Valsartan
Valsartan (Diovan)
Valsartan
(val- SAR-tan)
Pregnancy Category: C (1st trimester), D (2nd and 3rd trimesters) Diovan (Rx)

Classification: Antihypertensive, angiotensin II receptor blocker

See Also: See also Angiotensin II Receptor Antagonists and Antihypertensives.

Action/Kinetics: Reduces both BP and left ventricular hypertrophy. Food decreases absorption. Peak plasma levels: 2-4 hr. Highly bound to plasma proteins. t 1/2, terminal: 11-15 hr. Eliminated mostly unchanged in feces (80%) and urine (about 20%).

Uses: Treat hypertension

Side Effects: CNS: Headache, dizziness, fatigue, anxiety, insomnia, paresthesia, somnolence. GI: Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, constipation, dry mouth, dyspepsia, flatulence. Respiratory: URI, cough, rhinitis, sinusitis, pharyngitis, dyspnea. Body as a whole: Viral infection, edema, asthenia, allergic reaction. Musculoskeletal: Arthralgia, back pain, muscle cramps, myalgia. Dermatologic: Pruritus, rash. Miscellaneous: Palpitations, vertigo, neutropenia, impotence.

Laboratory Test Alterations: H&H.; Serum potassium, liver enzymes, serum bilirubin.

How Supplied: Capsules: 80 mg, 160 mg

Dosage
?Capsules Hypertension.
Adults, initial: 80 mg once daily as monotherapy in clients who are not volume depleted. Dose range: 80-320 mg once daily. If additional antihypertensive effect is needed, dose may be increased to 160 mg or 320 mg once daily or diuretic may be added.