Diovan (Hydrochlorothiazide)

Description

Diovan, generally known as valsartan, is an ARB used to treat high blood pressure. Consuming this medication enables individuals who have experienced a heart attack to live longer. Moreover, it reduces the risk of developing a heart failure – especially amongst individuals with diabetes.

 

 

 

How it works

 

As an angiotensin receptor blocker, the medication prevents the blood vessels from narrowing. This enables the blood to flow more fluidly and creates an efficient blood circulation system. It also increases blow flow to organs by relaxing the blood vessels in the body.

 

Its uses

 

The medication is used to treat a number of conditions including:

 

 High blood pressure (hypertension)
 Heart failure
 Kidney problems
 Heart attacks and strokes (only for prevention)

 

Dosage

 

This medication must only be consumed once or twice daily. It can be taken during or after your meals. Your physician might change your dosage and schedule depending on the severity of your condition. Although the dosage for children is determined through their weight, the dosage for adult depends on their personal health condition as well as their response to the treatment. In order to experience the maximum advantage of this medication, you must consume it on a regular basis. Taking the medicine at the same time according to a fixed schedule will help in this case. Do not increase the dosage in an attempt to enhance the effectiveness of the medication. This will only backfire and deteriorate your condition to a worse state.

 

Side effects

 

Listed below are some side effects of the medication that you need to look out for.

 

 Rapid weight gain
 Little or no urination
 Shortness of breath
 Pounding heartbeats
 Shortness of breath
 Back pain
 Diarrhea
 Flu symptoms
 Muscle weakness

 

If you do experience any of the above during your treatment period, make sure to contact your healthcare provider immediately.

 

Precautions

 

 Being aware of the following precautionary methods and following them during your treatment period will enable you to avoid the negative effects of the medication to a great extent.

 

 Avoid alcohol consumption since it can decrease the effectiveness of the medication and lower your blood pressure level to a further extent

 

 Do not engage in any activity that requires you to concentrate and focus since you will not be able to

 

 Do not take potassium supplements or salt substitutes without informing your physician

 

 Check whether you are allergic to any of the ingredients used to create the medication

 

 Get your blood pressure checked regularly

 

 If taking the medication in liquid form, shake the bottle well before use

 

 Do not give this medication to anyone below the age of six

 

Self-care

 

It has been proven that consuming this medication during the period of pregnancy can affect the health of the child.

 

If you become pregnant during the treatment period, inform your physician and ask for advice about terminating the use of this medication. Although it is not known whether the drug can be passed on to the baby through breastfeed, it is safer to avoid the medication temporarily during this period.

 

Regardless of your consumption method – capsule or liquid – make sure to measure the dosage accurately. Get a measuring spoon from a nearby pharmacy to be precise with the quantity of the drug. Overdosing on such medications can sometimes result in irreversible physical consequences.