Diovan Tablet 80mg

About Diovan Tablet 80mg

Diovan Tablet 80mg Uses

• Treating mild to moderate high blood pressure (hypertension)
• Starting dose after a recent heart attack with reduced heart pumping function
• Supporting management of heart failure alongside other heart medicines
• Lowering long term risk of stroke linked to high blood pressure
• Protecting kidney function in patients with hypertension and diabetes

Diovan Tablet 80mg Benefits

• Gentle starting dose that lowers the chance of early dizziness or low blood pressure
• Once daily dosing makes it easier to stay consistent with treatment
• Does not typically cause a dry cough, a common issue with ACE inhibitor tablets
• Suitable first choice for elderly patients or those with mild kidney impairment

What Experts Say

Doctors in Pakistan commonly start hypertension treatment with Diovan Tablet 80mg, since it allows the body to adjust to angiotensin receptor blockade with a lower chance of early dizziness or low blood pressure. Valsartan works by stopping angiotensin II from narrowing blood vessels.

This starting dose is also used after a recent heart attack in patients with reduced heart pumping function, where a gradual increase protects the kidneys and avoids a sudden drop in blood pressure. Physicians usually recheck blood pressure and kidney values within two to four weeks of starting.

Because Diovan Tablet 80mg carries a comparatively lower risk of hyperkalemia than the higher strengths, it is often the preferred first choice for elderly patients or those with mild kidney impairment. Many patients stay on this dose long term if it controls their blood pressure adequately without side effects.

Drug Class

• Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB)

Diovan Tablet 80mg formula

• Valsartan

Available forms

• Tablet

How to use Diovan Tablet 80mg?

• Take one Diovan Tablet 80mg 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
• Your doctor may increase the dose gradually if blood pressure is not controlled

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
• 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 80mg 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