Diovan (generic name: valsartan; brand names include: Valtan / Valzaar) is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist (ARB), working similar to hydrochlorothiazide.
Diovan is used to:
lower high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults and children, 6 to 16 years of age;
treat heart failure in adults (in these patients, Diovan may lower the need for hospitalization that happens from heart failure);
improve the chance of living longer after a heart attack (myocardial infarction) in adults.
Diovan has helped millions of patients for the past 10 years.
Diovan lowers high blood pressure by blocking a chemical called angiotensin II, which causes blood vessels to narrow, restricting blood flow. Diovan also relaxes and widens your blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more easily, reducing your blood pressure and stress on your heart.
Diovan starts lowering your blood pressure the first day you take it. Just one pill lowers your blood pressure for a full 24 hours.
Recommendations
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Take Diovan exactly as directed.
For treatment of high blood pressure, take Diovan once a day, at the same time each day.
Diovan can be taken with or without food.
It's important that you take your Diovan tablet every day or as directed by your healthcare professional. Usually, Diovan is taken once daily.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is close to your next dose, do not take the missed dose. Just take the next dose at your regular time.
Store Diovan tablets at room temperature. Keep Diovan in a closed container in a dry place.
Precautions
Before taking Diovan, tell your doctor if:
you are allergic to any medicines;
you have heart, liver or kidney problems;
you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding.
Ingredients
Active ingredient: valsartan.