The hypotensive and uricosuric effect of valsartan compared to losartan in gout patients

Objective: Our objective was to investigate the possible relationship between previous or concurrent use of losartan or valsartan and gout in newly diagnosed patients. Materials and Methods: Thirty-two newly-diagnosed gout patients, whose blood pressure was controlled using losartan for at least 3 months were included. The study was divided into 3 stages; stage I where patients were controlled for 3 months using losartan (50 mg/day), stage II - where patients were switched from losartan to valsartan (80 mg/day) with their blood pressure controlled and maintained for another 3 months using valsartan instead of losartan and stage III - where patients were switched back to losartan (50 mg/day). All changes in clinical and biochemical parameters were reported. Results: There were no significant changes in biochemical parameters such as liver enzymes, serum levels of creatinine, sodium and bicarbonate. Serum levels of potassium and uric acid were elevated. Valsartan significantly increased potassium and uric acid levels at the end of stage II (P = 0.024). Since these adverse effects did not disappear after changing back to losartan at the end of stage III, we performed an additional 3-month follow-up stage. The subjects required a period of 6 months to return to levels seen at the end of stage I. Conclusion: Losartan showed a slightly higher hypotensive effect than valsartan in patients newly diagnosed with gout. It also resulted in lower uric acid levels.