Diovan and Tritace are two blood pressure medicines from different drug families. Diovan (valsartan) belongs to the angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), and Tritace (ramipril) belongs to the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. Both lower blood pressure and protect the heart and kidneys, but ramipril can cause a dry, bothersome cough that usually does not occur with valsartan. Both are prohibited in pregnancy and both require kidney and potassium monitoring.
What is the difference between Diovan and Tritace?
Diovan and Tritace are often prescribed in Jordan for patients with high blood pressure and heart disease. A patient may ask whether they are the same medicine under different names. The answer is no. Diovan is the brand name for Valsartan, which belongs to the angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) class [1]. Tritace is the brand name for Ramipril, which belongs to the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor class [2].
Both families act on the same hormonal pathway that tightens blood vessels, but at different points. Ramipril widens blood vessels and makes it easier for the heart to pump blood [2], while valsartan blocks the action of natural substances in the body that narrow blood vessels [5].
| Comparison | Diovan (valsartan) | Tritace (ramipril) |
|---|---|---|
| Class | ARB | ACE inhibitor |
| Form in our directory | 80 mg tablets | 5 mg capsules |
| Dry cough | Does not cause the bothersome ACE-type cough | Relatively common (10–15% according to our drug reference) |
| Angioedema | Very rare | Rare but an emergency |
| Pregnancy | Prohibited | Prohibited |
You can consult the detailed pages in our drug directory, including Co-Diovan, which combines valsartan with a diuretic.
Why do some blood pressure medicines cause cough?
Cough associated with blood pressure medicines mostly falls within the ACE inhibitors. The UK National Health Service (NHS) describes ramipril cough as dry, bothersome, and persistent, and lists it among the common side effects affecting more than 1 in 100 people [4]. Our drug reference states that its incidence ranges between 10 and 15% among users of this family.
It is useful to know that usual cough medicines generally do not help here [4], which is why some people try several medicines without benefit. The cough may sometimes ease on its own while continuing the medicine [4], but if it persists, bothers you, or prevents you from sleeping, speak with your doctor because another medicine may be more suitable [4].
By contrast, according to our drug reference, valsartan is not associated with the bothersome ACE-type cough. However, studies mention cough among the effects of combining valsartan with sacubitril (a heart failure medicine) [5]. This does not mean that every cough in a person taking an ARB is unimportant. For general causes of cough, see the cough symptom page and the Cough definition.
Could the cough have a cause other than the medicine?
Yes. Not every cough should automatically be attributed to the blood pressure pill. Cough has many causes, such as respiratory infections, allergies, and reflux. If the cough is accompanied by fever, shortness of breath, or blood-stained phlegm, or if it lasts for weeks, it may need a separate evaluation. You can find an explanation of the difference between acute and chronic cough in this common question, and advice on cough preparations in the article Cough and cold medicines.
The practical summary: do not stop your blood pressure medicine on your own because of a cough. Inform your doctor or pharmacist, as they decide whether the medicine needs to be changed. The alternative is usually an ARB [4].
When is Diovan prescribed and when is Tritace prescribed?
The indications overlap but are not identical. Valsartan is used mainly to treat high blood pressure and heart failure [1], and according to our drug reference it is also prescribed as an alternative to ACE inhibitors when they are not tolerated. Ramipril is used for high blood pressure, heart failure, and after a heart attack, and it helps prevent future strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems [2].
Choosing a medicine is a medical decision based on your full condition: diabetes, kidney function, cardiac history, how well you tolerate the medicine, and pregnancy plans for women. For this reason, a patient may be switched from Tritace to Diovan, and vice versa. In both cases, this is done under physician supervision. To learn about other types of blood pressure medicines and adherence, read the blood pressure medication guide, and for background on the condition itself, see hypertension.
What tests are required: kidneys and potassium?
Both families affect the kidneys and potassium levels, so regular blood tests are requested. The NHS notes that the doctor arranges blood tests and blood pressure measurements during valsartan treatment to check its effect on pressure and kidneys [1]. For ramipril, tests are done before starting and when the dose is changed to check the kidneys and potassium [2].
Symptoms of high potassium include muscle weakness or twitching, and a feeling that the heart is beating rapidly or skipping beats [1]. If these symptoms appear, seek medical advice immediately. Our drug reference suggests repeating the laboratory test about two weeks after each dose change.
- Ask your doctor when the first test and subsequent tests should be done.
- Tell them about any dietary supplement or salt substitute you take.
- Tell them if you develop severe diarrhea or vomiting.
Pregnancy: why are Diovan and Tritace prohibited?
This is a key safety point. MedlinePlus warns that valsartan with sacubitril may cause fetal death or serious injury to the fetus when taken in the last six months of pregnancy, and advises stopping it and contacting your doctor immediately if pregnancy occurs [5]. The NHS states that valsartan is not usually used during pregnancy and that the doctor may suggest a different treatment [1].
In our drug reference, both medicines are classified under pregnancy category D, with an absolute prohibition due to fetal kidney toxicity. Therefore, every woman of reproductive age taking either of them should:
- Inform her doctor in advance if she plans to become pregnant or suspects she may be pregnant.
- Use a reliable contraceptive method for as long as she is on treatment.
- Not stop the medicine on her own without consulting, but contact the doctor immediately to choose a safe alternative.
Regarding breastfeeding, the NHS states that valsartan is not usually used during it [1], so ask your doctor. For blood pressure during pregnancy, there is a separate topic in Gestational hypertension vs. preeclampsia: the main difference.
Dizziness at the start of treatment: what should I do?
Dizziness is common in the first days, especially when standing up quickly. The NHS says the first dose of ramipril may cause dizziness, which is why it is preferable to take it at bedtime [2], and that doctors usually start with a low dose and increase it gradually over weeks [3]. Dizziness, headache, and tiredness are listed among the common side effects of valsartan [1].
Practical tips from the guidance:
- Get up slowly from bed or a chair. If you feel dizzy, lie down and then sit until it passes [4].
- Do not drive or operate machinery until the dizziness goes away [4].
- It is best to avoid alcohol until you know how the medicine affects you [2].
- Diarrhea, vomiting, severe sweating, and fluid loss can lower blood pressure and worsen dizziness [5].
If episodes of dizziness on standing recur, read about orthostatic hypotension and see the hypotension treatment page.
Can Diovan and Tritace be combined, or combined with other medicines?
ARBs and ACE inhibitors are not routinely combined. The NHS notes that ACE inhibitors such as lisinopril are among the medicines that may not suit valsartan [1], and our drug reference states that the combination is used only specialist-supervised and with close monitoring, because the risk of high potassium increases. If your prescriptions contain medicines from both families together without explanation, ask your doctor or pharmacist before any change.
Other important interactions include [1]:
- Potassium supplements and salt substitutes containing potassium, as well as some diuretics such as spironolactone.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including ibuprofen.
- Lithium, used for some psychiatric disorders.
MedlinePlus also warns about ibuprofen and naproxen with similar heart medicines [5]. It cautions against using potassium-containing salt substitutes without consulting your doctor [5]. For herbal treatments, read about their hidden risks in herbal medicines.
When should I see a doctor, and when should I go to the emergency room?
See your doctor soon if:
- The cough is persistent, bothers you, or prevents you from sleeping [4].
- You develop diarrhea, vomiting, or high fever. Your doctor may advise temporarily stopping the medicine until you improve [3].
- Yellowing of the eyes or skin, swelling of the ankles, blood in the urine, or urine output stops [4].
- Severe abdominal pain appears [4].
- You feel muscle weakness or twitching, or a rapid or irregular pulse [1].
Call 911 for an ambulance or go to the nearest emergency department if:
- Swelling occurs in the lips, tongue, face, or throat, as this may be angioedema [4].
- Difficulty breathing, wheezing, or chest tightness appears [4].
- Signs of a stroke appear, such as weakness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking, or visual disturbance [4].
- Chest pain occurs with a racing heartbeat [4].
According to the NHS, the risk of angioedema is higher in people of Black African or Caribbean descent [4]. If you take a higher dose than prescribed, contact a medical service for advice immediately [3].
How do I find the right doctor or clinic in Jordan?
If you take Diovan or Tritace, or need to change treatment because of cough, the appropriate consultation is usually with a cardiologist or an internist. You can browse cardiologists in Jordan and then narrow your search by governorate, such as Amman, Irbid, or Zarqa. For more on this service, see antihypertensive medication management.
When reviewing any doctor's or clinic's profile, check the following:
- Specific specialty and experience in heart and blood pressure diseases.
- Location, working hours, and booking or contact options as provided in the profile.
- Services listed, such as regular follow-up and medication management.
Questions to ask at the appointment:
- Why did you choose this medicine for my specific condition?
- When will the kidney and potassium test be done?
- What should I do if a cough or dizziness appears?
- Which medicines and supplements should I avoid with it?
- What is my blood pressure target, and how should I record my home measurements?
Remember that ClinicsJo is a directory for identifying doctors and clinics. It is not an entity that prescribes medicines or provides remote medical consultations. Public medicines and their general prices in Jordan are regulated by the Jordan Food and Drug Administration (JFDA). Health centers and maternal and child health centers affiliated with the Ministry of Health are available in the governorates for primary follow-up.
Tips for treatment adherence and home blood pressure monitoring
High blood pressure often has no symptoms, so treatment is sometimes abandoned when a person feels better. The NHS emphasizes that the patient should continue ramipril even if they feel well, because it continues to provide benefit [3], and that stopping it suddenly may raise blood pressure and increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and worsening kidney damage [3]. Similarly, valsartan should be stopped only on your doctor's instructions [1].
- Take the medicine at the same time every day, with or without food [1].
- If you miss a dose, do not double the next dose [1].
- Record your home measurements and bring them to your follow-up visits.
- Inform your pharmacist of all medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take.
If your blood pressure remains uncontrolled despite medicines, read about resistant hypertension, and to compare specialized clinics, see the directory of blood pressure medication management clinics in Jordan.
Summary
Diovan and Tritace are effective medicines, but they differ: the first is an ARB and the second is an ACE inhibitor, and ramipril is the one most associated with a dry, bothersome cough. Both require regular kidney and potassium tests, and both are prohibited in pregnancy. Do not change or stop your medicine on your own, and discuss any cough or dizziness with your doctor so they can select the option best suited to your condition.
Frequently asked questions
Are Diovan and Tritace the same medicine?
No. Diovan is the brand name for valsartan, which belongs to the angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) class, while Tritace is the brand name for ramipril, which belongs to the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor class. Both lower blood pressure and protect the heart and kidneys, but the mechanism of action and some side effects differ. Your doctor will determine which is most suitable for you.
Why does Tritace cause cough while Diovan does not cause ACE-type cough?
A dry, bothersome cough is a common side effect of ACE inhibitors such as ramipril, and drug references indicate that it affects about 10–15% of users. Valsartan, from the ARB class, usually does not cause this bothersome type of cough. If a persistent cough appears, see your doctor and do not stop the medicine on your own.
Should I stop Tritace if a dry cough appears?
Do not stop it on your own, as suddenly stopping a blood pressure medicine may raise blood pressure and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about the cough. It sometimes eases with continued use, and if it remains bothersome, your doctor may suggest an alternative, usually from the ARB class. Usual cough medicines generally do not help.
Can Diovan and Tritace be taken together?
ARBs and ACE inhibitors are not routinely combined, because the combination increases the risk of high potassium and kidney effects. A cardiologist or nephrologist may decide on this combination in specific cases with precise laboratory monitoring. If you find both medicines in your prescriptions without explanation, ask your doctor or pharmacist before making any change.
Why do I need kidney and potassium tests with these medicines?
Because both families affect kidney function and potassium levels in the blood. Your doctor will order tests before starting, after a dose change, and periodically thereafter. Signs of high potassium include muscle weakness or twitching and palpitations or skipped heartbeats, and in that case you should contact your doctor immediately.
Can Diovan or Tritace be taken during pregnancy?
No. Both are prohibited in pregnancy because of the risk to the fetus, particularly the kidneys. If you are planning a pregnancy or suspect you may be pregnant, contact your doctor immediately so they can prescribe a safe alternative, and do not stop the medicine without consulting them. Women of reproductive age need a reliable contraceptive method during treatment.
Sources and references
- Valsartan: a medicine for high blood pressure — NHS (UK National Health Service). Accessed: 2026-10-26.
- About ramipril — NHS (UK National Health Service). Accessed: 2026-10-26.
- How and when to take ramipril — NHS (UK National Health Service). Accessed: 2026-10-26.
- Side effects of ramipril — NHS (UK National Health Service). Accessed: 2026-10-26.
- Valsartan and Sacubitril: MedlinePlus Drug Information — MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine. Accessed: 2026-10-26.