Diovan – Information, Uses, Side Effects and Dosage

Drug trade name: Diovan

Category: Angiotensin II receptor blocker.

Generic name: valsartan

Introduction and Quick Information:

Diovan (valsartan) is a nonpeptide, which is active orally, and specific angiotensin II receptor blocker acting on the AT₁ receptor subtype. Valsartan prevents blood vessels from narrowing, lowers blood pressure as well as improves blood flow. Diovan (valsartan) is used for the treatment of hypertension, stroke and myocardial infarction. 

Is Diovan Approved by U.S. FDA?

The U.S. FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has approved in the form of tablet and film coated.

Usage and Benefits of Diovan:

Diovan is a prescription drug that has been approved to treat several heart-related conditions (congestive heart failure, improves survival rates of heart attacks patients) and hypertension.  

Diovan for Congestive Heart Failure: In congestive heart failure, the heart is unable to pump enough blood throughout the body. For patients with congestive heart failure, Diovan reduces blood pressure and blood flow improves. Due to this, hospitalization and risk of death from congestive heart failure is reduced.

Diovan for high blood pressure (hypertension): Diovan is used to treat hypertension as it lowers the blood pressure by blocking certain chemicals that affect blood vessels.

Diovan Side Effects:

Diovan has few side effects discussed below: 

• Runny or stuffy nose
• A sore throat and cough
• Weight gain
• Fast or pounding heartbeats
• Chest pain
• Back pain
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Insomnia
• Fatigue
• Loss of interest in sex and impotence
• Mild itching and skin rash
• Dry mouth
• Stomach pain
• loss of appetite
• Headache
• Anxiety
• Dizziness
• Nausea

General Recommended Dosages of Diovan:

Take Diovan as prescribed by the doctor. Your healthcare provider may prescribe this medicine to take with or without food. Diovan may take 2 to 5 weeks to control blood pressure. Talk to your doctor if you do not notice any improvement in your symptoms.

In Case I Take Overdose?

Some of the common overdose symptoms may include dizziness, uneven heartbeats or nauseous. If you find these symptoms, seek medical help.

In Case I Miss My Dose?

In case the dose is missed, take it as soon as you recall. If, it the time for the next dose then skip the missed dose. You may ask your doctor for further assistance.

Drug Interactions of Diovan:

Some of the drug interaction with Diovan are:

• aliskiren (Rasilez)
• benazepril (Lotensin)
  
• captopril (Capoten)
  
• eluxadoline (Viberzi)
• enalapril (Vasotec)
  
• fosinopril (Monopril)
  
• lisinopril (Prinivil)
  
• lithium (Eskalith)
  
• moexipril (Univasc)
  
• perindopril (Aceon)
  
• quinapril (Accupril)
  
• ramipril (Altace)
  
• trandolapril (Mavik)
  

Lifestyle and Food Habit You Must Follow When on Diovan:

Lifestyle and food habits play an important role in the treatment of any kind of health condition. Your doctor may suggest you, follow strict diet and lifestyle routine because there are some foods and day to day activities that can decrease the effect of this medicine.

How safe Is Diovan for Pregnant Women or Nursing Mothers?

Stop taking this medicine if you have become pregnant during the treatment and tell your doctor as you may need immediate medical attention.

Complications and Conditions Possible Due to Prolonged Use of Diovan:

Prolonged use of Diovan can be fatal for your health or life. You never try to take this medicine dose longer than recommended as this drug may have habit-forming capabilities. People who are addicted to drugs or drug abused should strictly avoid taking Diovan without consulting your doctor.

Availability of Diovan:

This drug is available only by prescription.