Diovan® (valsartan) is a nonpeptide, orally active, and specific angiotensin II antagonist acting on the AT₁ receptor subtype.Valsartan is chemically described as N-(1-oxopentyl)-N-[[2′-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl) [1,1′-biphenyl]-4-yl]methyl]-L-valine. Its empirical formula is C₂₄H₂₉N₅O₃, its molecular weight is 435.5, and its structural formula is Valsartan is a white to practically white fine powder. It is soluble in ethanol and methanol and slightly soluble in water.Diovan is available as tablets for oral administration, containing 40 mg, 80 mg, 160 mg or 320 mg of valsartan. The inactive ingredients of the tablets are colloidal silicon dioxide, crospovidone, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, iron oxides (yellow, black and/or red), magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol 8000, and titanium dioxide.
Common uses
This medicine is an angiotensin ii receptor antagonist used to treat high blood pressure. It may also be used to treat congestive heart failure and other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Before using
Warning: this drug can cause serious fetal harm if used during the last six months of pregnancy. If pregnancy occurs, stop using this drug and immediately contact your physician. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you have liver or kidney disease. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding.
Directions
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. Store this medicine at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. If you are only taking one dose a day and do not remember your missed dose until the next day, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Cautions
Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks.Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. Before using any potassium supplements or salt substitutes, consult your doctor or pharmacist. For women: use of this medicine during pregnancy has resulted in fetal and newborn death. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor immediately. It is unknown if this drug is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine.
Possible side effects
Side effects, that may go away during treatment, include dizziness, headaches, abdominal/stomach pain, and unusual tiredness. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
If you take too much
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include very low blood pressure, very fast or very slow heartbeat.
Additional information
Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out
Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.