DIOVAN - Valsartan

Diovan Used For

Diovan (Valsartan) is indicated for the treatment of hypertension for lowering blood pressure. It may be used alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents. Diovan is also prescribed for the treatment of heart failure (NYHA class II-IV) in patients who are intolerant of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors.

Directions for Diovan medication

For monotherapy in patients who are not volume-depleted, the recommended starting dosage of Diovan is 80 mg or 160 mg once daily, depending upon the patient's medical history and symptoms. More serious patients may be started at a higher dose. Depending on tolerance and efficacy achieved, the dosage may be increased in 80 mg once daily steps at a minimum interval of 4 weeks. Diovan may be used over a dose range of 80 mg to 320 mg daily, administered once-a-day.

How Diovan works

Female patients of childbearing age should be warned that drugs when drugs which act on the renin-angiotension system are taken during the second and third trimester of pregnancy, they might cause harm to the fetus, might even lead to death of the unborn baby. Women patients should report pregnancies to the doctor at the earliest.

Side effects of Diovan medication

Like all other medications, Diovan too has its side effects which include bloody urine, cold sweats, confusion, decreased frequency/amount of urine, difficult breathing, dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from lying position, fainting, increased blood pressure, increased thirst, irregular heartbeat, loss of appetite, lower back/side pain, nausea, nervousness, numbness or tingling in hands, feet or lips, shortness of breath, swelling of face, fingers, lower legs, troubled breathing, unusual tiredness or weakness, vomiting, weakness or heaviness of legs, weight gain, chills, fever, or sore throat & sudden trouble in swallowing or breathing. It is advisable to consult a doctor if any of the above side effects become aggravated or persist for an extended period.

Other Diovan medication Information

The antihypertensive effect of Diovan becomes substantial within 2 weeks of first administration and highest reduction in blood pressure is attained after about 4 weeks. When used in pregnancy during the second and third trimesters, Diovan can cause injury and even death to the developing fetus. It is advisable to discontinue using this medication as soon as pregnancy is detected.