Diovan

Diovan helps lower high blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels and can also be used to treat heart failure and after a heart attack.

Form
tabletti, kalvopäällysteinen
Strength
80 mg
Active Ingredient
Valsartan
Manufacturer
Novartis Finland Oy

How to Use

Dosage

Typically, adults start with 80 mg once a day for high blood pressure. For children, the dose depends on their weight, usually 40 mg or 80 mg once a day. For heart attack or heart failure, the dose is usually 20-40 mg twice a day. Your doctor will tell you the exact dose.

Method

Take Diovan with or without food, swallowed with a glass of water, around the same time each day.

Important

The maximum daily dose for adults is generally 320 mg, taken either once a day or split into two doses. Your doctor will adjust your dose as needed.

Possible Side Effects

COMMON
  • Dizziness
  • Low blood pressure, which might make you feel dizzy or faint when standing up
  • Worsened kidney function
RARE
  • Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat (angioedema)
  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • Hives or itching
  • Sudden fainting
  • Spinning sensation (vertigo)
  • Severe kidney problems
  • Muscle cramps
  • Abnormal heart rhythm
  • Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing while lying down
  • Swollen feet or legs
  • Headache
  • Cough
  • Abdominal pain
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Tiredness
  • Weakness
  • Swelling in the intestines, causing stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea

Important Warnings

  • Do not take Diovan if you are allergic to valsartan or any other ingredient in the medicine.
  • Do not take Diovan if you have severe liver disease.
  • Do not take Diovan if you are more than 3 months pregnant; it should also be avoided in early pregnancy.
  • Do not take Diovan if you have diabetes or kidney problems and are also taking a medicine called aliskiren.
  • If you experience swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or have difficulty breathing or swallowing, stop taking Diovan immediately and seek urgent medical help.
Show 3 more warnings
  • Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or heart problems other than heart failure or a recent heart attack.
  • Diovan is not recommended if you are breastfeeding.
  • Be careful when driving or operating machinery, as Diovan can cause dizziness.

Use in Elderly Patients

Category A

Suitable for older adults. Monitor renal function and potassium concentrations during the pharmacotherapy. Avoid concurrent use of NSAIDs. (updated 14.4.2025)