Indications for Generic Diovan
Diovan or valsartan is a medication that is classified as an angiotensin II receptor antagonist. It works through preventing angiotensin II, which is a type of hormone, from narrowing the blood vessels causing blood pressure to go up.
Diovan could be prescribed alone or in combination with other medications for blood pressure like diuretics.
Diovan is generally used for the management of blood pressure. It is also usually administered to patients who have recently had a heart attack to lower the risk of death.
Important Information about Generic Diovan
You should not take Diovan if you have an allergy to valsartan or to other similar medications.
Diovan should be taken regularly so that it can be effective. Because blood pressure generally declines slowly, it could take up to a couple of weeks before you start getting the full benefit of the medication. It is important, however, to continue taking Diovan for the whole duration it has been prescribed for you even if you are already feeling better.
Diovan should not be used as a cure for high blood pressure. Diovan should only be used to keep your blood pressure under control.
To be sure that Diovan would not be interacting with any drugs that you are taking, make sure to let your doctor know about any other prescription and non-prescription drugs that you are taking especially if you are taking salt substitutes which contain potassium or if you are taking diuretics like amiloride, triamterene and spironolactone.
Diovan belongs to the FDA pregnancy category D, which means that it can cause harm to a developing baby. Make sure to tell your doctor right away if you are pregnant, are planning to get pregnant, become pregnant during treatment or are nursing.
Tell your doctor of any existing medical conditions you are receiving treatment for, especially if you have asthma, diabetes, lupus erythematosus and kidney or liver disease. If you have these, you may be advised by your physician to take the medication in a lower dose.
Dosage and Administration of Generic Diovan
Diovan or valsartan should only be taken as your doctor has prescribed it for you. Never take it in a larger dose or for a longer period of time than what has been advised by your physician.
Each dose of Diovan could be taken with or without meals. It would be advisable, however, to try taking the medication at around the same time every day. This would not only make the medication more effective but it would help you to remember taking your dose.
If you do miss your dose, take it as soon as you remember; but if the next dose is almost up, you could just skip the one that you missed and then take the next scheduled dose. Do not take double doses at once.
If you overdose on Diovan, it is important to seek emergency medical care right away. Some of the symptoms of a Diovan overdose would include an unusually slow or rapid heart rate and extremely low blood pressure.
Possible Side Effects of Generic Diovan
Diovan or valsartan may cause some side effects including blurred vision, abdominal pain, dizziness, diarrhea, back pain, cough, runny or stuffy nose, rash, fainting, nausea fatigue, low blood pressure, joint pain, headache, swelling, sore throat, upper respiratory tract infections, swollen mouth and throat and vertigo.