Diovan 160mg Tablet 14 ‘S

Diovan 160mg Tablet 14 ‘S is prescribed for the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure)

Diovan 160mg Tablet 14 ‘S contains Valsartan (angiotensin receptor blocker)

Diovan 160mg Tablet 14 ‘S is to be taken orally (via mouth)

Diovan 160mg Tablet 14 ‘S is prescribed to adults only 

Diovan 160mg Tablet 14 ‘S is not to be ingested without a physician’s advice

 

Description

About

This drug is prescribed to patients with high blood pressure (normal blood pressure for adult’s is usually 120/80 mmHg) and to decrease the risk of heart failure/stroke in patients.Hypertension left untreated can cause severe damage to the brain,heart,kidney,blood vessels and other body organs.High blood pressure is also caused by narrowing of the arteries (blood vessels that take blood to the organs) thus Diovan 160mg Tablet 14 ‘S helps prevent the decrease in diameter of the vessels keeping them healthy and working efficiently.

A tablet or two,daily is the usual prescribed dose.Diovan 160mg Tablet 14 ‘S is to be taken regularly,preferably at the same time each day to help the patient remember their daily dose.The patient ought to discuss with their physician before ceasing intake of the medicine even if the patient is no longer suffering from common symptoms of the hypertension as ceasing the intake of the medicine has reported in cases of rebound hypertension (the re-emergence of high blood pressure),therefore, physicians taper of the Diovan 160mg Tablet 14 ‘S’s dosage before completely stopping it.

Diovan 160mg Tablet 14 ‘S might show mild side effects such as headaches,dizziness and stomach problems which resolve on their own in a few days’ time.Diovan 160mg Tablet 14 ‘S is not safe to be prescribed to pregnant or lactating mothers.While undergoing treatment with Diovan 160mg Tablet 14 ‘S,the physician may ask the patient to get certain lab work done periodically to monitor the effects of the drug on the patient’s body and monitor the patient’s blood pressure and potassium levels regularly.Accordingly the physician may change the dosage of the drug prescribed.

Indications

Diovan 160mg Tablet 14 ‘S can be used to treat:

  •  Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
  • Reduce the risk of stroke in patients of heart disease

How Does Diovan 160mg Tablet 14 ‘S Work

This drug belongs to a group of drugs known as Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers.Angiotensin is a natural hormone found in the body that works by narrowing the blood vessels in the human body.Diovan 160mg Tablet 14 ‘S works by inhibiting angiotensin from performing its duties and therefore preventing the narrowing of blood vessels and aiding the free and proper flow of blood to the organs and through the blood vessels.

How To Use Diovan 160mg Tablet 14 ‘S

A tablet of Diovan 160mg Tablet 14 ‘S is prescribed per day to be taken orally (by mouth) either with or without food.Diovan 160mg Tablet 14 ‘S’s dosage may differ for each patient as the treatment regime for each patient depends upon their weight,stage of illness,each patient’s response to Diovan 160mg Tablet 14 ‘S and any pre-existing medical condition a patient might have.Diovan 160mg Tablet 14 ‘S is not prescribed to patients under the age of 18 years nor is it prescribed to expecting,lactating mothers nor to women who are planning to start a family.

The first dose of Diovan 160mg Tablet 14 ‘S is recommended to be taken a few hours before bedtime as Diovan 160mg Tablet 14 ‘S may cause drowsiness.It is advised to not stop treatment abruptly without consulting a doctor as the risk of heart failure and stroke is significantly increased without the drug.If you miss a dose of the medication,make sure you take it as soon as possible on that same day. If you don’t remember you missed the dose until the next day,do not double the dose and take your medication as per schedule as that will lead to serious adverse effects.If this happens very often,try setting an alarm as a reminder.

Dosage

Adult Dosage 

One tablet in a day.At times depending on the patient’s response to the treatment and the severity of the illness the doctor can prescribe two tablets a day .

Elderly Dosage 

For patients over the age of 75 years, the drug’s dosage may be lower than usual.If after a few weeks the patient’s blood pressure levels do not decrease the physician may increase the patient’s dosage.

Pregnancy Use And Lactation

This drug is not to be taken or prescribed to expecting and lactating mothers as it may have fatal consequences for the unborn child.If you are taking the drug and become pregnant,inform your doctor immediately.Small amounts of this drug can be transferred to the child through breast milk and therefore cause low blood pressure in the child thus Diovan 160mg Tablet 14 ‘S isn’t recommended to lactating mothers.If you are planning to conceive and are taking losartan as treatment, then refer to the doctor.The physician is likely to change your medicine and dosage.

Contraindications

Please tell your doctor if you have a history of any of the following before using Diovan 160mg Tablet 14 ‘S:

  • Cholestasis 
  • Allergy to Diovan 160mg Tablet 14 ‘S or any other medicine or food substance
  • Biliary obstructive disorders 
  • Severe hepatic impairment
  • Primary hyperaldosteronism
  • Severe cardiac insufficiency 
  • Severe renal impairment 
  • Cholestasis 

Precautions

Please tell your doctor about any of the following conditions before using Diovan 160mg Tablet 14 ‘S:

  • Mild to moderate hepatic impairment
  • Mild to moderate renal impairment
  • Salt or volume depletion
  • Renal artery stenosis
  • Mild to moderate cardiac insufficiency 
  • Aortic or mitral stenosis
  • Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy 
  • History of angioedema

Interactions With Other Medications

Please tell your doctor about the use of the following before using Diovan 160mg Tablet 14 ‘S:

  • K+ sparing diuretics
  • K+ supplements
  • Salt substitutes 
  • Other antihypertensives
  • Lithium 
  • NSAIDs 
  • Heparin
  • Cyclosporin 
  • Ritonavir
  • Rifampicin
  • Aldosterone antagonists

Adverse Effects

Common Adverse Effects

Like most medicines,Diovan 160mg Tablet 14 ‘S has certain side effects which include:

  • Dry cough 
  • Dizziness 
  • Fatigue 
  • Stomach problems (such as,vomiting,diarrhea,constipation,nausea)
  • Headaches
  • Pain in joints and muscles

These effects tend to be mild and resolve in a few days of taking Diovan 160mg Tablet 14 ‘S.

Rare Adverse Effects

If any of the following adverse effects are seen or felt,the patient is advised to immediately contact their doctor:

  • Yellowing of skin and eyes
  • Arrhythmias 
  • Muscle cramps 
  • Fever
  • Sore throat
  • Bruising on the skin

 How To Cope With Some Of The Adverse Effects

  • Fatigue- Patients experiencing this adverse effect, are advised to take deep breaths,intake tea or coffee,get a good night’s rest and not to over burden themselves for a few days.
  • Headaches- In which case make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. Avoid the use of alcohol. Take a prescribed painkiller. Consult your doctor if the headaches last longer than a week or are severe
  • Feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting) or diarrhoea –Avoid eating rich or spicy food. It might help to take medication after food. If you’re being sick, try drinking small, frequent sips of water. If you have diarrhoea, replenish with plenty of water or other fluids. 
  • Feeling dizzy (lightheaded) or weak –If the medication makes you feel dizzy or weak, stop what you’re doing and sit or lie down until you feel better and do not rise too fast or immediately from a sitting or lying down position to a standing posture. Do not drive or use tools or machinery in case of any of these effects.
  • Muscular Aches And Pains- A hot or cold compress can be placed at the area of discomfort to bring relief;an over the counter pain reliever such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can be ingested to bring ease aswell. Avoid high intensity exercise while suffering from muscular pain.

FAQS

#1.HOW LONG WILL I HAVE TO CONTINUE TAKING THE MEDICATION?

It is a long-term treatment and you might have to continue taking the medication even for the rest of your life.

#2.CAN I CONSUME ALCOHOL WITH Diovan 160mg Tablet 14 ‘S?

Alcohol is also known to lower your blood pressure which if taken with the medication may lead to extreme dizziness. It is best to avoid the intake of alcohol during the course of your treatment.

#3.CAN LIFESTYLE CHANGES HELP ME WITH MY CONDITION?

Yes. you can adopt certain healthy lifestyle changes in order to help with high blood pressure. These include quitting smoking, avoiding alcohol, eating a wholesome diet consisting of fresh vegetables and fruits with the cut down of salt, and incorporating physical activity in your daily routine.

#4.CAN I TAKE Diovan 160mg Tablet 14 ‘S DURING MY PREGNANCY?

No.This medication has been known to cause harm to the fetus and cause complications during your pregnancy. Hence,it is advised to consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant or may think you are pregnant.

#5.WHAT IF I TAKE TOO MUCH OF Diovan 160mg Tablet 14 ‘S?

In case of too much consumption by accident, kindly contact your doctor or nearby hospital straight away. The amount of medication that can result in severe side effects varies from person to person. An overdose results in slowing down of heart rate and difficulty breathing accompanied by dizziness and fainting spells.

#6.WHAT IF I FORGET TO TAKE THE Diovan 160mg Tablet 14 ‘S?

If you miss a dose of the medication, make sure you take it as soon as possible on that same day. If you don’t remember you missed the dose until the next day, do not double the dose and take your medication as per schedule as that will lead to serious adverse effects. If this happens very often, try setting an alarm as a reminder.

#7.IS IT SAFE TO HAVE Diovan 160mg Tablet 14 ‘S BEFORE UNDERGOING ANY SURGICAL PROCEDURE?

If the surgical procedure involves general anesthesia, the surgeon may ask the patient to stop their intake of the drug for 24 hours as general anesthesia also tends to lower blood pressure levels in a few patients.

#8.DOES Diovan 160mg Tablet 14 ‘S CAUSE ADDICTION?

No.This drug has shown no evidence to prove addiction of any kind in any patient.

#9.HOW DOES Diovan 160mg Tablet 14 ‘S WORK?

Diovan 160mg Tablet 14 ‘S works by inhibiting angiotensin from performing its duties and therefore preventing the narrowing of blood vessels and aiding the free and proper flow of blood to the organs and through the blood vessels.

#10.HOW IS Diovan 160mg Tablet 14 ‘S SUPPOSED TO BE TAKEN?

The medicine can be ingested orally (from the mouth) either with or without food and is to be taken with water to ease the medicine into the throat.

#11.WILL Diovan 160mg Tablet 14 ‘S INTERFERE WITH ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES?

There is no evidence showing that Diovan 160mg Tablet 14 ‘S causes any problems when taken along with oral contraceptives. Inform the doctor of the oral contraceptives being taken as a few contraceptives medicines are not recommended for women with high blood pressure.

#12.CAN I DRIVE AFTER TAKING THIS MEDICATION?

This medication is known to make you dizzy hence, if that happens kindly avoid driving or operating any heavy machinery.

 

Additional information

Type

Tablet

Feature

160mg

Unit

'S

Formula

Valsartan

Composition

Valsartan 160 mg

Brand

Novartis

Prescription Required

Yes