Diovan (valsartan)
General Information on Diovan
Diovan, with active ingredient valsartan, belongs to a class of drugs known as angiotensin II receptor blockers. The drug is used for treatment of high blood pressure, congestive heart failure and other disease of the heart. The human body produces angiotensin II enzyme in the body, which causes the narrowing down of blood vessels. The drug works by blocking the production of angiotensin II enzyme, thus preventing the narrowing down of blood enzymes. Hence, it helps in lowering of blood vessels and improving the condition of the heart as the heart does not have to work hard to pump put blood to other parts of the body.
Precautions/side effects of Diovan
Diovan contains the active ingredient valsartan. Patinets allergic to valsartan should refrain from taking this drug. An allergic reaction to the drug can cause redness and rashes on the skin and in severe cases result in severe nausea, inflammation of the face, tongue, throat etc. Patients allergic to sulfa drugs should inform the physician accordingly before taking the drug. Other than that, patients with kidney disease, liver disease or glaucoma should inform the doctor before taking Diovan.
Diovan is a Category D pregnancy drug. It can have an adverse effect on the fetus, which can be fatal too. It can also have an adverse effect on the newborn child. Thus, pregnant women as well as women who are breastfeeding should refrain from using this drug. Diovan is also known to react with certain medications such as diuretics, fish oil tablets, aspirin, lasix, Lipitor, crestor etc. If the patient is on any of these drugs, the physician should be informed accordingly before taking Diovan.
The drug is also known to have certain side effects such as runny nose, rashes of the skin, weakness, disturbed sleeping patterns, pain in the back, impotence etc. However, in certain cases, the drug can have serious side effects such as unusual weight gain, inflammation of the hands or legs, blurred vision, pain in the chest or irregular heartbeats. If any of these symptoms show up after taking Diovan, a physician should be consulted immediately.
Important safety information
- Diovan can result in death of the fetus if taken during the second or third trimester of pregnancy. Thus, Diovan should not be taken during pregnancy. Effective birth control methods should be used while on this drug.
- Alcohol consumption should be kept to the bare minimum while on this drug as it can lead to abnormally low blood pressure.
- Diovan should be taken regularly even in absence of symptoms unless advised otherwise by the doctor.
- Blood pressure should be monitored regularly while on this drug.
- Diovan can result in kidney failure in some cases. A doctor should be consulted immediately if muscle pain or high fever is experienced after taking Diovan.
Dosage of Diovan
Diovan is available in 40 mg, 80 mg, 160 mg and 320 mg tablets. The usual prescribed dose of the drug is between 80 mg and 160 mg daily. However, it can go upto 320 mg depending on the response of the patient. For treating congestive heart failure, the usual dose of Diovan is 40 mg twice daily. The usual prescribed dose of Diovan after a heart attack is 20 mg twice daily.
The drug can be had with or without food. The overdose of the drug should be prevented at all costs. If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as possible. However, it should not be clubbed with the next dose. Overdose of the drug can cause complications such as irregular heartbeat, seizures, abnormally low blood pressure etc. which needs immediate medical attention.
Storage of Diovan
Diovan must be stored at room temperature not exceeding 30 degree Celsius. It should be stored away from direct sunlight and away from the reach of children and pets.
