Drug Name

Diovan

Drug Uses

Diovan is used to treat high blood pressure as well as heart failure. It is as well as prescribed after heart attacks since diovan may reduce death in patients who developed congestive heart failure after a heart attack. Diovan may as well as reduce hospitalizations in patients with congestive heart failure.

How Taken

The usual dose of diovan in patients with high blood pressure is 80 to 160 mg once daily. The maximum dose is 320 mg daily. Maximum blood pressure reduction occurs within 4 weeks. For congestive heart failure, the usual dose is 40 mg twice daily. The doses may be increased to 80-160 mg twice daily. The initial dose after a heart attack is 20 mg twice daily. The dose should be increased with a target of 160 mg twice daily incase tolerated without side effects.

Drug Class as well as Mechanism

The artificial name is a proper scientific name for an ingredient of a product. Artificial name of this medicine is VALSARTAN (read as: val-SAR-tan). Valsartan is an oral medication that belongs to a class of drugs, called angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) . Other ARBs include irbesartan (Avapro), losartan (Cozaar), as well as candesartan (Atacand). Angiotensin, formed in the blood by the action of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), is a powerful artificial that attaches to angiotensin receptors found in many tissues but primarily on level muscle cells of blood vessels. Angiotensin attachment to the receptors causes the blood vessels to close (vasoconstrict) which leads to an increase in blood pressure (hypertension). Valsartan blocks the angiotensin receptor. By blocking the action of angiotensin, valsartan dilates blood vessels as well as reduces blood pressure. Valsartan was approved by the FDA in December of 1996.

Missed Dose

Incase you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as likely. Incase you are using 1 dose daily as well as do not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose as well as go back to your normal dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Diovan should be stored at room temperature, 15-30 degrees C (59-86 degrees F).

Warnings/Precautions

This drug can cause humorless fetal harm incase used during the final six months of pregnancy. Incase pregnancy occurs, halt using this drug as well as immediately contact your physician. Inform your doctor or pharmacistof all prescription as well as over-the-counter medicine that you are using. Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed incase you possess liver or kidney disease. Inform your doctor of any other health examination conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding.

Likely Side Effects

Diovan is generally well-tolerated as well as side effects are rare. The most ordinary side effects include headache, dizziness, fatigue , abdominal pain, cough, diarrhea as well as nausea. Patients may as well as experience hyperkalemia, impotence, reduced renal function, as well as allergic reactions. Rhabdomyolysis (inflammation as well as destruction of muscles) as well as angioedema (swelling of cushioned tissues including those of the throat as well as larynx) are rare but humorless side effects of diovan.

More Information

Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not take this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. Incase using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.