GENERIC NAME: valsartan

BRAND NAME: Diovan

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Valsartan is the second of a group of drugs known as angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) and is similar to losartan (Cozaar). As such, it blocks the ability of angiotensin II to constrict or squeeze arteries and veins, thereby reducing blood pressure and reducing the pressure in the arteries that the heart must pump against. Valsartan was approved by the FDA in December of 1996.

PRESCRIPTION: yes

GENERIC AVAILABLE: no

PREPARATIONS: Capsules: 80mg, 160mg.

STORAGE: Capsules should be stored below at room temperature, 15-30°C (59-86°F).

PRESCRIBED FOR: Valsartan is used to treat high blood pressure. It may be used alone or in combination with other agents. It has less of an effect in black patients like the ACE inhibitors such as captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), benazepril (Lotensin), and lisinopril (Zestril). Valsartan is being studied for use in patients with congestive heart failure.

DOSING: The usual dose in patients with hypertension is 80 mg once daily, but doses of up to 320 mg daily have been used. In patients with congestive heart failure , twice daily dosing has been used. Administration with food decreases the absorption of valsartan by about 40%, so it should be taken on an empty stomach.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: There has been a single case report of a patient who developed lithium toxicity after adding losartan (Cozaar) to his lithium treatment. The mechanism of the interaction is not known. It is possible that valsartan shares this interaction.

PREGNANCY: When used in the second or third trimester of pregnancy, drugs that have a similar mechanism as valsartan, for example, the ACE inhibitors such as enalapril (Vasotec), can cause injury and even death to the fetus. Valsartan should not be used during pregnancy. When pregnancy is detected, valsartan should be stopped as soon as possible.

NURSING MOTHERS: Losartan (Cozaar) is secreted into the milk of rats and is toxic to rat newborns. Since valsartan is chemically similar to losartan, it should be avoided in nursing mothers. It's safety and efficacy in children have not been established.

SIDE EFFECTS: Valsartan is generally well-tolerated and side effects are rare. The most common reasons for discontinuation of therapy with valsartan are headache and dizziness .

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