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Diovan (valsartan) is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist used to treat high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, and to reduce mortality following a heart attack. The medication works by relaxing and widening blood vessels, which lowers blood pressure and reduces strain on the heart.

Diovan can be used in patients age 6 and up. In the majority of cases it is administered by tablet, but it also comes as a fluid for those who have difficulty swallowing pills.

What to Expect from Diovan

Treatment with Diovan is typically long-term, sometimes for the remainder of life if the underlying cause of the condition cannot be resolved. Regular doctor checkups are highly advisable for the duration of treatment, to ensure the medication is still providing benefit and to monitor for any developing complications. Conditions like high blood pressure are notorious for not producing symptoms until very serious damage has been done; it's critical that treatment continue even if feeling fine.

Tablets may be taken with or without food according to personal preference. They should be taken at the same time every day to keep levels of the medication consistent in the body.

Dosage will ultimately depend on age, other medications being taken, and individual response to treatment. Again it's important to work with a doctor to determine the ideal dosage.

For treating high blood pressure:

• Treatment usually starts with 80 mg taken once per day.
• Dosage may be increased in increments of 40 to 80 mg every one to two weeks if needed.
• The maximum daily dose is 320 mg, taken once per day.
• In most cases adding an additional hypertension treatment, such as a diuretic, provides more benefit than increasing Diovan dosage past 80 or 160 mg per day.

For congestive heart failure:

• Treatment usually starts with 80 mg per day, divided into two 40 mg doses taken morning and evening.
• Dosage may be increased after one to two weeks to 160 mg per day, taken in two 80 mg doses.
• For heart failure the ideal dose is 320 mg per day, divided into two 160 mg doses.
• Not all patients will be able to tolerate 320 mg doses without side effects; in these cases the highest tolerated dose is desirable.
• Do not exceed 320 mg per day.

Following a heart attack:

• Treatment usually starts with 40 mg per day, divided into two 20 mg doses.
• Dosage may be increased weekly up to 320 mg per day, divided into two 160 mg doses.

In all cases substantial results should be seen after two weeks of treatment, though it may not be apparent outside of laboratory testing. Maximum benefit should be seen after four weeks of taking Diovan.

As a general rule, any medication that influences blood pressure should not be stopped abruptly; doing so can cause potentially serious complications. Speak with a doctor about a discontinuation plan before stopping treatment with Diovan.

Warnings & Side Effects

Patients should understand that no matter what Diovan is prescribed for it will lower blood pressure. At the start of treatment side effects associated with low blood pressure are relatively common, including:

• Dizziness
• Lightheadedness
• Mild confusion
• Difficulty concentrating
• Fatigue
• Nausea

The above symptoms are not cause for concern unless severe or persistent. In most cases they're mild and stop occurring as the body adjusts to its new blood pressure.

Unfortunately some individuals have more serious reactions. Warning signs that warrant immediate medical attention include:

• Severe confusion
• Weak heartbeat
• Rapid heartbeat
• Cold, clammy, and/or pale skin
• Fainting
• Vision changes

Certain other medications or medical conditions put patients at greater risk of experiencing serious side effects. Stay alert for warning signs if:

• Any other cardiovascular conditions are present
• There is any history of liver or kidney impairment
• Any other medications are being taken that influence blood pressure or heart rate

Diovan can cause harm or even death to unborn babies if taken while pregnant. Effects on breastfeeding babies are less clear.

Co-Diovan (valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide) is a treatment for high blood pressure usually prescribed for those patients who did not respond well to treatment with valsartan alone. 

The two active ingredients in Co-Diovan complement each other, resulting in a more powerful medication: 

• Valsartan blocks a hormone called angiotensin II, which regulates blood pressure and fluid balances. When the hormone is blocked, blood vessels naturally widen and urine production increases, both actions which help lower blood pressure.
• Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic which further increases urine output by filtering salts out of the bloodstream, an action which also removes water from the blood. The end result is a lower overall volume of blood, which reduces blood pressure.

Lowering blood pressure reduces the workload of the heart and decreases the risk of risk of stroke and blood vessel damage. 

Using Co-Diovan to Lower Blood Pressure 

Co-Diovan tablets range in strength from 80 to 320 mg of valsartan and 12.5 to 25 mg of hydrochlorothiazide. Dosage strength will depend on the patient and the severity of the high blood pressure and should only be determined by a doctor. The lowest possible dose is desirable to prevent adverse effects. 

Following a few simple guidelines, treatment with Co-Diovan is easy: 

• Take once daily with fluids, preferably in morning as the medication will increase urine production.
• Don't crush, dissolve, chew or otherwise damage tablets; swallow whole.
• The medication stays in the body for around 24 hours, so taking it at the same time each day is ideal.
• It may be taken with or without food, but whichever route is chosen should remain consistent.
• Full effects are felt after 2 to 4 weeks of treatment.

Duration of treatment is highly variable. This medication is often given when valsartan alone is not effective, when the cause of the high blood pressure is unknown, and when efforts to lower blood pressure through lifestyle changes are ineffective; all situations which generally call for long-term treatment. 

Never take more of this medication than prescribed, or combine it with other blood pressure reducing treatments unless specifically approved by a doctor. Severely low blood pressure is every bit as dangerous as high blood pressure and can be fatal. Warning signs include extreme dizziness and fainting. If this occurs, call for medical help and, if possible, lie down until it arrives. 

Precautions & Side Effects 

While this medication may sound like a simple diuretic, the alteration of salts and fluids in the blood can impact every bodily system. In the interest of maximizing effectiveness and safety, be aware of potential complications: 

• Check with a doctor or pharmacist before using other medications with Co-Diovan; it is known to interact with many prescription and non-prescription drugs.
• Alcohol should be used with caution during treatment; it may further reduce blood pressure.
• This medication should not be used while pregnant or breast feeding except in rare cases where benefits outweigh risks.
• Patients with severe liver or kidney disease, gout, difficulty urinating, low salt levels, diabetes, immune system disorders, and certain heart problems are at greater risk of serious side effects.
• Co-Diovan may cause dizziness or drowsiness; use with caution while driving or performing other complex tasks until you know how the medication effects you. 
  

Side effects are rarely dangerous when other major health issues are not present, including light-headedness, coughing, muscle pain and tinnitus. Often these symptoms will disappear as the body adjusts to treatment. Dehydration is also common during treatment. due to increased urine production. 

See the insert included with the product for a full list of side effects.