Diovan 160 mg Tablets

Brand Name

This medication is distributed under the trade name Diovan, a label well-known in clinical settings for its cardiovascular benefits.

International Nonproprietary Name (INN)

The active ingredient is recognized globally as valsartan, providing a consistent identifier across healthcare systems.

Form of Release

The drug is available as film-coated tablets, designed for oral use with multiple strengths to suit varied patient requirements. This tablet form ensures convenience and stability under typical storage conditions.

Composition

Valsartan serves as the primary active substance, crafted to influence specific bodily functions. Supporting ingredients include microcrystalline cellulose, crospovidone, magnesium stearate, and colloidal anhydrous silica, which maintain tablet structure and aid disintegration. The film coating, often hypromellose, titanium dioxide, and polyethylene glycol, improves durability and ease of swallowing. These components are integrated to enhance valsartan’s therapeutic delivery without compromising its effectiveness.

Pharmacologic Properties

Pharmacodynamics

This medication functions as an angiotensin II receptor antagonist, selectively targeting the AT1 receptor to regulate blood pressure and fluid balance. It blocks angiotensin II, preventing vessel constriction and aldosterone release, which relaxes blood vessels and reduces sodium retention. This lowers blood pressure and eases heart strain, making it effective for hypertension and cardiac support. Effects begin within two to four hours, peaking after weeks of steady use. Valsartan’s focused action avoids broad hormonal disruption, enhancing its tolerability.

Pharmacokinetics

After oral administration, the drug absorbs from the digestive tract, with bioavailability around 25% due to partial liver metabolism. Food cuts absorption by about 40%, so taking it on an empty stomach boosts efficacy. Valsartan peaks in plasma within two to four hours and undergoes minimal metabolism, with about 20% forming an inactive metabolite via cytochrome P450 enzymes. It spreads widely, binding 95% to plasma proteins, reaching tissues like the kidneys and heart. Elimination is mostly fecal (83%) via bile, with the rest via urine. The half-life is about six hours, potentially lengthening with liver or kidney issues, needing dose adjustments.

Indications for Use

The medication treats various conditions tied to cardiovascular wellness. It effectively manages hypertension, reducing high blood pressure across patient groups. It’s also used for heart failure, improving survival and cutting hospital stays in those with reduced left ventricular function, especially after myocardial infarction. In such cases, it aids cardiac recovery by lessening heart pressure. It may also slow kidney disease progression in hypertensive patients by lowering glomerular pressure, making it a versatile choice in preventive and therapeutic care.

Contraindications

Certain conditions bar the use of this drug to protect patient safety. Hypersensitivity to valsartan or tablet components rules it out, as reactions might range from rashes to anaphylaxis. Severe liver issues like biliary obstruction or cirrhosis contraindicate it, given its biliary elimination reliance. It’s avoided in pregnancy, particularly later trimesters, due to fetal renal harm or death risks. Using it with aliskiren in diabetics or those with moderate-to-severe kidney issues is prohibited, as this heightens hypotension and renal risks. Significant dehydration needs correction first to avoid sharp pressure drops.

Method of Administration and Dosage

How to Take

Tablets are taken orally, with or without food, though an empty stomach enhances uptake. Swallowing them whole with water ensures proper delivery. Consistent daily timing maintains stable levels.

Dosage for Adults and Children

Adults with hypertension typically start at 80 mg or 160 mg once daily, adjusting up to 320 mg daily as needed. For heart failure, 40 mg twice daily is common initially, titrated to 160 mg twice daily if tolerated, based on stability. Post-myocardial infarction, 20 mg twice daily may rise to 160 mg twice daily. In children six and up with hypertension, dosing begins at 1 mg per kilogram daily, up to 40 mg, adjusted by weight and pressure under specialist care.

Dose Adjustment in Specific Conditions

Renal impairment usually needs no change unless clearance drops below 30 mL/min, where hyperkalemia monitoring is wise. Mild-to-moderate liver issues suggest a 80 mg daily max, while severe cases often avoid it. Elderly or dehydrated patients may start lower, like 40 mg daily, to reduce hypotension risks. Regular checks ensure dosing fits individual needs.

Side Effects

The medication may cause various unintended effects, mostly mild and short-lived. Dizziness or lightheadedness, tied to pressure drops, is common, especially early on. Fatigue or headaches might occur but often fade with time. Hyperkalemia can emerge, causing muscle weakness or heart rhythm changes, notably in kidney patients. Respiratory issues like cough or congestion are less frequent but noted. Rare severe reactions, such as angioedema—swelling of the face or throat—or sudden kidney issues, need urgent care. Routine checks help catch and address these early.

Overdose

Symptoms of Overdose

Taking too much can lead to severe hypotension, resulting in dizziness, fainting, or circulatory failure from excessive vessel relaxation. Bradycardia might occur, though tachycardia could arise as a reflex. Hyperkalemia may bring muscle cramps or heart irregularities, posing risks if untreated. Symptoms start within hours and worsen without care, showing strong vascular impact.

First Aid Measures

Stop the drug immediately in an overdose and seek prompt medical help. Recent ingestion may call for activated charcoal under supervision to limit uptake. IV saline can counter low pressure, while heart and potassium monitoring corrects imbalances. Dialysis rarely clears valsartan but may aid severe renal cases. Focus is on restoring pressure and organ function fast.

Drug Interactions

Effects on Other Medications

This drug can alter other medications’ effects when combined. It may boost antihypertensive actions, risking sharp pressure drops, needing dose adjustments. NSAIDs might reduce its impact and stress kidneys, especially over time. Potassium-sparing diuretics or supplements raise hyperkalemia odds, requiring electrolyte checks. Lithium levels could climb, risking toxicity, so plasma monitoring is wise. Effects on antidiabetic drugs are minor but worth watching for glucose shifts.

Compatibility with Alcohol and Food

Alcohol might intensify the medication’s pressure-lowering effects, raising dizziness risks, so moderation is advised. Food cuts uptake, possibly delaying effects, though no strict limits apply beyond avoiding high salt, which could counter benefits. Potassium-rich foods like oranges need care to avoid excess potassium.

Special Precautions

Use During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

The drug is barred in pregnancy beyond the first trimester, risking fetal kidney damage or death, per extensive data. It appears in breast milk minimally, so nursing mothers should consult their doctor, possibly choosing alternatives to limit infant exposure.

Impact on Driving and Machinery Operation

Dizziness or fatigue, especially at start or dose changes, may affect driving or machinery use. Patients should test their response before such tasks, ensuring safety.

Considerations for Elderly and Pediatric Populations

Older adults may need lower starting doses due to renal or volume shifts, with pressure monitoring. In children six and up, it’s approved for hypertension, with weight-based dosing adjusted carefully to avoid overeffects. Tailored care ensures optimal results.