Pharmacological and clinical profile of valsartan

The development of angiotensin II (Ang II) receptor antagonists is one of t he latest advances in the pharmacological treatment of hypertension and oth er related diseases. Since the antagonism of angiotensin biological activit y has been shown to represent a potent way to favorably affect systemic hyp ertension, its use is becoming more and more widespread among clinical prac tice. Besides the originally developed inhibitors of angiotensin II convert ing enzyme, today molecules that are effective in selectively blocking the type angiotensin II receptor are available. In this report we describe the main characteristics of one of these compounds, the angiotensin receptor an tagonist valsartan, in terms of pharmacological profile as well as efficacy and tolerability. The main purpose is to provide a comprehensive descripti on of the knowledge gained during several years of experimental and clinica l studies that can be useful for guidance during the choice for treatment o f hypertension, as well as to obtain other potential beneficial effects of this drug on progressive organ damage related to hypertension. (C) 1998 Pro us Science. All rights reserved.