Valsartan Diovan Medicine - Information, Side effects and uses of Valsartan

Valsartan is indicated for the treatment of hypertension. It may be used alone or in combination with other antihypertensive medications. Valsartan is normally used in those patients in whom treatment with a diuretic or beta-blocker was ineffective or associated with unacceptable side effects. Valsartan may be used as an initial agent in those patients in whom the use of diuretics and/or beta-blockers is contraindicated or in patients with medical conditions in which these drugs frequently cause serious side effects.

Valsartan is a nonpeptide angiotensin II antagonist that selectively blocks the binding of angiotensin II to the AT 1 receptors in tissues such as vascular smooth muscle and the adrenal gland. Valsartan, by blocking the binding of angiotensin II to the AT 1 receptors, promotes vasodilation and decreases the effects of aldosterone.

Precaution and Warning while taking Valsartan

• Mutagenicity was not detected at either the gene or chromosome level in bacterial mutagenicity tests with Salmonella (Ames test) and E. coli , a gene mutation test with Chinese hamster V79 cells, a cytogenetic test with Chinese hamster ovary cells, or a rat micronucleus test.
• Valsartan should be discontinued as soon as possible when pregnancy is detected, unless no alternative therapy can be used. In the latter instance, serial ultrasound examinations should be performed to assess the intra-amniotic environment.
• No information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of valsartan in pediatric patients. Safety and efficacy have not been established.
• Use of valsartan in patients 65 years of age and older (36.2% of patients in clinical studies) has not demonstrated geriatrics-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of valsartan in the elderly. Elderly patients may also experience greater sensitivity to the effects of valsartan.
• Because of the potential for adverse effects, it is recommended that valsartan not be administered to nursing mothers.