Valsartan belongs to which drug class?

• A. Beta blockers
• B. Angiotensin II receptor blockers
• C. ACE inhibitors
• D. Calcium channel blockers

Answer: (B)

Valsartan belongs to the angiotensin II receptor blockers. This class works by blocking the AT1 receptor for angiotensin II, so the hormone can’t trigger vasoconstriction or aldosterone release. The result is vasodilation and reduced fluid retention, which lowers blood pressure and helps unload the heart in heart failure. This mechanism differs from beta blockers (which blunt adrenergic signaling to slow the heart and reduce contractility), calcium channel blockers (which limit calcium entry to relax vessels and slow conduction), and ACE inhibitors (which prevent the formation of angiotensin II and can increase bradykinin, sometimes causing a cough). ARBs, including valsartan, directly inhibit the action of angiotensin II at its receptor rather than its production, offering similar blood-pressure–lowering benefits with a different side-effect profile.