subject: DIOVAN 160 mg for Effective Management of Blood Pressure [print this page] DIOVAN 160 mg for Effective Management of Blood Pressure
DIOVAN 160 mg for Effective Management of Blood Pressure
Marketed by Novartis, Diovan is an oral medication that belongs to a classification of drugs called angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). Angiotensin, created in the blood by the action of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) is a powerful chemical that attaches to angiotensin receptors found in many tissues but primarily on smooth muscle cells of blood vessels. Angiotensin's attachment to the receptors causes the blood vessels to thin, which leads to an increase in blood pressure. This is where Diovan proves effective duly blocking the angiotensin receptor. By blocking the action of angiotensin, Diovan expands blood vessels and lowers blood pressure.
Role of Diovan as a Prescription
Available in strengths of 40, 80, 160 and 320 mg, Diovan is prescribed in the treatment of high blood pressure and heart failure. It is also prescribed for patients post cardiac failure, since Diovan may reduce death in patients who developed congestive heart failure after a heart attack. The use of Diovan may also limit hospitalizations in congestive heart failure patients. Diovan is fast acting and starts reducing blood pressure from the very first day. One Diovan tablet a day can help lower your blood pressure for a full 24 hours, which proves its efficacy. To ensure that Diovan is helping to control your blood pressure condition, your blood pressure needs to be monitored on a regular basis. It is essential that no doctor appointments are missed. Note: It may take anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks of using Diovan before blood pressure is brought under control. For optimum results, keep using the medication as directed by your physician. However, if after 4 weeks there is no improvement in your blood pressure readings, consult your physician for a dosage change. It is advisable to keep using this medication even if blood pressure is under control.
Diovan Contra Indications
Diovan is not prescribed to patients with hypersensitivity to any of the components of the medication and to other sulfonamide-derived drugs; pregnancy; severe hepatic impairment; biliary cirrhosis and cholestasis; anuria; severe renal impairment; refractory hypokalaemia; hyponatraemia, hypercalcaemia and symptomatic hyperuricaemia.
Diovan Side Effects
Some of the common reactions to the drug are:
Dizziness
Lightheadedness
Tiredness
Blurred vision
Some other side effects could take place, such as change in the amount of urine, signs of infection, for example, fever, chills and nausea, abdominal pain, yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine and uncommon tiredness. Symptoms of an allergy to Diovan could be rash, itching/facial swelling, severe dizziness and trouble breathing end_of_the_skype_highlighting.
Reasons for Caution
Patients allergic to ACE inhibitors or those with a history of kidney disease, liver disease, high blood levels of potassium and severe dehydration (and loss of electrolytes such as sodium) should keep the physician informed of their condition. Dizziness is common and users should not drive a vehicle or operate heavy machinery. They should also get up slowly from a horizontal position to avoid a wave of dizziness.
