What is Diovan?
Valsartan is the Diovan generic name; it is an orally effective medication used for treating high blood pressure and heart failure. This drug lowers your chance of having a heart attack or stroke. Therefore, it increases patients’ lifespan.
This medication functions as an angiotensin II receptor antagonist (also known as angiotensin II inhibitors or ARBs). It relaxes your blood vessels (veins, arteries, and capillaries) by inhibiting the chemical action of angiotensin II.
Angiotensin II is potent in making your blood vessels constrict. This constriction raises blood pressure, increases cardiac effort, and reduces blood flow throughout the body. Diovan medicine suppresses angiotensin II binding to angiotensin II receptors. This, in turn, dilates blood vessels, boosting blood flow and reducing blood pressure.
Diovan Dosage
Valsartan dosage and frequency depend on your medical condition, age, weight, and tolerance to this medication. It comes in varying strengths: 40 mg, 80 mg, 160 mg, and 320 mg.
Diovan 80 mg once daily is the recommended starting dose for hypertensive adults, with a maximum daily intake of 320 mg. It is used as a single-agent therapy in patients who do not have an extracellular fluid volume deficit (volume depletion).
The usual beginning dose for patients aged 6 to 16 with hypertension and heart failure is 40 mg/day.
After a heart attack, a 20 mg tablet is advised twice daily. This medication can be administered 12 hours after a heart attack. Eventually, this can be gradually raised for seven days, depending on the patient’s tolerance.
Best way to use Diovan
Initially, read all medicine directions and information carefully. Use the drug precisely as directed. If you have any questions or are unsure how to use Valsartan, talk to your doctor and seek medical advice.
To avoid missing a dosage, take this medication orally at the same time every day. If you ever forget to take your pill, take it as soon as you remember it. If it is already near your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule.
You can consume Diovan with or without food. If unable to swallow the entire pill, a pharmacist can mix it and change it into a liquid suspension. The dose, however, differs from tablet to liquid and should be adjusted by your doctor. Shake the mixture for at least 10 seconds and accurately measure it.
In addition to taking this medication, diet, exercise, quitting smoking, and managing diabetes are all adjunct therapies for reducing blood pressure. It is not advisable to change your Valsartan dosage without first consulting your doctor or pharmacist.
Diovan Side Effects
Common Valsartan side effects that may subside on their own without medical intervention include:
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Low blood pressure
- Diarrhea
- Muscle and joint pain
- Fatigue
- Back and stomach pain
However, if you develop any of the following adverse events, contact your doctor right away:
- Face, lip, or throat swelling
- Unusual weight gain
- Reduced urine production
- High potassium level symptoms include erratic heartbeat, nausea and vomiting, muscle weakness, and chest pain
Remember that this is not a complete list of the potential health risks associated with Diovan. Other side effects may occur.
Precautions
- Fully disclose your medical history to your doctor before starting this therapy, especially if you have liver disease, kidney, or heart problems.
- Do not take this medication if you are allergic to Valsartan or other ingredients. When using this medication, watch out for adverse reactions such as rashes, hives, swelling of the face and lips, throat tightness, or difficulty breathing. As soon as these signs and symptoms occur, you should call your doctor.
- Tell your doctor about your medications and vitamins. Medications like diuretics, potassium supplements, salt substitutes, antibiotics (rifamycin group), or meds for retrovirus (ritonavir) may cause drug interaction and increase the effect of Valsartan.
- Be sure to keep this item out of the reach of youngsters and store it properly.
How much does Diovan cost in Canada?
We offer the cheapest and most affordable Valsartan prices. Check the top of this description for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to take Diovan when pregnant?
Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant because Diovan medication can cause harm to your unborn baby, which can result in death. If you become pregnant, stop using it immediately and contact your healthcare provider.
How long does Diovan take to control high blood pressure?
It may take two to four weeks for this drug to stabilize your blood pressure. Even if you feel OK, keep taking this drug as prescribed. This reduces the risk of having a heart attack and stroke.
Is driving safe when taking a Diovan?
This medication may cause dizziness or drowsiness, which increases the risk of accident.
Is Diovan a sleep disruptor?
Diovan, as ARBs, can induce a spike in potassium levels, which can cause joint and muscle pain and keep you up all night.
