Manufacturer: Novartis
Pharmaceutical name: Valsartan
Pack: 1 pack (28 tabs (320 mg))
Diovan (Valsartan) acts as an angiotensin II receptor blocker. By preventing blood vessels from constricting, Valsartan helps to reduce blood pressure and enhances blood circulation.
Diovan is prescribed for managing high blood pressure and heart failure. Additionally, it may increase the chances of survival after a heart attack. In patients with heart failure, it could also decrease the likelihood of requiring hospitalization for the condition. Valsartan is part of a group of medications known as angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). It functions by relaxing the blood vessels, facilitating smoother blood flow. Controlling high blood pressure is vital for preventing strokes, heart attacks, and kidney issues.
Typical Adult Dosage for Hypertension: Starting dose: 80 to 160 mg taken orally once daily. Maintenance dose: 80 to 320 mg taken orally once daily.
Typical Adult Dosage for Left Ventricular Dysfunction: Starting dose: 20 mg taken orally twice daily. The initial dose may be increased within 7 days to 40 mg twice daily, with further adjustments to a target maintenance dose of 160 mg twice daily, as tolerated by the patient. If symptomatic hypotension or renal impairment occurs, a dosage reduction should be considered.
Diovan can be started as soon as 12 hours following a myocardial infarction and may be administered alongside other standard treatments after a myocardial infarction, such as thrombolytics, aspirin, beta blockers, and statins.
Typical Pediatric Dosage for Hypertension: Ages 6 to 16 years: Initial dose: 1.3 mg/kg once daily (maximum 40 mg). Maintenance dose: up to 2.7 mg/kg (maximum 160 mg) once daily adjusted based on patient response.
Potential side effects include headache, dizziness, weakness, insomnia, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, vomiting, cough, runny nose, impotence, decreased renal function, and allergic reactions.