US Brand Name: Diovan ({Valsartan})

Pharmacologic category: {Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs)}

Other medications in this category: {Losartan} (Cozaar), {Irbesartan} (Avapro), {Candesartan} (Atacand), {Olmesartan} (Benicar), {Telmisartan} (Micardis), {Eprosartan} (Teveten)

Diseases Treated, Dosing, and Treatment Duration:

{Hypertension} (high blood pressure): 80-320 mg once daily, titrate as needed
{Heart failure}: 40 mg twice daily, titrate to 160 mg twice daily as tolerated
Post-{myocardial infarction} (after a heart attack): 20 mg twice daily, titrate to 160 mg twice daily as tolerated
{Diabetic nephropathy} (kidney disease in patients with diabetes): 80-320 mg once daily
{Left ventricular dysfunction}: 40 mg twice daily, titrate to 160 mg twice daily as tolerated
{Left ventricular hypertrophy}: 80-320 mg once daily

Dosage Forms and Strengths:

Tablets: 40 mg, 80 mg, 160 mg, 320 mg

Administration Instructions:

Take Valsartan orally with or without food, preferably at the same time each day.

Adverse Reactions and Side Effects:

{Dizziness} (common): Temporary lightheadedness or feeling faint {Headache} (common): Pain or discomfort in the head {Hypotension} (less common): Low blood pressure {Hyperkalemia} (less common): Elevated potassium levels in the blood {Renal impairment} (rare): Reduced kidney function {Angioedema} (rare): Rapid swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

Contraindications:

Hypersensitivity to Valsartan or any of its components

Drug to Drug Interactions:

{Lithium} (Eskalith, Lithobid): Increased risk of lithium toxicity {Potassium-sparing diuretics} (e.g., spironolactone [Aldactone], triamterene [Dyrenium]): Increased risk of hyperkalemia {NSAIDs} (e.g., ibuprofen [Advil, Motrin], naproxen [Aleve, Naprosyn]): Increased risk of renal impairment and decreased antihypertensive effect

Pregnancy:

Valsartan is contraindicated during pregnancy. It may cause harm to the developing fetus, especially during the second and third trimesters.

Breastfeeding:

There is limited information on the safety of Valsartan during breastfeeding. Consult with a healthcare professional before using Valsartan while breastfeeding.

Estimated price:

The estimated price of a 30-day supply of Valsartan (assuming no insurance and using a GoodRx coupon) is around $15-$40, depending on the dosage and location. Prices may vary.

Legal Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Reliance on the information provided here is at your own risk.