Drug Name

Diovan (Valsartan)

Drug Uses

Diovan is used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. It is also prescribed after heart attacks since diovan may reduce death in patients who developed congestive heart failure after a heart attack. Diovan may also reduce hospitalizations in patients with congestive heart failure.

How Taken

The usual dose of diovan in patients with high blood pressure is 80 to 160 mg once daily. The maximum dose is 320 mg daily. Maximum blood pressure reduction occurs within 4 weeks. For congestive heart failure, the usual dose is 40 mg twice daily. The doses may be increased to 80-160 mg twice daily. The initial dose after a heart attack is 20 mg twice daily. The dose should be increased with a target of 160 mg twice daily if tolerated without side effects.

Drug Class and Mechanism

The chemical name is a proper scientific name for an ingredient of a product. Chemical name of this medicine is VALSARTAN (read as: val-SAR-tan). Valsartan is an oral medication that belongs to a class of drugs, called angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) . Other ARBs include irbesartan (Avapro), losartan (Cozaar), and candesartan (Atacand). Angiotensin, formed in the blood by the action of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), is a powerful chemical that attaches to angiotensin receptors found in many tissues but primarily on smooth muscle cells of blood vessels. Angiotensin attachment to the receptors causes the blood vessels to narrow (vasoconstrict) which leads to an increase in blood pressure (hypertension). Valsartan blocks the angiotensin receptor. By blocking the action of angiotensin, valsartan dilates blood vessels and reduces blood pressure. Valsartan was approved by the FDA in December of 1996.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. If you are taking 1 dose daily and do not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Diovan should be stored at room temperature, 15-30 degrees C (59-86 degrees F).

Warnings/Precautions

This drug can cause serious fetal harm if used during the last six months of pregnancy. If pregnancy occurs, stop using this drug and immediately contact your physician. Inform your doctor or pharmacistof all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you have liver or kidney disease. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding.

Possible Side Effects

Diovan is generally well-tolerated and side effects are rare. The most common side effects include headache, dizziness, fatigue , abdominal pain, cough, diarrhea and nausea. Patients may also experience hyperkalemia, impotence, reduced renal function, and allergic reactions. Rhabdomyolysis (inflammation and destruction of muscles) and angioedema (swelling of soft tissues including those of the throat and larynx) are rare but serious side effects of diovan.

More Information

Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.