Valsartan (
Diovan®) is a prescription medicine that has been licensed to treat several conditions related to the heart and blood vessels. It is part of a class of drugs called angiotensin II receptor blockers, or ARBs for short.
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking valsartan if you have:
- Heart disease
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease or kidney failure
- Diabetes
- Gallstones or other gallbladder problems
- Any allergies, including allergies to other angiotensin II receptor blockers, foods, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you are currently taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Do not take any salt substitutes containing potassium or potassium supplements without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with valsartan. However, not everyone who takes it will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate the medication well. If side effects do occur, they are often minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
The most common side effects include:
- Infection with a virus, such as the common cold or flu
- Dizziness
- An increase in blood potassium levels
- Cough
- Fatigue
- Stomach pain
- Extremely low blood pressure
- Diarrhea.
(Click Side Effects of Valsartan to learn more, including serious side effects you should report to your healthcare provider.)
You can also read about other possible side effects in the following eMedTV articles:
Uses of valsartan include:
Valsartan is part of a class of drugs called angiotensin II receptor blockers. As the name implies, the medication blocks angiotensin II receptors. This decreases the effectiveness of a chemical known as angiotensin II, which normally causes blood vessels to narrow (constrict). By blocking the effects of angiotensin II, valsartan causes blood vessels to relax, which can
lower blood pressure.
By helping blood vessels relax, the medication also increases the efficiency of the heart. This means that the heart does not have to work as hard and more blood can be pumped out to the rest of the body. Both of these effects are helpful for a person with
congestive heart failure.
A
blood pressure reading consists of two numbers -- for example: 120/80. The top number is known as the
systolic blood pressure and the bottom number is the
diastolic blood pressure. During clinical studies in people taking valsartan, systolic
blood pressure decreased by 6 to 9 mmHg, on average, and diastolic blood pressure decreased by 3 to 6 mmHg, on average. Certain factors, such as dose, affected how much the blood pressure dropped.
For people with congestive
heart failure, the effects of the medication on the heart and blood vessels have been shown to decrease hospitalizations and loss of life.
When and How Do I Take It?
Some general considerations for when and how to take valsartan include the following:
- The medication comes in tablet form. It is usually taken once or twice a day.
- Valsartan may be taken with or without food.
- The medication should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level in your blood.
- For valsartan to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. The medication will not work if you stop taking it.
The dose of valsartan your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- The medical condition being treated
- Your weight (for children)
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you may be taking
- How you respond to the drug.
As with any medication, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
What If I Take an Overdose?
People who take too much valsartan may have overdose symptoms that can include an extremely low
blood pressure or an increased heart rate. If you happen to take too much, seek immediate medical attention.
How Should Valsartan Be Stored?
Valsartan should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. The tablets should be kept in an airtight container.
Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your valsartan as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and continue with normal dosing. Never take a double dose.
Valsartan tablets are available in several strengths, including:
- Valsartan 40 mg
- Valsartan 80 mg
- Valsartan 160 mg
- Valsartan 320 mg.
Is It Available in Generic Form?
Valsartan is not currently available as a generic medicine
(see Generic Valsartan for more information).
Valsartan is manufactured by Novartis Pharmaceuticals.
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