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Diovan
Brand name: Diovan
Generic name: Valsartan
Other brand name:
Diovan HCT

Diovan is one of a new class of blood pressure
medications called angiotensin II receptor antagonists. Diovan works
by preventing the hormone angiotensin II from narrowing the blood vessels,
which tends to raise blood pressure. Diovan may be prescribed alone
or with other blood pressure medications, such as diuretics that help
the body get rid of excess water. Diovan HCT provides just such a combination.
It contains Diovan plus the common diuretic hydrochlorothiazide. Diovan
also has a stimulative effect on the heart and is prescribed for heart
failure in patients who can't tolerate another type of medication called
ACE inhibitors
Most important fact about Diovan
You must take Diovan regularly for it to
be effective. Since blood pressure declines gradually, it may be several
weeks before you get the full benefit of Diovan, and you must continue
taking it even if you are feeling well. Diovan does not cure high blood
pressure; it merely keeps it under control.
How should you take Diovan ?
Diovan and Diovan HCT can be taken with
or without food. Try to get in the habit of taking Diovan at the same
time each day - for example, before or after breakfast. You'll be less
likely to forget your dose.
If you miss a dose of Diovan
Take it as soon as possible. If it is almost
time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your
regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at the same time.
Storage instructions for Diovan
Store at room temperature. Keep in a tightly
closed container, away from moisture.
What side effects when taking Diovan
may occur ?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If
any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible.
Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking
Diovan or Diovan HCT.
Side effects when taking Diovan
may include:
Abdominal pain, allergic reactions, back
pain, blurred vision, cough, diarrhea, dizziness, fainting, fatigue,
headache, joint pain, low blood pressure, nausea, runny nose, sinus
inflammation, sore throat, swelling, swollen mouth and throat, upper
respiratory infections, vertigo, viral infections.
Why should Diovan not be prescribed
?
Do not take Diovan or Diovan HCT while
pregnant. Avoid both types of Diovan if they cause an allergic reaction,
and do not take Diovan HCT if you have ever had an allergic reaction
to a Sulfa drug such as Bactrim or Septra. Also avoid Diovan HCT if
you have trouble urinating.
Special warnings about Diovan
In rare cases, Diovan and Diovan HCT can
cause a severe drop in blood pressure. The problem is more likely if
your body's supply of water has been depleted by high doses of diuretics.
Symptoms include light-headedness or faintness, and are more likely
when you first start taking the drug. Diovan HCT can also cause dry
mouth, weakness, drowsiness, muscle cramps, nausea, and vomiting. Call
your doctor if any of these symptoms occur. You may need to have your
dosage adjusted.
Use Diovan HCT with caution if you have
a history of allergy or bronchial asthma, or suffer from the condition
called lupus erythematosus. Report a rapid or irregular pulse to your
doctor.
If you have liver or kidney disease, Diovan
and Diovan HCT must be used with caution. Be sure the doctor is aware
of either problem. Also let the doctor know if you suffer from gout
or diabetes.
The safety and effectiveness of Diovan
and Diovan HCT have not been studied in children.
Possible food and drug interactions
when taking Diovan
Check with your doctor before combining
Diovan with salt substitutes that contain potassium, or with diuretics
that leave potassium in the body, including the following:
Amiloride (Midamor)
Spironolactone (Aldactone)
Triamterene (Dyrenium)
The hydrochlorothiazide in Diovan
HCT may interact with a variety of drugs. Be sure to check with your
doctor before combining Diovan HCT with the following:
Alcohol
Cholestyramine (Questran)
Colestipol (Colestid)
Corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone and prednisone
Glipizide (Glucotrol)
Glyburide (Diabeta, Micronase)
Insulin
Lithium (Lithobid, Lithonate)
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Advil, Aleve, Motin, and
Naprosyn
Other blood pressure medications such as Cardizem, Lopressor, and Procardia
Phenobarbital
Narcotic drugs such as morphine or codeine products
Special information if you are
pregnant or breastfeeding
Drugs such as Diovan and Diovan HCT can
cause injury or even death to the unborn child when used during the
last 6 months of pregnancy. As soon as you find out that you're pregnant,
stop taking the drug and call your doctor. Both of these drugs may also
appear in breast milk and could affect the nursing infant. If the medication
is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to avoid breastfeeding
while you are taking Diovan or Diovan HCT.
Recommended dosages for Diovan
DIOVAN
High Blood Pressure
The usual starting dose is 80 or 160 milligrams
or more once a day. If your blood pressure does not go down, your doctor
may increase the dose or add a diuretic to your regimen. The maximum
recommended dose is 320 milligrams a day.
Heart Failure
The usual starting dose is 40 milligrams
taken twice a day. The doctor may increase the dose to 80 or 160 milligrams
twice daily depending on your tolerance for the drug. The maximum dose
is 320 milligrams daily.
DIOVAN HCT
The usual starting dose when switching
from Diovan to Diovan HCT is one 80 milligram/12.5 milligram tablet
daily. Daily dosage may be increased to a maximum of 160 milligrams
of valsartan and 25 milligrams of hydrochlorothiazide.
Overdosage with Diovan
There has been little experience with overdosage
and Diovan. However, the most likely results would be extremely low
blood pressure and an abnormally slow or rapid heartbeat. If you suspect
an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
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