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Diovan |
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What is Diovan and why is it prescribed? Diovan is a blood pressure medication. Diovan works by preventing the hormone angiotensin II from narrowing the blood vessels, which tends to raise blood pressure. Diovan may be prescribed alone or with other blood pressure medications, such as diuretics that help the body get rid of excess water. Diovan also has a stimulative effect on the heart and is prescribed for heart failure in patients who can't tolerate another type of medication called ACE inhibitors. You must take Diovan regularly for it to be effective. Diovan does not cure high blood pressure but it keeps it under control. How should you take Diovan? Follow your doctors directions for taking Diovan. Diovan and Diovan HCT can be taken with or without food. Try to get in the habit of taking the medicine at the same time each day. You'll be less likely to forget your dose. If you miss a dose take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take two doses at the same time. Store Diovan at room temperature. Keep in a tightly closed container, away from moisture. Are there any Diovan side effects? Diovan side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Diovan side effects may include abdominal pain, allergic reactions, back pain, blurred vision, cough, diarrhea, dizziness, fainting, fatigue, headache, joint pain, low blood pressure, nausea, runny nose, sinus inflammation, sore throat, swelling, swollen mouth and throat, upper respiratory infections, vertigo, and viral infections. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Diovan? If Diovan is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. Check with your doctor before combining Diovan with salt substitutes that contain potassium, or with diuretics that leave potassium in the body, including Amiloride (Midamor), Spironolactone (Aldactone), and Triamterene (Dyrenium). The hydrochlorothiazide in Diovan HCT may interact with a variety of drugs. Be sure to check with your doctor before combining Diovan HCT with Alcohol, Cholestyramine (Questran), Colestipol (Colestid), Corticosteroids (such as hydrocortisone and prednisone), Glipizide (Glucotrol), Glyburide (Diabeta, Micronase), Insulin, Lithium (Lithobid, Lithonate), Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as Advil, Aleve, Motin, and Naprosyn), Other blood pressure medications (such as Cardizem, Lopressor, and Procardia), Phenobarbital, or Narcotic drugs (such as morphine or codeine products). Are there any special warnings about Diovan? In rare cases, Diovan and Diovan HCT can cause a severe drop in blood pressure. The problem is more likely if your body's supply of water has been depleted by high doses of diuretics. Symptoms include light-headedness or faintness, and are more likely when you first start taking the drug. Diovan HCT can also cause dry mouth, weakness, drowsiness, muscle cramps, nausea, and vomiting. Call your doctor if any of these symptoms occur. You may need to have your dosage adjusted. Use Diovan HCT with caution if you have a history of allergy or bronchial asthma, or suffer from the condition called lupus erythematosus. Report a rapid or irregular pulse to your doctor. If you have liver or kidney disease, Diovan and Diovan HCT must be used with caution. Be sure the doctor is aware of either problem. Also let the doctor know if you suffer from gout or diabetes. The safety and effectiveness of Diovan and Diovan HCT have not been studied in children. |
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