Diovan
General
Diovan® contains the active ingredient valsartan, which is used to treat high blood pressure and mild to moderate heart failure. Diovan® belongs to the group of medicines called angiotensin-1 antagonists. They are used when ACE inhibitors do not work or are unsuitable. The drug requires a prescription and the medication should be done under the close supervision of a doctor.
application areas
Diovan® with the active ingredient valsartan is prescribed by the doctor for the following diseases:
- high blood pressure: for mild to moderate hypertension
- Heart failure: It can be used for mild to moderate heart failure, provided ACE inhibitors such as because of undesirable side effects dry cough are unsuitable. Do side effects occur during therapy with ACE inhibitors that are due to the inhibition of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (Hyperkalemia, deteriorating Renal failure) Diovan® or any other valsartan should not be prescribed.
- Myocardial infarction: After one Heart attack Diovan® can be used as long-term prophylaxis.
Mode of action
Diovan® belongs to the group of Angiotensin II receptor subtype 1 antagonists. This means; they inhibit angiotensin II, which is an endogenous substance and causes the blood vessels to constrict. If this is now inhibited, the effect of angiotensin II does not apply. As a result, the blood vessels and the Blood pressure thus sinks. This is very important because in the long term, increased blood pressure can lead to consequential damage heart and leads to the vessels. The risk of a heart or Kidney failure, one Stroke or heart attack increases. Diovan® is also used if so-called ACE inhibitors are not allowed to be used or if they are not successful enough on their own. If Beta blockers are unsuitable for treating heart failure, valsartans can also be prescribed.
Side effects
As with any other medication, Diovan® Side effects occur.
Which includes:
- skin rash
- Visual disturbances and Pain of the eyeball
- decreased blood pressure (Hypotension).
If this decreased blood pressure occurs in connection with diuretic use, dialysis, Diarrhea or vomiting, the hypotension can easily lead to circulatory collapse. If you have any of these side effects, you should contact a doctor as soon as possible.
With imminent Kidney disease and occurring suddenly Water retention in the ankles and legs A doctor should be consulted immediately while taking Diovan®.
Contraindications
If one or more of the following points apply to you, you should not take Diovan®!
- A Hypersensitivity to other valsartans like Angiosan, Cordinate, Provas or Valsacor.
- Hereditary angioedema: This leads to recurring swellings (edema) of the skin, mucous membranes and internal organs, which can also be fatal. The edema is usually reddened, painful and can often be found in the lip area, genitals and extremities.
If such edema occurred with the use of an ACE inhibitor or an AT1 receptor antagonist, Diovan® should not be taken. - Anuria: less than 100 ml urine in 24 hours
- Renal failure: poor kidney function, creatinine clearance <10ml / min
Since there are no experience reports of Diovan® in children and adolescents under 18 years of age, its use is not recommended.
Valsartan should not taken during pregnancy because experiments on mice showed damage to newborns and even resulted in death. It has also been shown that valsartans pass into breast milk, so Diovan® should not be taken during breastfeeding.
