General information

Diovan belongs to a family of medications known as angiotensin II receptor blockers. Its main component is valsartan. It is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Valsartan is also used to treat chronic heart failure or to reduce the risk of death after a heart attack in people who cannot use another type of medication called angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor. Valsartan blocks the action of angiotensin II, resulting in the relaxation of the blood vessels. This relaxation causes the blood pressure to drop. Valsartan may be used alone or in combination with a diuretic.

Directions

Take Diovan exactly as prescribed by your doctor. To treat high blood pressure, the recommended adult dose is 80 mg once daily. To treat heart failure, the recommended starting dose is 40 mg twice daily. The maximum recommended dose is 160 mg twice daily. After a heart attack, the recommended starting dose of valsartan is 20 mg twice daily. Your doctor may increase the dose slowly over 1 to 2 weeks to a target dosage of 160 mg twice daily.

Precautions

Before taking Diovan you should talk with your doctor if you have kidney or liver problems, low blood pressure, congestive heart failure, glaucoma, if you are allergic to sulfa drugs or penicillin, breastfeeding. Avoid drinking alcohol. It can lower your blood pressure and may increase some of the side effects.

Contraindications

Do not take Diovan if you are allergic to valsartan or to any of the ingredients of the medication, or pregnant.

Possible side effect

Get emergency medical help if you have abdominal pain, sore throat, diarrhea, cough, back pain, decreased urination, dark colored urine, fainting, swelling of face, hives, difficulty breathing, runny or stuffy nose, constipation, headache, sleep problems, weakness, impotence, vomiting. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor.

Drug interactions

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (celecoxib, indomethacin, ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen), diuretics (furosemide), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ramipril, enalapril), lithium, potassium supplements. Interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking.

Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if it is time for your next scheduled dose. Don't take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

If you think you have overdosed the medicine seek emergency medical help at once. The overdose symptoms are dizziness, fast or slow heartbeat.

Storage

Store the medicine at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from heat, light and moisture.

Note

The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.