Brand name: Diovan

Generic name: Valsartan

Indications: treatment of hypertension, heart failure.
Drug classification: cardiovascular agent; angiotensin II-receptor (type AT1) antagonist;
antihypertensive
Mechanism of action: an angiotensin II-receptor (type AT1) antagonist; blocks the
binding of angiotensin II to the AT1 receptors found in many tissues.
Angiotensin II is a potent vasoconstrictor and primary vasoactive hormone of
the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.
Dosage: hypertension
Adult: PO 80mg qd (max: 320mg qd)
Heart failure
Adult: PO start with 40mg bid and titrate up to 160mg bid
Special precaution: severe renal or hepatic impairment. Safety and efficacy in children
<8 y are not established.
Pregnancy risk category: C (1st trimester); D (2nd and 3rd trimester)
Adverse reaction: Body as a whole: arthralgia. CNS: headache, dizziness. GI: diarrhea,
nausea. Respiratory: cough, sinusitis. Metabolic: hyperkalemia
Contraindication: hypersensitivity to valsartan or losartan; pregnancy, lactation.
Form: 40 mg, 80 mg, 160 mg capsules
Nursing responsibility:
 Monitor BP periodically; take trough readings, just prior to the next scheduled
dose, when possible. Monitor liver function test, BUN and creatinine, serum
potassium, and CBC with differential, periodically.