Diovan: Effective Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker for Hypertension Control
| Product dosage: 160mg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Package (num) | Per pill | Price | Buy |
| 30 | $2.47 | $74.11 (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 60 | $1.89 | $148.23 $113.17 (24%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 90 | $1.69 | $222.34 $152.24 (32%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 120 | $1.59 | $296.46 $190.29 (36%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 180 | $1.49 | $444.69 $267.41 (40%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 270 | $1.42 | $667.03 $382.59 (43%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 360 | $1.39
Best per pill | $889.37 $498.77 (44%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| Product dosage: 40mg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Package (num) | Per pill | Price | Buy |
| 60 | $1.05 | $63.10 $63.10 (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 90 | $0.99 | $94.65 $89.14 (6%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 120 | $0.96 | $126.19 $115.18 (9%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 180 | $0.93 | $189.29 $168.26 (11%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 270 | $0.91 | $283.94 $246.38 (13%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 360 | $0.90
Best per pill | $378.58 $324.50 (14%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| Product dosage: 80mg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Package (num) | Per pill | Price | Buy |
| 30 | $1.84 | $55.09 (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 60 | $1.54 | $110.17 $92.14 (16%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 90 | $1.44 | $165.26 $129.20 (22%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 120 | $1.40 | $220.34 $168.26 (24%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 180 | $1.35 | $330.51 $242.37 (27%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 270 | $1.31 | $495.77 $353.55 (29%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 360 | $1.30
Best per pill | $661.02 $466.72 (29%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
Synonyms
| |||
Diovan (valsartan) is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) prescription medication specifically formulated for the management of hypertension in adults and pediatric patients 6 years of age and older. It is also indicated for the treatment of heart failure in adults and to improve survival following a heart attack in clinically stable patients with left ventricular failure or dysfunction. By selectively blocking the binding of angiotensin II to the AT1 receptors found in many tissues, Diovan inhibits the vasoconstrictive and aldosterone-secreting effects of angiotensin II, resulting in vasodilation and reduced blood pressure. This mechanism offers a targeted approach to cardiovascular management, making it a cornerstone therapy in modern treatment protocols.
Features
- Active ingredient: Valsartan
- Drug class: Angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB)
- Available in tablet form for oral administration
- Standard dosage strengths: 40 mg, 80 mg, 160 mg, 320 mg
- Works by selectively blocking the angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor
- Not a controlled substance
Benefits
- Effectively lowers high blood pressure, reducing the strain on the heart and arteries.
- Decreases the risk of major cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke.
- Improves survival and reduces hospitalization in patients with heart failure.
- Provides a well-tolerated treatment option with a favorable side effect profile for many patients.
- Offers once-daily dosing convenience, promoting better adherence to long-term therapy.
- Can be used as a monotherapy or in combination with other antihypertensive agents.
Common use
Diovan is primarily prescribed for the treatment of hypertension, either as a standalone therapy or in combination with other antihypertensive drugs. It is also a standard treatment for heart failure (NYHA Class II-IV) in patients who are intolerant of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, as it has been shown to reduce mortality and morbidity. Furthermore, it is used in clinically stable patients who have developed left ventricular systolic dysfunction (ejection fraction ≤40%) following a myocardial infarction (heart attack) to improve survival. In pediatric hypertensive patients aged 6 years and older, it is used when other management strategies are deemed inadequate.
Dosage and direction
The dosage of Diovan must be individualized based on the patient’s clinical condition and therapeutic response. It can be taken with or without food.
- Hypertension (Adults): The usual recommended starting dose is 80 mg or 160 mg taken orally once daily. The dosage can be increased to a maximum of 320 mg once daily based on blood pressure response. For patients who continue to be uncontrolled on Diovan alone, a diuretic may be added.
- Hypertension (Pediatric Patients 6+ years): The recommended starting dose is weight-based (1.3 mg/kg once daily, up to 40 mg total). The dose may be titrated up to 2.7 mg/kg once daily (up to 160 mg total) to achieve blood pressure control.
- Heart Failure (Adults): The recommended starting dose is 40 mg taken orally twice daily. The dose should be up-titrated to 80 mg twice daily and then to the target maintenance dose of 160 mg twice daily, as tolerated by the patient.
- Post-Myocardial Infarction (Adults): Therapy may be initiated as early as 12 hours after a heart attack. The recommended starting dose is 20 mg twice daily. This should be titrated to 40 mg twice daily, then to a target maintenance dose of 160 mg twice daily, as tolerated.
Patients should take Diovan at approximately the same time each day to maintain consistent blood levels.
Precautions
Before starting Diovan, patients should inform their healthcare provider of their full medical history, especially:
- History of kidney disease or kidney transplant, liver disease, or biliary obstruction.
- History of dehydration (e.g., from diarrhea, vomiting, excessive sweating, diuretic use).
- Electrolyte imbalances (e.g., low sodium levels).
- History of angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat).
- Aortic or mitral valve stenosis, or obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
- Pregnancy or plans to become pregnant, as Diovan can cause injury and even death to a developing fetus.
- Scheduled surgery or anesthesia.
Patients should be monitored for hypotension, especially after the initial dose or following an increase in dose. Renal function and serum potassium levels should be assessed periodically during treatment.
Contraindications
Diovan is contraindicated in patients with:
- Known hypersensitivity to valsartan or any component of the formulation.
- Pregnancy (second and third trimesters). The use of drugs that act directly on the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) during this period can cause fetal harm.
Possible side effect
Like all medications, Diovan can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Common side effects may include:
- Dizziness
- Viral infection
- Fatigue
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Arthralgia (joint pain)
- Back pain
- Hypotension (low blood pressure)
- Hyperkalemia (high potassium levels)
Serious but less common side effects require immediate medical attention and can include:
- Symptomatic hypotension
- Impaired renal function, including kidney failure
- Hyperkalemia
- Angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, throat, or tongue)
Drug interaction
Diovan has the potential to interact with other medications, which may alter its effects or increase the risk of serious side effects. Key interactions include:
- Potassium-Sparing Diuretics (e.g., spironolactone, triamterene, amiloride), Potassium Supplements, or Salt Substitutes containing Potassium: Concomitant use increases the risk of hyperkalemia.
- Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen): May reduce the antihypertensive effect of Diovan and increase the risk of worsening renal function.
- Lithium: Increases in lithium concentrations and toxicity have been reported. Lithium levels should be monitored closely.
- Other Antihypertensive Agents: Additive blood pressure-lowering effects may occur, increasing the risk of hypotension.
- ACE Inhibitors and Aliskiren: Dual blockade of the RAS with these agents is associated with increased risks of hypotension, hyperkalemia, and renal impairment.
Patients must provide their doctor with a complete list of all prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products they are using.
Missed dose
If a dose of Diovan is missed, it should be taken as soon as it is remembered. However, if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, the missed dose should be skipped and the regular dosing schedule resumed. Patients should not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Overdose
The most likely manifestation of an overdose with Diovan is hypotension (severely low blood pressure) and tachycardia (rapid heartbeat). Bradycardia (slow heartbeat) has also been reported. In the event of a suspected overdose, supportive treatment should be initiated. The patient should be placed in a supine position, and vital signs and electrolyte levels should be monitored closely. Valsartan is not removed by hemodialysis.
Storage
Diovan tablets should be stored at room temperature (20°C to 25°C or 68°F to 77°F), in a tightly closed container, and protected from light and moisture. Keep all medications out of the reach of children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed.
Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or medication. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here. The information provided may not cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions, or adverse effects.
Reviews
Clinical trials and post-marketing surveillance have consistently demonstrated the efficacy and safety of Diovan in managing hypertension and heart failure. It is regarded by many cardiologists and internists as a reliable and well-tolerated first-line agent within the ARB class. Patient reviews often highlight its effectiveness in controlling blood pressure with minimal disruptive side effects compared to other antihypertensive classes. Its once-daily dosing is frequently cited as a significant advantage for long-term adherence. As with any medication, individual experiences can vary, and its suitability must be determined by a qualified healthcare professional based on a comprehensive patient assessment.