Diovan (valsartan)

Diovan Drug Description

Valsartan or Angiotan is the active ingredient in Diovan that helps to dilate blood vessels and brings down levels of blood pressure. Valsartan is indicated for treating post myocardial infarction or congestive heart failure or high blood pressure in the US. The drug has been prescribed over 12 million times in the country and so is there a similar surge in sales globally. Diovan is the trade name of Valsartan in the US and marketed by Novartis. Other countries use the drug under different trade names. Angiotan, Valtan, Valzaar and Tareg are the other trade names by which Diovan is known.

Diovan is available in 40 mg, 80 mg, 160 mg and 320 mg tablets that contain valsartan. 40 mg tablets are ovaloid and yellow, 80 mg tablets are almond shaped and red, 160 mg tablets are also almond shaped but grayish orange and 320 mg tablets are dark grayish violet in color. All tablets are packed in unit dose blister packets that have 10 strips of 10 tablets each and also in bottles. Diovan should be stored at 25 degree Celsius away from moisture. A tight container should be used to dispense the tablets. Diovan in some markets is also available in the form of capsules of the same dosage strengths.

Conditions treated by Diovan

Diovan belongs to the group of drugs known as angiotensin II receptor antagonists. It prevents narrowing of blood vessels thereby lowering blood pressure and improving blood flow. Diovan is primarily used for treating heart failure or high blood pressure or hypertension. It also brings down the risk of death associated with heart attacks. Diovan HCT is used when one medication in not sufficient to lower blood pressure levels. It is also used as the first medication when your doctor identifies if you need more than one medication to control the medical condition.

To ensure the efficacy of the drug on your blood pressure levels, you need to check your blood pressure on a regular basis. High blood pressure may not exhibit definite symptoms every time and therefore periodical checks are imperative. Hypertension is the most common problem affecting over 50 million Americans. The drug in both capsule and tablet formulations has been approved for treating hypertension in adults.

Diovan Dosage Information

a) Typical Dosage Recommendations

The starting dose of Diovan recommended for treating adult hypertension is 80 mg or 160 mg taken once every day. In some cases, Diovan is also prescribed in higher doses such as 80 mg to 320 mg taken once every day. The drug can be administered with antihypertensive agents. The medication can be taken without or with food. In pediatric patients (between 6 and 16 years of age) and kids who can swallow tablets, 1.3 mg/kg is administered every day.

A maximum of 2.7 mg/kg can be advised for this group of people and no studies have proved the efficacy with higher doses and such doses are also not recommended. Children who cannot swallow tablets are put on Diovan suspension. When suspension is used, dosage will have to be increased. Diovan is not used for treating children below 6 years of age.

b) Missing a Dose

If you have missed a dose of Diovan, take it as soon as you remember. If it is time for the subsequent dose, skip the earlier one that is missed. Taking extra medicine to make up for missed doses should be avoided.

c) Overdosing

If you have taken too much of this drug, get medical attention as quick as possible. Symptoms of overdosing of Diovan may include light headedness, dizziness and slow or rapid heartbeats.

Diovan Warnings

Alcohol consumption must be avoided since it can bring down blood pressure and also increase side effects of the drug. Salt substitutes or potassium supplements must not be used while taking Diovan unless specified by your doctor. Getting up very quickly from standing or sitting position should also be avoided since you can feel dizzy and you can also possibly avert a fall. Fetal harm through Diovan is possible. If an individual uses this drug during pregnancy or when planning to become pregnant, the individual must be completely aware of the possible problems. The drug can cause injury or even death to unborn babies especially when it is taken in the second or third trimesters.

Drugs acting on renin angiotensin system can result in fetal as well as neonatal morbidity. When Diovan therapy is initiated in patients with post myocardial infarction or heart failure, extreme caution needs to be taken. Chance of excessive hypertension is possible in certain cases. Patients with severe renal and hepatic impairment should exercise caution when taking Diovan. Stay away from the drug if you are allergic to valsartan.

Diovan Side Effects

If you are allergic to Diovan, the common allergic symptoms you may experience include swelling on throat, tongue, lips and face, skin rashes and hives as well as difficulty in breathing. Diovan has the ability to breakdown your skeletal muscle tissue thereby resulting in kidney failure. Contact your doctor when you experience weakness, tenderness or muscle pain. Dark colored urine, vomiting, nausea and fever are other side effects to this drug. Few other serious side effects that could arise from taking Diovan include weight gain and swelling, tingly feeling or numbness, pounding heartbeats with chest pain, feeling of light headedness.

Other less serious side effects can include loss of sexual interest or impotence, weakness and fatigue, anxiety, dizziness, headache, insomnia, skin rash with mild itching, appetite loss, stomach pain and dryness in mouth, constipation, diarrhea, back pain, cough, sore throat and stuffy or running nose.

Drug Interactions with Diovan

When you are prescribed Diovan by your doctor, inform him if you are taking water pills or diuretic. There could be other drugs that interfere with Diovan. Over the counter and prescription drugs that are used should also be communicated to the doctor prior to taking Diovan. Consumption of herbal products, minerals and vitamins should also be informed to your doctor. A new medication should not be started without consultation with your doctor.

If you have any questions about buying discount Diovan online or any other prescription products you can contact our team of professional Patient Service Representatives or one of our pharmacists 24-7 by calling 1-800-226-3784.