Diovan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker that is used to treat conditions associated with cardiovascular system like high blood pressure, congestive heart failure and to improve survival after a heart attack. This drug is manufactured by Novartis Pharmaceuticals and has got approval by most of the drug regulatory authorities all over the world for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. This drug can be prescribed to adults and children above the age of six years. Patient using this drug must be aware that this drug is not a cure of cardiovascular problems but it only helps in controlling the symptoms associated with hypertension and congestive heart failure.

It is important for patients to take Valsartan as per their doctor’s instructions. Some of the important usage instructions are:

• Take one tablet in a day.
• Try to take tablet same time every day with water.
• Swallow the tablet as a whole; do not break or chew it
• Take it with or without food. In case, your stomach gets upset after taking Diovan, prefer taking it after meals.
• Do not increase or decrease the dosage till the doctor advises for the same.
• Do not stop taking the dosage till the doctor prescribes for the same.

Diovan Dosage

The dosage of Valsartan depends upon which condition needs to be treated, age of patient and his medical condition.

• For hypertension, the usual recommended dosage is 80mg tablet taken one per day. In case, if the blood pressure level is high even after 4 weeks, the doctor may increase the dosage from 80 mg to 320 mg taken one tablet per day.
• For heart failure, initial recommended dosage is 40mg tablet taken two times in a day. Depending upon the severity of the condition, the dosage may increase up to 160 mg tablet taken two times in a day.
• For heart attack, the recommended dosage is 20 mg tablet taken twice daily. Gradually, doctor may increase the dosage to 160 mg taken two times in a day.
• For those children who cannot swallow the tablet, they are given liquid suspension of the drug. The recommended dosage is 1.3 mg per kg taken on daily basis.  

Missed and Over dosage of Valsartan

If patients forget to take the dosage, they should take it as soon as they remember it. However, if it is almost the time for next dosage, skip missed dosage and start with regular dosing schedule. Never compensate the missed dosage by taking double dosage as it will increase the chance of getting affected from unwanted side-effects.

In case of over dosage, seek medical attention on immediate basis in spite of the fact patients are not feeling discomfort.

Storage instructions

Keep the tablets in original container and store it at room temperature. Avoid storing the tablets in the bathroom. Keep the medicines at such a place where children and pets cannot reach. If tablets have completed their expiry date or doctor has given instruction to stop taking Diovan, discard it safely.

If a person suffers from any kind of health problems, it is required to discuss medical history with doctor prior taking Diovan. Some of those medical conditions are:

• History of kidney disease
• History of liver disease
• History of heart disease
• Have had severe allergic reaction due to any blood pressure medication
• Dehydration
• History of low salt levels in the body

Because this medicine causes drowsiness or dizziness in some patients, patients are advised to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery after taking the drug.

It is advised not to take the drug if patients are:

• Allergic to its active and inactive ingredients.
• Pregnant, planning for the same, breastfeeding, etc.
• Below 6 years of age.

Patients taking Diovan may or may not experience its side-effects. Both common and serious side-effects are associated with the drug. Common side-effects are mild in nature and do not require any medical attention. Some of those common side-effects are:

• Headache
• Sleepiness, weakness, dizziness, etc.
• Dry cough, sore throat, blistering skin
• Constipation
• Muscle pain
• Pain in joint or back
• Difficulty in sleeping
• Feeling anxious

Patients must report to the doctor on the immediate basis in case if they experience any of these serious side-effects:

• Allergy signs like rash, hives on the skin, swelling on various body parts
• Chest pain
• Irregular heart beats
• Shortness of breath
• Flu like symptoms
• Liver disease with nausea, vomiting, etc.

Drug Interactions

Intake of certain drugs along with Diovan may affect its working. Thus, it is vital to tell doctors about all medicines like prescription, non-prescription and herbal supplements taken by the patients. Certain drugs that interfere with the normal functioning of Valsartan are:

• Diuretic
• Rifampin
• Ritonavir
• Cyclosporine
• Potassium supplements
• Lithium
• NSAIDs
• Salt substitutes containing potassium