Diovan

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

Drugs 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

DIOVAN

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.

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

There 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.