Valsartan (Diovan) is an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB). It lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow by preventing blood vessels from narrowing. It is said to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults and children over the age of one year.
Valsartan (Diovan) is used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. It’s also used to help people live longer after having a heart attack. It may also reduce the likelihood of having to go to the hospital for heart problems in people with heart failure.
What dosages of Valsartan (Diovan) are available?
Valsartan (Diovan) has the following dosage forms:
- 40 mg
- 80 mg
- 160 mg
- 320 mg
The typical dosing for people with hypertension is 80 mg to 320 mg to be taken once daily. For people with heart failure or from a heart attack, dosing of 160 mg is to be taken twice daily.
What side effects are common with taking Valsartan (Diovan)?
Valsartan (Diovan) can cause side effects:
- Headache
- Excessive tiredness
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Back pain
- Joint pain
- Blurry vision
- Cough
- Rash
Valsartan (Diovan) may also cause some serious side effects. These include:
- Swelling of some parts of the body
- Hoarseness
- Difficulty breathing
- Unexplained increase in weight
Contact your doctor if you experience the side effects of Valsartan (Diovan).
Does Valsartan (Diovan) interact with other medications?
There may be other medications that are not suitable to combine with Valsartan (Diovan). Some examples are the following:
Agents Increasing Potassium Levels
Increased serum potassium levels may be caused by dietary supplements containing potassium, salt substitutes containing potassium, or other drugs that may increase potassium levels (eg, Heparin). Co-medication with valsartan may be necessary in patients with heart failure, and serum potassium levels should be monitored.
COX-2 Inhibitors
NSAIDs, including selective COX-2 inhibitors, with angiotensin II receptor antagonists, including Valsartan, may cause deterioration of renal function in patients with compromised renal function. Monitor renal function periodically in patients who are receiving NSAIDs and/or those on diuretic therapy.
Dual Blocked of the Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS)
The use of dual blockade of the RAS with angiotensin receptor blockers, ACE inhibitors, or Aliskiren is associated with increased risks of hypotension, hyperkalemia, and changes in renal function. Most patients receiving the combination of two RAS inhibitors do not obtain additional benefits compared to monotherapy.
Lithium
Angiotensin II receptor antagonists and Lithium have been found to increase each other’s effects on serum lithium concentrations, leading to reports of Lithium toxicity. Keep an eye on your Lithium levels if you’re taking both.
Who should NOT take Valsartan (Diovan)?
Valsartan (Diovan) may not be suitable for all patients with high blood pressure. These groups include:
- People who are allergic to Valsartan (Diovan) or other similar medications
- Those who have heart, liver, or kidney problems (or had a kidney transplant)
- People who have diabetes
- People who are on a low-salt diet
- Those who have low blood pressure
- Women who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant
What drugs are similar to Valsartan (Diovan)?
There are some drugs that are similar to Valsartan (Diovan). Some of these are:
Does Valsartan have a generic form?
Valsartan is the generic form of the medication. Its brand name is Diovan.
What is the price of Valsartan (Diovan) without insurance?
Valsartan costs an average of $138.96 for 30 tablets of 160 mg in the market.
Look up Valsartan (Diovan) on NSUR’s NSURx price look-up tool to find the pharmacy nearest to you with the lowest price.
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