Diovan (valsartan) is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) indicated for the treatment of hypertension in adults and pediatric patients 6 years of age and older, to lower blood pressure. It may be used alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents. Diovan is also indicated for heart failure in patients who are intolerant of ACE inhibitors, and to reduce cardiovascular mortality in clinically stable patients with left ventricular failure or dysfunction following myocardial infarction. This medication works by blocking the action of angiotensin II, a substance in the body that causes blood vessels to tighten, resulting in relaxation of blood vessels and subsequent blood pressure reduction.

Features

• Contains valsartan as the active pharmaceutical ingredient
• Available in tablet formulations: 40 mg, 80 mg, 160 mg, and 320 mg strengths
• Film-coated tablets for ease of administration
• Once-daily dosing regimen for most indications
• Demonstrated efficacy in multiple large-scale clinical trials
• Suitable for combination therapy with other antihypertensive agents

Benefits

• Effectively lowers both systolic and diastolic blood pressure measurements
• Reduces the risk of cardiovascular events in post-myocardial infarction patients
• Demonstrates proven efficacy in managing heart failure symptoms
• Offers favorable tolerability profile with low incidence of cough compared to ACE inhibitors
• Provides 24-hour blood pressure control with once-daily dosing
• Shows renal protective effects in hypertensive patients with type 2 diabetes

Common use

Diovan is primarily prescribed for the management of hypertension, either as monotherapy or in combination with other antihypertensive medications. It is commonly used in patients who require angiotensin II receptor blockade but experience cough with ACE inhibitor therapy. The medication is also frequently prescribed for heart failure patients, particularly those who cannot tolerate ACE inhibitors. In clinical practice, Diovan is often utilized in patients with left ventricular dysfunction following myocardial infarction to improve survival and reduce hospitalizations for heart failure.

Dosage and direction

The recommended starting dose for hypertension in adults is 80 mg or 160 mg once daily, with a maximum dose of 320 mg daily. For heart failure, the initial dose is 40 mg twice daily, which may be titrated to 80 mg twice daily and eventually to 160 mg twice daily as tolerated. Pediatric hypertensive patients (6-16 years) should receive doses based on body weight, starting with 1.3 mg/kg once daily (up to 40 mg total), with possible titration to 2.7 mg/kg once daily (maximum 160 mg). Tablets should be swallowed whole with water, with or without food, at approximately the same time each day.

Precautions

Patients should be monitored for hypotension, especially volume-depleted patients or those receiving high-dose diuretics. Regular assessment of renal function and serum potassium is recommended, particularly in patients with renal impairment, diabetes, or those taking potassium supplements. Use with caution in patients with hepatic impairment, as valsartan exposure may be increased. Patients should be advised against becoming pregnant while taking Diovan due to potential fetal harm. Elderly patients may experience enhanced hypotensive effects and require dose adjustment.

Contraindications

Diovan is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to valsartan or any component of the formulation. It must not be used during pregnancy, particularly in the second and third trimesters, due to the risk of fetal injury and death. Concomitant use with aliskiren is contraindicated in patients with diabetes. The medication should not be administered to patients with severe hepatic impairment, biliary cirrhosis, or biliary obstruction.

Possible side effect

Common adverse reactions include dizziness (9%), upper respiratory infection (8%), fatigue (6%), abdominal pain (4%), and diarrhea (4%). Less frequently reported side effects include headache, nausea, viral infection, anemia, arthralgia, and back pain. Serious but rare adverse effects may include angioedema, hepatotoxicity, renal impairment, and hyperkalemia. Postmarketing reports have included cases of thrombocytopenia, increased liver enzymes, and rare instances of rhabdomyolysis.

Drug interaction

Diovan may interact with potassium-sparing diuretics, potassium supplements, or salt substitutes containing potassium, increasing the risk of hyperkalemia. Concurrent use with NSAIDs may reduce the antihypertensive effect and increase the risk of renal impairment. Lithium levels may increase when coadministered with Diovan. The combination with other RAAS inhibitors, particularly aliskiren, is not recommended due to increased risk of renal impairment, hyperkalemia, and hypotension.

Missed dose

If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered on the same day. If it is nearly 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 dose. Consistency in dosing is important for maintaining stable blood pressure control, so patients should be advised to establish a routine for medication administration.

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose may include pronounced hypotension, tachycardia, or bradycardia. Management should focus on supportive care, including intravenous normal saline solution for volume expansion. Hemodialysis may be considered, although valsartan is not significantly removed by dialysis. Vital signs, electrolyte levels, and renal function should be monitored closely. The patient should be placed in supine position with legs elevated if symptomatic hypotension occurs.

Storage

Store Diovan tablets at room temperature between 15-30°C (59-86°F). Keep the medication in its original container with the lid tightly closed to protect from moisture and light. Do not store in bathroom cabinets where humidity levels may fluctuate. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not use tablets that appear discolored, damaged, or beyond their expiration date.

Disclaimer

This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Diovan should only be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. Patients should not alter their dosage or discontinue medication without consulting their physician. The prescribing information provided here may not include all possible uses, directions, precautions, or interactions. Always refer to the official prescribing information for complete details.

Reviews

Clinical studies demonstrate Diovan’s efficacy in blood pressure reduction, with mean reductions of 8-12 mmHg systolic and 5-8 mmHg diastolic at 80-160 mg daily doses. The VALIANT trial showed non-inferiority to captopril in post-MI patients with heart failure. The VALUE trial demonstrated cardiovascular protection comparable to amlodipine. Patient satisfaction surveys indicate good tolerability, with particular appreciation for the once-daily dosing convenience and low incidence of cough compared to ACE inhibitors. Long-term follow-up studies confirm maintained efficacy and safety profile over extended treatment periods.