Diovan (Valsartan)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Diovan Used For?
Diovan contains valsartan, which belongs to a group of medicines called angiotensin II receptor antagonists (AIIRAs). It works by blocking certain receptors to help relax blood vessels and improve heart function.
Primary Uses
Diovan is used to control high blood pressure (hypertension), treat heart failure by helping the heart function better and relieving symptoms, and treat people after a heart attack to reduce the risk of further heart damage and complications.
How It Works
Diovan works by blocking angiotensin II receptors, which helps blood vessels relax and allows blood to flow more easily. This reduces blood pressure and helps the heart work more efficiently.
How to Take Diovan
Take Diovan exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The dosage depends on your condition and how well you respond to treatment.
Dosage Instructions
For high blood pressure: Usually start with 80 mg once daily. If blood pressure remains high after 4 weeks, your doctor may increase to 160-320 mg once daily. For heart failure: Usually start with 40 mg twice daily, may increase gradually up to 160 mg twice daily. After heart attack: Usually start with 20 mg (half of 40 mg tablet) twice daily, may increase gradually up to 160 mg twice daily. Take at the same time each day to help you remember.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Otherwise, take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose as this may increase the chance of unwanted side effects.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Tiredness
- Diarrhea, constipation, or gas
- Muscle or joint pain
- Stomach pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dry cough
- Sore throat or hoarse voice
- Runny or blocked nose
- Skin blistering
- Difficulty sleeping
- Feeling anxious
- Tingling or numbness in hands or feet
- Sexual function problems
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Swelling of hands, feet, or limbs
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Severe dizziness or fainting
- Signs of liver disease (nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, feeling unwell, fever, itching, yellowing of skin and eyes, dark urine)
- Constant flu-like symptoms
- Allergic reactions (rash, swelling of face/lips/tongue, difficulty breathing)
Important Warnings
Before taking Diovan, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and medications to ensure it’s safe for you.
Who Should Not Take Diovan
Do not take Diovan if you are allergic to valsartan or any ingredients, are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, have severe liver problems or bile duct blockage, or are taking other blood pressure medications containing aliskiren and have type 2 diabetes.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have heart disease, kidney problems, liver problems, are on dialysis, have had severe vomiting or diarrhea, have low sodium levels or blood pressure, have primary hyperaldosteronism (Conn’s syndrome), or have obstructed blood flow through the heart.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Do not take Diovan if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, as it could harm your unborn baby. It’s not recommended while breastfeeding as it’s unknown if valsartan passes into breast milk. Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while taking Diovan.
Pregnancy Warning: Do not take Diovan during pregnancy as it could harm your unborn baby. Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while taking this medication.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Diovan and affect how it works. You may need different doses or different medicines.
- Beta-blockers (for blood pressure or heart conditions)
- ACE-inhibitors or aliskiren (for blood pressure or heart conditions)
- Diuretics (water or fluid pills)
- Potassium supplements (e.g., Slow-K), salt substitutes with potassium, or drugs that increase potassium (heparin, trimethoprim)
- Lithium (for psychiatric conditions)
- Antibiotics (rifamycins), anti-rejection drugs (Cyclosporin), antiretrovirals (Ritonavir)
- Anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs like Celebrex, Voltaren, Indocid) or Cox-2 inhibitors
Alcohol & Driving
Diovan can cause tiredness, sleepiness, or dizziness in some people, which may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery safely.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before driving or using machines until you know how Diovan affects you. If you experience tiredness, sleepiness, or dizziness, do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous. If you feel dizzy or light-headed, be careful when getting up from sitting or lying down. Get up slowly and flex your leg muscles to improve blood flow.
Storage
Keep tablets in the original container until it’s time to take them. Store in a cool, dry place at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills. Keep out of reach of children in a locked cupboard at least 1.5 meters above ground.
Overdose Information
If you think you’ve taken too much Diovan, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Call the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department, even if you feel fine. Overdose symptoms may include dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, rapid shallow breathing, cold clammy skin, and faster than normal heartbeat due to low blood pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
For high blood pressure, your doctor will check if your blood pressure is controlled after 4 weeks. If it’s still too high, they may increase your dose or add another medication.
The medication guide doesn’t specify food restrictions, but it’s best to take it at the same time each day as part of your routine, such as at breakfast time.
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember and return to your normal schedule. Never take a double dose.
Do not stop taking Diovan unless your doctor tells you to. Continue taking it until your doctor instructs you to stop, and keep all doctor appointments to monitor your progress.
Taking too much may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, rapid breathing, cold skin, and fast heartbeat due to low blood pressure. Seek immediate medical attention by calling 13 11 26 or going to the emergency department.
Yes, remind any doctor, dentist, or pharmacist you visit that you are taking Diovan, as it may interact with other medications or treatments.
Keep tablets in the original container in a cool, dry place at room temperature. Don’t store in bathrooms, cars, or near windows. Keep away from children in a locked cupboard.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.