Diovan
Overview
- About Diovan
Why should Diovan not be prescribed?
Return to topDo not take Diovan or Diovan HCT while pregnant. Avoid both drugs if they cause an allergic reaction, and do not take Diovan HCT if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a Sulfa drug such as sulfamethoxazole. Also avoid Diovan HCT if you have trouble urinating.
Special warnings about Diovan
Return to topIn rare cases, Diovan and Diovan HCT can cause a severe drop in blood pressure, especially in heart attack patients or patients with heart failure. The problem is more likely if your body's supply of water has been depleted by high doses of diuretics. Symptoms include light-headedness or faintness, and are more likely when you first start taking the drug. Diovan HCT can also cause dry mouth, weakness, drowsiness, muscle cramps, nausea, and vomiting. Call your doctor if any of these symptoms occur. Stopping the drug is not necessary, though you may need to have your dosage adjusted.
Use Diovan HCT with caution if you have a history of allergy or bronchial asthma, or suffer from the condition called lupus erythematosus. Report a rapid or irregular pulse to your doctor.
If you have liver or kidney disease, Diovan and Diovan HCT must be used with caution. Be sure the doctor is aware of either problem. Also let the doctor know if you suffer from gout or diabetes.
The safety and effectiveness of Diovan and Diovan HCT have not been studied in children.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Diovan
Return to topCheck with your doctor before combining Diovan with salt substitutes that contain potassium, or with diuretics that leave potassium in the body, including the following:
- Amiloride
- Spironolactone
- Triamterene
- Alcohol
- Cholestyramine
- Colestipol
- Corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone and prednisone
- Glipizide
- Glyburide
- Insulin
- Lithium
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen
- Other blood pressure medications such as diltiazem, metoprolol, and nifedipine
- Phenobarbital
- Narcotic drugs such as morphine or codeine products
The hydrochlorothiazide in Diovan HCT may interact with a variety of drugs. Be sure to check with your doctor before combining Diovan HCT with the following:
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Return to topDrugs such as Diovan and Diovan HCT can cause injury or even death to the unborn child when used during the last 6 months of pregnancy. As soon as you find out that you're pregnant, stop taking the drug and call your doctor. Both of these drugs may also appear in breast milk and could affect the nursing infant. If the medication is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to avoid breastfeeding while you are taking Diovan or Diovan HCT.
Recommended dosage for Diovan
Return to topDIOVAN
High Blood Pressure
The usual starting dose is 80 or 160 milligrams or more once a day. If your blood pressure does not go down, your doctor may increase the dose or add a diuretic to your regimen. The maximum recommended dose is 320 milligrams a day.
Heart Failure
The usual starting dose is 40 milligrams taken twice a day. The doctor may increase the dose to 80 or 160 milligrams twice daily depending on your tolerance for the drug. The maximum dose is 320 milligrams daily.
Heart Attack
Diovan may be given as early as 12 hours after a heart attack. The usual starting dose is 20 milligrams twice a day. Within a week, your doctor may increase the dosage to 40 milligrams twice a day, and continue increasing it up to 160 milligrams twice daily. Diovan may be given with other standard post-heart attack medication such as thrombolytics, aspirin, beta-blockers, and statins.
DIOVAN HCT
The usual starting dose when switching from Diovan to Diovan HCT is one 80 milligram/12.5 milligram or one 160 milligram/12.5 milligram tablet daily. Daily dosage may be increased to a maximum of 160 milligrams of valsartan and 25 milligrams of hydrochlorothiazide.
Overdosage
Return to topThere has been little experience with overdosage. However, the most likely results would be extremely low blood pressure and an abnormally slow or rapid heartbeat. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
