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Indications & Dosage
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Hypertension Diovan ® (valsartan) is indicated for the treatment of hypertension. It may be used alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents. Text Continues Below
Heart Failure Diovan is indicated for the treatment of heart failure (NYHA class II-IV) in patients who are intolerant of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors. In a controlled clinical trial, Diovan significantly reduced hospitalizations for heart failure. There is no evidence that Diovan provides added benefits when it is used with an adequate dose of an ACE inhibitor. (See CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Pharmacodynamics and Clinical Effects, Heart Failure for details.) DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Hypertension The recommended starting dose of Diovan ® (valsartan) is 80 mg or 160 mg once daily when used as monotherapy in patients who are not volume-depleted. Patients requiring greater reductions may be started at the higher dose. Diovan may be used over a dose range of 80 mg to 320 mg daily, administered once-a-day. The antihypertensive effect is substantially present within 2 weeks and maximal reduction is generally attained after 4 weeks. If additional antihypertensive effect is required over the starting dose range, the dose may be increased to a maximum of 320 mg or a diuretic may be added. Addition of a diuretic has a greater effect than dose increases beyond 80 mg. No initial dosage adjustment is required for elderly patients, for patients with mild or moderate renal impairment, or for patients with mild or moderate liver insufficiency. Care should be exercised with dosing of Diovan in patients with hepatic or severe renal impairment. Diovan may be administered with other antihypertensive agents. Diovan may be administered with or without food. Heart Failure The recommended starting dose of Diovan is 40 mg twice daily. Uptitration to 80 mg and 160 mg twice daily should be done to the highest dose, as tolerated by the patient. Page: 1 | 2 | Next >>
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