Diovan Tablet 160mg

About Diovan Tablet 160mg

Diovan Tablet 160mg Uses

• Controlling moderate to severe high blood pressure (hypertension)
• Managing heart failure alongside standard heart medicines
• Reducing hospital readmission after a heart attack with reduced heart pumping function
• Lowering the risk of stroke linked to uncontrolled blood pressure
• Long term protection of the kidneys in patients with hypertension

Diovan Tablet 160mg Benefits

• Provides steady 24 hour blood pressure control with once daily dosing
• Works well as a step up dose when 80mg is not enough
• Does not commonly cause a persistent dry cough, unlike ACE inhibitor tablets
• Can be combined safely with most diuretics and calcium channel blockers

What Experts Say

Cardiologists in Pakistan often prescribe Diovan Tablet 160mg as a step-up dose once a patient's blood pressure has not responded fully to the 80mg starting dose. Valsartan blocks the angiotensin II receptor, which relaxes blood vessels and reduces the extra workload on the heart.

At 160mg, the drug provides a more consistent 24 hour reduction in blood pressure compared to lower doses, which is why doctors also use it in patients with left ventricular dysfunction after a heart attack. Regular kidney function and potassium monitoring is advised at this dose, especially in older adults or those with diabetes.

Physicians usually avoid combining Diovan Tablet 160mg with ACE inhibitors or direct renin inhibitors, since blocking the same hormone pathway twice raises the risk of high potassium and low blood pressure without added heart protection. This dose is generally reserved for patients who tolerated 80mg well but still need better control.

Drug Class

• Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB)

Diovan Tablet 160mg formula

• Valsartan

Available forms

• Tablet

How to use Diovan Tablet 160mg?

• Take one Diovan Tablet 160mg tablet once daily, at the same time every day
• Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water, do not crush or chew it
• Can be taken with or without food
• Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly without talking to your doctor
• If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered unless the next dose is close, then skip the missed one
• Follow up regularly for blood pressure and kidney function checks

Drug Interactions

• ACE inhibitors and aliskiren: Combining raises the risk of high potassium, low blood pressure and reduced kidney function
• Potassium sparing diuretics and potassium supplements: Can lead to dangerously high blood potassium levels
• NSAIDs: Regular use of painkillers like ibuprofen or diclofenac can reduce the blood pressure lowering effect and stress the kidneys
• Lithium: Blood lithium levels can rise, increasing the risk of toxicity
• Rifampicin: Can reduce the absorption and effectiveness of Valsartan

Risks and warnings

• Pregnancy: Can cause serious harm to an unborn baby, especially in the second and third trimester, stop use and inform your doctor immediately if pregnancy is suspected
• Kidney impairment: Use with caution in patients with reduced kidney function, dose adjustment may be needed
• High potassium: Can raise blood potassium levels, especially with potassium supplements or potassium sparing diuretics
• Low blood pressure: Risk of symptomatic hypotension in patients who are dehydrated or on high dose diuretics
• Liver impairment: Use cautiously in patients with liver disease or bile duct blockage
• Dual RAAS blockade: Avoid combining with ACE inhibitors or aliskiren, particularly in diabetic patients

Diovan Tablet 160mg Side Effects

• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Headache
• Fatigue or tiredness
• Back pain
• Upper respiratory tract infection symptoms
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Mild cough
• Raised blood potassium levels
• Angioedema, a rare but serious swelling of the face, lips or throat
• Sudden drop in blood pressure with fainting
• Decline in kidney function
• Low platelet count in rare cases

Storage Conditions

• Store below 30°C in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
• Keep the tablets in their original blister strip until ready to use
• Protect from moisture, do not store in the bathroom
• Keep out of reach of children
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack