Diovan

valsartan

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM:

Valsartan is a drug that is taken orally and it belongs to a class of drugs known as angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). Other drugs that belong to this class include irbesartan (Avapro), losartan (Cozaar), and candesartan (Atacand). There is a powerful chemical called angiotensin that is formed in the blood angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) reacts. This strong chemical gets attached to the angiotensin receptors that are found in tissues and more specifically smooth muscles of the blood vessels. When angiotensin gets attached to the blood vessels, these vessels tend to narrow. This is what leads to high blood pressure. Valsartan is chemical that blocks the angiotensin receptor. Valsartan will dilate the blood vessels leading to high blood pressure. This is as a result of the action of angiotensin.

STORAGE:

The tablets of Diovan should be kept in a room temperature of between 15 and 30 degree Celsius.

PRESCRIBED FOR:

Valsartan is drug that is used in the treatment of high blood pressure and failure of the heart. It is a drug that is used to treat heart attacks because this drug is known to reduce death in patients with congestive heart failure which is as a result of heart attack. If you are a patient with congestive heart failure then Valsartan will prevent you from being hospitalization.

DOSING:

The normal dose of Valsartan that is prescribed with high blood pressure is between 80 to 160mg daily. The maximum dose for the same drug is 320mg which is taken once in a day. This drug will reduce blood pressure by a maximum of four weeks. If you are suffering from congestive heart failure, you should take 40mg of this drug twice a day. This dose may however be increased to 80-160 mg two times a day. The initial recommended dose after heart attack is 20mg daily. This dose should be raised to 160mg daily if you don’t experience side effects.

It is good to avoid taking Valsartan together with food since food reduces the absorption of this drug. It is good to take it on empty stomach.

DRUG INTERACTIONS:

The use of valsartan together with potassium-sparing diuretics like Spironolactone, Triamterene, and Amiloride, supplements of potassium, or substitutes of salt that contain potassium will result to hyperkalemia i.e. high potassium levels in the blood and in patients with heart failure, it leads to increased serum creatinine. This is a test used to check the functioning of kidneys.

PREGNANCY:

When Valsartan is used in pregnant women, it can cause injury or death to the fetus. The use of this drug should be avoided during pregnancy.

NURSING MOTHERS:

Research is still undergoing to determine whether valsartan is secreted into the milk of humans.

SIDE EFFECTS:

Valsartan has no severe side effects. The most appearing side effects are headache, fatigue, dizziness, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea and coughing. Some patients will experience hyperkalemia, reduced function, allergy and impotence. There are some serious side effects that are rare. They include: inflammation, muscle destruction and swelling of tissues.