Print this page
Email a friendDrug Library
Generic Name: Valsartan
Brand Name(s):
Information updated: April 1, 2000
Overview
Diovan is an angiotensin II blocker, similar to Cozaar. It is prescribed for
high blood pressure, alone or in combination with other drugs.
Because
African-American patients benefit less than others from Cozaar, their response
to Diovan should be monitored carefully to ensure their blood pressured is
controlled adequately.
Side Effects and Interactions
Diovan is usually very well tolerated, with few
side effects.
Some people taking Diovan have experienced insomnia,
fatigue, abdominal pain, indigestion, and dizziness.
Other side effects
have been rare: headache, nausea, joint pains, sinusitis, diarrhea, and cough.
Liver enzymes may become elevated and blood potassium levels may
increase. Report any symptoms to the physician promptly.
Diovan is not
appropriate during the second or third trimesters of pregnancy. If a woman
taking Diovan becomes pregnant, she should consult her doctor as soon as
possible.
See Cozaar nursing caution...Nursing mothers should not take
this drug without first discussing benefits and risks with their
physician.
As doctors gain more experience prescribing this medicine,
more interactions may come to light.
Check with your doctor and
pharmacist to make sure Diovan is safe in combination with any other drugs you
take.
Special Precautions
People with liver disease may have trouble metabolizing Diovan. The dose should be adjusted if they do.
Severe kidney disease may also require dosage adjustment.
Taking the Medicine
Diovan may is taken once a day, with or without food.
It should be taken the same way consistently because food reduces the concentration of the drug in the blood.
Tags:
Bookmark/Share: 
Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist. Teresa Graedon holds a doctorate in medical anthropology and is a nutrition expert. Their syndicated radio show can be heard on public radio.
© 2000
Reader Comments
My doctor seems a bit cavalier about my BP. How often should I be checked for elevated liver enzymes? I have had ele before I started on Diovan. Also, how is it determined how much to take? I was started with 2/80mg/daily. Guess I need to be better informed .
Posted by: rcb | November 11, 2007 6:47 PM
I have been on Diovan for four months without side effects; however, I needed to start the medication very gradually to avoid dizziness. (I am over 70.) It is the most effective I have taken and I feel generally very well on this medication after having problems with side effects with numerous other blood pressure meds.
Posted by: hs | January 1, 2008 10:25 PM
After taking Diovan 320mg/25mg HCTZ my blood sugar shot up from 94 to 117. When I changed to prinivil it dropped to 102. Is there a better med to take without side effects so dramatic?
Posted by: LMY | June 5, 2008 5:13 PM
I have been taking DIOVAN for about 6 months now, and it is expensive...i also cough, sometimes excessively... Isnt Lisinopril the same as diovan?? It is cheaper and I did take it before..
Posted by: jm | July 19, 2008 8:12 AM