Exforge

Exforge is commonly prescribed to treat high blood pressure. As a combination medication, it works by relaxing the blood vessels to improve blood flow. Exforge comes in the form of a tablet that is usually taken once a day. Although most people have no problems with the drug, side effects are possible. Common ones include dizziness, water retention, and sore throat.

What Is Exforge?

Exforge® (amlodipine and valsartan) is a prescription medication used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It is a combination medication, containing amlodipine (Norvasc®) and valsartan (Diovan®).
 
(Click Exforge Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes It?

Exforge is made by Novartis Pharmaceuticals.
 

How Does Exforge Work?

Exforge contains two medications: amlodipine and valsartan. Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker. It helps to slow down the rate at which calcium moves into the walls of the blood vessels. This, in turn, helps to relax the blood vessels, which improves blood flow and lowers blood pressure.
 
Valsartan belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin II receptor blockers. Angiotensin II is a naturally occurring chemical in the body that causes blood vessels to narrow (constrict). By blocking angiotensin II, valsartan helps to relax the blood vessels, lowering blood pressure.
 

Effects of Exforge

Exforge has been studied in people with mild-to-moderate
 high blood pressure. In these studies, the medication lowered blood pressure more than when either amlodipine or valsartan were used alone.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
 
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