Diovan |valsartan

Medication class: Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB)
Manufactured by: Novartis
Approval date: December, 1996

What is Diovan and how does it work

Diovan belongs to a group of drugs known as Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARB) that are used to treat several conditions. ARBs block the action of angiotensin, a chemical that causes blood vessels to constrict. Blocking angiotensin leads to dilation or relaxation of blood vessels and a consequently reduction in blood pressure.

What does Diovan treat

• Treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension).
• Treatment of congestive heart failure.
• Reduction of death due to cardiovascular (heart and blood vessels) causes
  in patients that developed heart failure after a heart attack (myocardial infarction).

How effective is Diovan?

• Adult Hypertension: Diovan begins reducing blood pressure within 2 hours, maximum effect occur within 6 hours, and blood pressure reduction persists for up to 24 hours after administration of a single dose. With repeated dosing the maximal effect is achieved within 4 weeks.

What are the interesting facts about Diovan

• Diovan is effective for reducing blood pressure regardless of age, gender, or race.
• Diovan can be used to lower high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults and children 6-16 years of age.
• Diovan considerably increases the chances of living longer after a heart attack.
• Diovan given to adult patients to treat heart failure may lower the need for hospitalization.
• Diovan generic is available.
• It should not be used during pregnancy because it can cause harm to the fetus.
• Diovan plus hydrochlorothiazide (Diovan HCT) is available.

What are Diovan side effects

Common: Headache, dizziness, low blood pressure (hypotension), back and abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, cough, increased blood potassium levels (hyperkalemia), joint pain, and respiratory infections.

Serious: Severe hypotension, swelling of face, tongue and throat (angioedema), reduced white blood cells, liver failure, and kidney failure.

How is Diovan dosed (dosage) and administered

Diovan is available as tablets of 40, 80, 160, and 320 mg.

• The recommended starting dosage for adult hypertension is Diovan 80 or 160 mg once daily and the maximum dose is 320mg once daily.
• The recommended starting dose for pediatric hypertension (6 to 16 years old) is 1.3 mg/kg up to 40 mg once daily. The maximum dose is 2.7 mg/kg or 160 mg once daily.
• For heart failure, the recommended dose is 40-160 mg taken twice daily.
• For post myocardial Infarction (heart attack) the recommended dosage range is 20-160 mg twice daily.

Diovan drug interactions

• Potassium sparing diuretics (spironolactone, triamterene, amiloride): Coadministration of Diovan with potassium sparing diueretics or salt supplements containing potassium may lead to an increase in serum potassium levels.
• Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Agents (NSAIDs): use of Diovan with NSAIDs may lead to an increased risk of renal impairment, acute renal failure and loss of anti-hypertensive effect.

How to receive prescription assistance for Diovan?

For prescription assistance for Diovan visit the Novartis Prescription Assistance Program.

Reference: Diovan FDA Prescribing Information and Patient Information.