Using our advice
Please see Medicines suitable for adults with swallowing difficulties
The choice of medicine formulation should be made on an individual basis, taking account of patient factors. Follow our stepwise guide Choosing formulations of medicines for adults with swallowing difficulties
Licensed medicines in suitable formulations
Valsartan 3mg/ml oral solution
Available as a licensed preparation. It has a three-month expiry once opened and does not require fridge storage. When converting from tablets to oral solution, halve the tablet dose.
The oral solution is only licensed for children and young people aged one to less than 18 years of age, not for adults.
Licensed products used ‘off-label’
Candesartan, eprosartan, losartan and valsartan tablets
Can be crushed and mixed with water or given with soft food. Eprosartan, losartan and valsartan tablets are film-coated and may taste bitter once crushed.
Irbesartan and telmisartan tablets
Can be crushed and/or dispersed in water or crushed and given with food. Irbesartan tablets are film-coated and may taste bitter once crushed.
Valsartan capsules
Can be opened and dispersed in water or given with food.
Special-order medicines
The following are listed in Part VIIIB of the Drug Tariff:
Losartan
50mg/5ml oral suspension; 50mg/5ml oral solution
Update history
- Previous page 'ACEI and ARB suggestions for adults with swallowing difficulties' split into two: this one and 'ACEI suggestions for adults with swallowing difficulties'. Subheading 'used in an unlicensed manner' changed to 'used 'off-label'' for conciseness. Valsartan tablets added to 'off-label' options. Information on tablet coatings added. Minor changes for clarity/consistency with other pages.
- Published