DIOVAN 160MG (VALSARTAN 160MG) – 28 TABLETS

Valsartan is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist with actions similar to those of losartan. It is used in the management of hypertension and may also be used in patients with heart failure who are unable to tolerate the side effects of Angiotension-Converting Enzyme inhibitors. Valsartan is given by mouth. After an oral dose the hypotensive effect occurs within 2 hours, reaches a peak within 4 to 6 hours, and persists for over 24 hours. The maximum hypotensive effect is achieved within 2 to 4 weeks. In hypertension, valsartan is given in an initial dose of 80 mg once daily. This may be increased, if necessary, to 160 mg once daily, although doses of up to 320 mg once daily have been used in Kenya for severe cases. A lower initial dose of 40 mg once daily may be used in elderly patients over 75 years, and in those with intravascular volume depletion; similar dosage reductions have been suggested in renal or hepatic impairment. In heart failure, valsartan is given in an initial dose of 40 mg twice daily. The dose should be increased, as tolerated, to 160 mg twice daily.

Adverse effects of Valsartan have been reported to be usually mild and transient, and include dizziness, headache, and dose-related orthostatic hypotension. Hypotension may occur particularly in patients with volume depletion (for example those who have received high-dose diuretics). Impaired renal function and, rarely, rash, urticaria, pruritus, angioedema, and raised liver enzyme values may occur. Hyperkalaemia, myalgia, and arthralgia have been reported. Other adverse effects of Valsartan that have been reported in Kenya include respiratory-tract disorders, back pain, gastrointestinal disturbances, fatigue, and neutropenia.