Blood pressure medication such as Diovan is most often used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure and to prevent kidney problems, heart attacks, strokes, and angina (chest pain) caused by high blood pressure. Knowing the benefits and side effects of Diovan can help you decide, along with your doctor, whether or not it is right for you.
Diovan is used to lower blood pressure, treat heart failure, and increase the chances of survival after a heart attack. Also known by its generic name valsartan, Diovan is classified as an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) that relaxes blood vessels, enabling blood to flow more freely.
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Angiotensin is a chemical in the body that can cause blood vessels to narrow by binding to its receptor,
says Everyday Health, so blood pressure medication like Diovan is prescribed to inhibit this binding action. This blood pressure medication works in the left ventricle of the heart and improves blood-pumping functions.
According to Drugs.com, Diovan also is used to treat heart failure and increase the chances of survival after a heart attack, and it can be prescribed to children ages 6-16 to treat pediatric hypertension.
Common side effects while adjusting to Diovan include dizziness or lightheadedness, stomach pain, diarrhea, back or joint pain, headache, fatigue, or a cough, says Drugs.com, as is the case with most blood pressure medications.
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Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention include shortness of breath, abnormally low blood pressure, urination problems, bloody urine, swelling, rapid weight gain, weakness, confusion, unusual increase in thirst, loss of appetite, vomiting, rapid pounding heartbeats, fluttering feeling in the chest, passing out or feeling faint, and symptoms of high potassium (slow heart rate, weak pulse, muscle weakness, and tingling).
In rare cases, Diovan can cause kidney failure. Immediate medical attention is required if there is unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, weakness, fever, unusual fatigue, and dark urine. These are possible signs of skeletal muscle tissue breakdown and kidney failure.
Though Diovan is often used to prevent kidney problems,
WebMD says, it may worsen existing kidney conditions, which should be discussed with a medical professional prior to starting this blood pressure medication.
This medication should not be used during pregnancy.
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