Diovan

Diovan is a medication that doctors prescribe to patients to treat high blood pressure otherwise known as hypertension. Diovan can also lower the risk of death in patients after a patient suffers a heart attack.

Diovan block the chemical angiotensin II, which causes the blood vessels to narrow and restricts blood flow. The constriction of blood flow due to the narrowing blood vessels is what causes hypertension. By relaxing and widening the blood vessels, diovan reduces stress on the heart and effectively lowers blood pressure.

Diovan is a fast acting medication. Most patients begin to notice reduced blood pressure symptoms with approximately 24 hours of starting treatment with Diovan. Diovan has few if any side effects and most doctors believe that any possible side effects do not warrant taking a patient off of Diovan when the impact of the side effects are minimal when compared to the positive impact of the medication on the treatment of high blood pressure symptoms.

Diovan Warnings and Precautions

Patients who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not take diovan. Women who are breast feeding their children should not take diovan.

Patients should inform their physician and their pharmacist of any medications they are currently taking including over the counter medications and all herbal products. Patients should especially tell their doctors if they are taking other medications for high blood pressure, diuretics, potassium supplements and salt substitutes.

Diovan Uses

Physicians prescribe diovan for patients who suffer from hypertension. By reducing a patient's high blood pressure, Diovan reduces a patient's risk of stroke, heart attacks and kidney problems. Diovan may also be helpful in protecting the kidneys from kidney damage due to a patient's diabetic condition.

Patients take Diovan by mouth. Patients can take Diovan with or without food. Patient must take Diovan regularly to receive the full therapeutic benefits of the medication. Doctors base dosage amounts on a patient's current medical condition and a patient's response to mediation therapy.

Diovan Side Effects

Common side effects seen in patients taking Diovan include dizziness, tiredness, lightheadedness and blurry vision. Most of these common side effects will diminish over time as the patient's body adjusts to the new medication. Rare but very serious side effects include fainting, and decreased sexual ability. Additional rare, but extremely serious side effects of Diovan include changes in the amount of urine, dark urine, signs of infection which include fever chills and sore throat, stomach pain, severe nausea, yellowing eyes or skin or unusual fatigue. Patients experiencing severe side effects should notify their doctor immediately.

Symptoms of severe allergic reactions to Diovan include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness and trouble breathing. Patients with a possible allergic reaction to Diovan should seek medical attention.

Diovan Interactions

Patients currently taking lithium or diuretics need to inform their doctor and pharmacist of these medications that they are taking to avoid possible negative interactions between the drugs and Diovan.

Patients must pay attention to the labels of common over the counter cough and cold medications as well as all other medications they are currently taking as some ingredients may increase a patient's blood pressure.

If a patient's doctor has prescribed low dose aspirin to prevent heart attack or stroke, the treatment can and should continue as directed by the patient's doctor.

Diovan Overdose

Symptoms of Diovan overdose include an unusually fast or slow heartbeat and severe dizziness or fainting. Patients taking diovan need regular blood tests to check for possible side effects that can increase the risk of overdose due to poorly functioning kidneys.

Patients should also check their blood pressure regularly at home to make sure their blood pressure is not too low or too high while taking Diovan.