Diovaal 80mg

WHAT IS THIS MEDICATION FOR?

Diovaal 80mg is an angiotensin II receptor blocker, prescribed for hypertension, congestive heart failure and myocardial infarction (heart attack). It works by relaxing the blood vessels.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Valsartan lowers blood pressure by lowering a strong chemical in the body. It helps the heart work better.

HOW TO USE?

It comes as a tablet to take by mouth, with or without food. Adult: PO HTN Initial: 80 mg once daily, up to 160 mg once daily. Max: 320 mgday. Post-MI Initial: 20 mg twice daily, up to 160 mg bid if tolerated.

SIDE EFFECTS:

High potassium level. Signs include feeling weak, lightheaded, dizzy, feel like passing out, or have numbness or tingling. Feeling dizzy. Rise slowly over a few minutes when sitting or lying down. Be careful climbing. Cough. Belly pain. Back pain. Loose stools (diarrhea). Feeling tired or weak. Kidney function that gets worse.

WHAT TO DO IF I MISS A DOSE?

Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time. Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses. Do not change the dose or stop this drug.

PRECAUTIONS:

If you have an allergy to valsartan or any other part of this drug. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs you had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs. If you have high blood sugar (diabetes) and are taking aliskiren. If you are pregnant or may be pregnant. If you are breast-feeding.

WHEN DO I NEED TO SEEK MEDICAL HELP?

If you think there was an overdose, call your local poison control center or ER right away. Signs of a very bad reaction to the drug. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue or gray skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Very bad dizziness or passing out. Very bad headache. Signs of high potassium. Cough that does not go away. Too much sweat, fluid loss, throwing up, or loose stools. May lead to low blood pressure. A big weight gain. Swelling in your legs or belly. For women, if you get pregnant while taking this drug. Any rash. Side effect or health problem is not better or you are feeling worse.

CAN I TAKE IT WITH OTHER MEDICINES?

Sometimes drugs are not safe when you take them with certain other drugs and food. Taking them together can cause bad side effects. Be sure to talk to your doctor about all the drugs you take.

FOOD RESTRICTIONS:

Avoid Alcohol.

HOW TO STORE:

Store it at room temperature (25°C), and in an airtight container. Keep away from children.

PREGNANCY CATEGORY:

Category D: There is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience or studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.

THERAPEUTIC CLASSIFICATION:

Angiotensin II Antagonists.