to obtain other potential beneficial effects of this drug on progressive organ damage related to hypertension.