Diovan, also known as Valsartan, is a medication used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. This drug also improves the chances of living longer after experiencing a heart attack. If the blood pressure is lowered, then your chances of high blood pressure, stroke, heart attacks, and kidney problems.

How does Diovan work?

Valsartan belongs to a class of drugs known as angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). ARBs work by blocking the action of angiotensin II by preventing it from binding to angiotensin receptors on the muscles surrounding the blood vessels. This makes the blood vessels enlarge, which then reduces blood pressure.

Always follow your doctor’s directions about taking medication.
Before using this medication, read the enclosed information and instructions.

• Take this medication by mouth with or without food
• Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. For children, the dosage is based on weight.
• For the liquid form of medication, shake the bottle well for at least 10 seconds before each use. Carefully measure the dose with the provided spoon. Do not use a household spoon.
• Take the drug at the same time every day.
• Keep taking this medication even if you feel well because most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.

Tell your doctor if you have a medical history of:

• Liver disease
• Loss of too much body water
• Dehydration

This drug can make you feel dizzy, so limiting your use of cannabis and alcoholic drinks may be beneficial if you want to avoid further dizziness.

This drug may increase your potassium levels. Tell your doctor before taking potassium supplements or salt substitutes that contain potassium.

Tell your doctor or dentist that you are on Diovan before undergoing any type of surgery or procedure.

Some common side effects of Diovan include, but are not limited to:

• Dizziness
• Lightheadedness
• Get up slowly from a sitting or lying position to reduce the chance of dizziness

Tell your doctor right away if you experience:

• Fainting
• Symptoms of high potassium blood level (muscle weakness, slow or irregular heartbeat)
• Kidney problems (change in the amount of urine)
• An allergic reaction to the drug (hives, rash, itching, swelling of the face, tongue, or throat)

Can pregnant women take this drug?

Diovan is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby, so consult your doctor if you become pregnant while taking Diovan. It is now known if it passes into the breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.