A comparison of the effects of valsartan and captopril monotherapy on hepatic enzymes activities

Abstract EN

Objective: This study was conducted to assess the effect of valsartan and captopril, each as monotherapy in hypertensive patients, on hepatic enzymes activities including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP).Patients and methods: Thirty nine hypertensive patients were included in the study, 20 of them using captopril and 19 using valsartan.

Serum ALT, AST, and ALP activities were measured before and after 2 months of starting treatment.Results: Patients on captopril showed significantly increased mean level of ALT and AST (P<0.001),( although still within normal limits) while mean ALP levels showed no significant difference.

In the valsartan group, mean ALT, AST and ALP values showed insignificant differences.Conclusion: In hypertensive patients with liver disease, valsartan may be more suitable than captopril for the potential influence of the latter on serum transaminase levels..