Diovan (valsartan)

About Diovan

Diovan Side Effects

Diovan Interactions

Diovan Dosages

Diovan Directions

Diovan and Pregnancy

Diovan and Children

Diovan and Seniors

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About Diovan

This drug is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist. Diovan helps to control high blood pressure by blocking the hormone angiotensin II from constricting blood vessels. Diovan is also available in combination with hydrochlorothiazide. The combination is called Diovan HCT.

Your doctor may include a special diet and/or other blood pressure medications along with Diovan as part of a treatment plan. It is usually taken once a day on an ongoing basis to control high blood pressure. It may take a few weeks to reach full benefits, take consistently for best effects.

Patients taking this medication should be monitored by their doctors and may need blood tests and blood pressure checks.

Diovan and Diovan HCT are non-habit forming and are only available by prescription.

Diovan Side Effects

Common Side Effects: abdominal pain, allergic reaction, anemia, cough, decreased sex drive, diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, joint pain, headache, lightheadedness, muscle aches, rash, sensitivity to sun, sleep disturbance, sore throat, taste disorder, upper respiratory infection, viral infection. Side effects usually occur, if at all, at the beginning of treatment.

Adverse side effects: Allergic reaction, diarrhea, difficulty breathing or swallowing, dizziness, fainting, fever, rash, sore throat, swelling of face or lips. These side effects should be reported to your doctor immediately, or medical advice sought if your doctor is not available. If they are serious, you will need to contact emergency personnel and seek treatment at once.

For some people other side effects may occur. Report side effects to your doctor and seek immediate attention if side effects are severe. This medication may cause dizziness. Do not drive or operate machinery if dizziness occurs.

Cautions: This medication may not be suitable for everyone, and certain individuals may require dosage adjustments or more careful medical supervision. To ensure the maximum safety and effectiveness of treatment, discuss any current instances or medical history of the following:

  • Allergies: Any allergic reaction to an angiotensin II receptor antagonist means that you should not use the drug again. The development of swelling of the tongue, face, or throat should be reported to medical personnel at once, and you should stop taking the medication immediately. Inform your doctor of any food or dye allergies, this might influence a decision on which formulation of the treatment to use.
  • Breastfeeding: Do not take Diovan if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • Children: The safety and effectiveness of Diovan in individuals under the age of 18 has not been adequately studied.
  • Kidney Problems: If you have kidney problems, notify your doctor. Diovan may effect kidney function.
  • Liver Disease: If you have liver problems, notify your doctor. Diovan may effect liver function.
  • Low Sodium Diet: May increase risk of high blood levels of potassium. Speak with your doctor about the best course of treatment.
  • Other Medications: Any other prescription or over the counter medications that you take or may plan to take should be discussed with your prescribing physician and pharmacist. It's particularly important to mention treatments for high blood pressure, including diuretics or potassium supplements.
  • Pregnancy: advise your doctor if you are pregnant. Diovan may harm the fetus and should not be taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

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Diovan Interactions

The following medications may interact with your medication. They may require dosage adjustments, Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and over the counter medications you are taking, as well as any herbal supplements.

  • ACE (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme) Inhibitors - Medications like Accupril (quinapril), Aceon (perindopril), Altace (ramipril), Capoten (captopril), Lotensin (benazepril), Mavik (trandolapril), Monopril (fosinopril), Prinivil or Zestril (lisinopril), Univasc (moexipril), and Vasotec (enalapril) may intensify lowered blood pressure, and should not generally be used as concurrent treatment.
  • Alcohol - May lower blood pressure even further. Speak with your doctor about recommended use.
  • Blood pressure medications- other blood pressure medications will intensify the effects of Diovan. Do not combine them unless instructed to do so by your doctor.
  • Colestid (colestipol)- Possible adverse interaction. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist.
  • Corticosteroids- Medications like hydrocortisone and prednisone may have adverse interaction. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist.
  • Diuretics - Diovan lowers blood pressure, and diuretics can intensify this effect. However, your doctor may include diuretics as part of a treatment plan. If you become dizzy or faint your doctor may adjust your dosage. Do not combine Diovan with diuretics without consulting with your doctor.
  • Glucotrol (glipizide)- Possible adverse interaction. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist.
  • Insulin- Diovan may effect your sensitivity to insulin. Consult your doctor and pharmacist.
  • Lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid) - Some combinations can lead to lithium toxicity.
  • Narcotic pain medication like Codeine, Demerol (meperidine), Buprenex (buprenorphine), Darvon (propoxyphene), Dilaudid (hydromorphone), MS Contin or Kadian (morphine), nalbuphine, OxyContin (oxycodone), Percocet (oxycodone and acetaminophen), Stadol (butorphanol), Talwin compound (pentazocine), or Vicodin (hydrocodone and acetaminophen), Vicoprofen (hydrocodone and ibuprofen) may have an adverse interaction with Diovan. Consult your doctor and pharmacist before using these drugs.
  • NSAID's- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like Advil, Aleve, and Motrin may have adverse interaction with Diovan. Consult your doctor and pharmacist before using these drugs.
  • Phenobarbital- Possible adverse interaction. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist.
  • Questran (cholestyramine)- Possible adverse interaction. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist.
  • Vitamins- Seek your doctor's advice before taking vitamin supplements.

Diovan Dosages

Diovan is available in 80 mg and 160 mg tablets usually taken once per day. Your doctor will determine your dosage. Dosages usually start at 80 mg per day and may be increased to a maximum of 320 mg per day. Diovan HCT dosage usually starts at 80 mg Diovan / 12.5 mg hydrochlorothiazide per day, with a maximum of 160 mg Diovan / 25 mg hydrochlorothiazide per day.

Diovan Directions

For best results, take your medication at the same time every day. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it's nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not take double doses, or change your dose without permission from your doctor. Tablets may be taken with or without food.

Store Diovan away from direct light and heat. Store in a dry location; avoid storing it in the bathroom, near sinks, or other areas where it may become damp. Do not use after the expiration date.

Keep Diovan away from children; both when storing it, and when discarding any unused medication.

Diovan and Pregnancy

Do not take Diovan if you are pregnant. It may cause harm or death to fetus.

Diovan and Children

Diovan is not recommended for children.

Diovan and Seniors

Lower dosages may be prescribed for seniors because seniors often have a higher sensitivity to this type of medication.

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Diovan is a trademark of Novartis

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This document is provided for information only. It is not a substitute for consultation with a physician, either to diagnose symptoms or prescribe treatment. Any dosages mentioned are general guidelines only, please follow the directions of your doctor or pharmacist exactly when taking medication. We have made every effort to ensure that this information is accurate, but only your doctor can say if a medication, or drug combination, is safe for you. Information intended for US residents only.
 
     
 
 

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