Diovan: Uses And Side Effects
Diovan is a drug whose active ingredient is valsartan. It belongs to a group of medicines known as angiotensin II receptor antagonists.
These drugs help control high blood pressure. High blood pressure makes the heart and arteries work harder. If left untreated, it can damage blood vessels in the brain, heart, and kidneys and cause stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure.
Diovan: operation and use
Angiotensin II is a hormone that causes blood vessels to constrict, resulting in increased blood pressure. Diovan works by blocking the effect of angiotensin II, relaxing blood vessels and lowering blood pressure.
This drug, which is available in the form of coated tablets, can be used to treat three different conditions:
- Hypertension in adults, in children over 6 years of age and adolescents aged 12 to 18 years.
- For the treatment of adult patients after a recent heart attack, between 12 hours and 10 days after the attack. This drug helps reduce the risk of death after a heart attack.
- Adult patients with heart failure. In these patients, treatment usually starts with prescribing 40 mg twice a day.
Of course, the dosage depends on the condition. In many cases, the doctor will gradually increase the dose to a maximum of 160 mg twice a day over several weeks. The final dose depends on the patient’s specific tolerance.
This drug may be given in combination with other heart failure treatments, such as angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs).
Using Diovan with other medicines
The effects of valsartan, the active substance in Diovan, may change when taken with certain other medicines. In that case, the doctor may need to adjust the dose and take other precautions.
The doctor may even need to interrupt treatment with other drugs, such as medications used to lower blood pressure including:
- diuretics
- angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs)
- aliskiren
In addition, doctors should also consider medicines that increase blood potassium levels, such as potassium supplements or potassium-sparing medicines.
Possible side effects of Diovan
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Some side effects can be serious and may require immediate medical attention. The frequency of some side effects may vary depending on the patient’s condition.
The use of this drug can cause allergic reactions manifested by itchy skin. Always consult your doctor if you have complaints such as:
- swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat.
- difficulty breathing or swallowing problems.
- intensely itchy rash.
If you suffer from any of these symptoms, stop taking this drug and contact your doctor . Other common side effects include dizziness, low blood pressure with or without symptoms, and signs of impaired kidney function.
However, other side effects may occur. Usually these are:
- angioedema
- sudden loss of consciousness
- dizziness
- muscle spasms
- abnormal heart rhythm
- cough
- weakness
- stomach ache
Side effects such as dizziness and renal insufficiency are less common in adult patients treated for high blood pressure. However, they are more common in adult patients being treated for heart failure or after a recent heart attack.
What should you do if you experience side effects?
Always consult your doctor or pharmacist if you experience any side effects. By letting them know you can help gather more information about the safety of this medicine.
For better results and to minimize the risk of side effects, always take this medication exactly as your doctor has prescribed.
Conclusion
Overall, studies show that at doses of 160mg to 360mg, Diovan is more effective at controlling blood pressure compared to other medications of the same group. However, it is important to talk to your doctor to find out if this drug is right for you.
