OBJECTIVE:To observe the efficacy and safety of valsartan combined with prednisone in the treatment of idiopath-ic pulmonary fibrosis. METHODS:50 patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis were randomly divided into control group and ob-servation group. Control group was orally given 0.5 mg/(kg·d)Prednisone acetate tablet in 1-4 weeks,then maintained with 0.125 mg/(kg·d)in 5-12 neeks,2-3 times a day;observation group was additionally given 80 mg Valsartan capsule,orally,once a day. The treatment course for both groups was 6 months. Pulmonary function indicators [forced vital capacity(FVC),peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR),and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1)],serum inflammatory factor indicators [interleukin-13(IL-13), IL-18,transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1)] level,matrix metalloproteinase-9(MMP-9),MMP-2 contents and the incidence of adverse reactions in 2 groups were observed. RESULTS:The total effective rate in observation group was significantly higher than control group,the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05). Before treatment,there were no significant differences in the pulmonary function indicators,serum inflammatory factor indicators,MMP-9 and MMP-2 contents between 2 groups(P>0.05);af-ter treatment,pulmonary function indicators in 2 groups were significantly higher than before,and observation group was higher than control group,MMP-9 and MMP-2 contents were significantly lower than before,and observation group was lower than con-trol group(P<0.05). And there was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between 2 groups(P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS:Valsartan combined with prednisone can significantly improve the pulmonary function of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis,and reduce the contents of serum inflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases,with good safety.