Return to Common Drugs Index
valsartan
Diovan

Pregnancy Risk Category C (D in second and third trimesters)

How supplied
Capsules:
80 mg, 160 mg

Action
Blocks the binding of angiotensin II to receptor sites in vascular smooth muscle and the adrenal gland, which inhibits the pressor effects of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.

Indications & dosage
Hypertension (used alone or with other antihypertensives)--

Adults:
initially, 80 mg P.O. once daily. Expect to see a reduction in blood pressure in 2 to 4 weeks. If additional antihypertensive effect is needed, dosage may be increased to 160 or 320 mg daily, or a diuretic may be added. (Addition of a diuretic has a greater effect than dosage increases beyond 80 mg.) Usual dosage range is 80 to 320 mg daily.

Adverse reactions
CNS:
dizziness, headache, insomnia, fatigue.
CV:
edema.
EENT:
rhinitis, sinusitis, pharyngitis.
GI:
abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea.
Hematologic:
neutropenia.
Metabolic:
hyperkalemia.
Musculoskeletal:
arthralgia.
Respiratory:
upper respiratory tract infection, cough.
Other:
viral infection.

Interactions
Drug-drug.
Diuretics: risk of excessive hypotension. Assess fluid status before starting concomitant therapy. Monitor closely.
Potassium-sparing diuretics, potassium:
increased risk of hyperkalemia. Monitor serum potassium level closely.
Drug-food.
Any food: decreased peak levels. Give drug on an empty stomach.

Effects on diagnostic tests
None reported.

Contraindications
Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to drug.

Nursing considerations

Patient teaching

*Liquid contains alcohol. **May contain tartrazine.  †Canada  ‡Australia  §U.K.  OTCOver the counter
Reactions may be common, uncommon, life-threatening, or COMMON AND LIFE-THREATENING

Return to Common Drugs Index