General information
Diovan® contains the active ingredient valsartan, which is used to treat high blood pressure and mild to moderate heart failure. Diovan® belongs to the drug group of angiotensin-1 antagonists. They are used when ACE inhibitors do not work or are unsuitable. The drug is available only on prescription and the medication should be administered under the strict supervision of a physician.
Fields of application
Diovan® with the active ingredient valsartan is prescribed by doctors for the following conditions:
- High blood pressure: for mild to moderate hypertension
- Heart failure: It can be used for mild to moderate heart failure, provided ACE inhibitors are unsuitable due to undesirable side effects such as dry cough. If side effects due to the inhibition of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (hyperkalemia, worsening renal failure) occur during treatment of ACE inhibitors, Diovan® or any other valsartan should not be prescribed.
- Myocardial infarction: Diovan® can be used as long-term prophylaxis after a heart attack.
Mode of action
Diovan® belongs to the group of angiotensin II receptor subtype 1 antagonists. This means that they inhibit angiotensin II, which is a substance produced naturally in the body and causes blood vessels to constrict. If this is now inhibited, the effect of angiotensin II is lost, resulting in dilation of the blood vessels and a drop in blood pressure.
This is very important, because a long-term increase in blood pressure leads to consequential damage to the heart and blood vessels. The risk of heart or kidney failure, stroke or heart attack increases. Diovan® is also used when so-called ACE inhibitors must not be used or have too little success on their own. If beta-blockers are unsuitable for the treatment of heart failure, valsartans can also be prescribed.
Side effects
Like any other drug, Diovan® may also cause side effects. These include: If this reduced blood pressure occurs in connection with diuretic intake, dialysis, diarrhea or vomiting, the hypotension can easily lead to circulatory collapse. With all these side effects, a doctor should be contacted as soon as possible. A physician should be consulted immediately in the event of impending kidney disease and sudden water retention in the ankles and legs while taking Diovan®.
- Skin rash
- Visual disorders and pain of the eyeball
- Reduced blood pressure (hypotension).
