Diovan
Diovan is a medication that doctors prescribe to patients to treat high blood pressure otherwise known as hypertension. Diovan can also lower the risk of death in patients after a patient suffers a heart attack.
Diovan block the chemical angiotensin II, which causes the blood vessels to narrow and restricts blood flow. The constriction of blood flow due to the narrowing blood vessels is what causes hypertension. By relaxing and widening the blood vessels, diovan reduces stress on the heart and effectively lowers blood pressure.
Diovan is a fast acting medication. Most patients begin to notice reduced blood pressure symptoms with approximately 24 hours of starting treatment with Diovan. Diovan has few if any side effects and most doctors believe that any possible side effects do not warrant taking a patient off of Diovan when the impact of the side effects are minimal when compared to the positive impact of the medication on the treatment of high blood pressure symptoms.
Diovan Warnings and Precautions
Patients who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not take diovan. Women who are breast feeding their children should not take diovan.
Patients should inform their physician and their pharmacist of any medications they are currently taking including over the counter medications and all herbal products. Patients should especially tell their doctors if they are taking other medications for high blood pressure, diuretics, potassium supplements and salt substitutes.
Diovan Side Effects
Common side effects seen in patients taking Diovan include dizziness, tiredness, lightheadedness and blurry vision. Most of these common side effects will diminish over time as the patient’s body adjusts to the new medication. Rare but very serious side effects include fainting, and decreased sexual ability. Additional rare, but extremely serious side effects of Diovan include changes in the amount of urine, dark urine, signs of infection which include fever chills and sore throat, stomach pain, severe nausea.
