Diovan (valsartan)
Company: Ciba Pharmaceuticals
Approval Status: Approved January 1997
Treatment for: hypertension
Areas: Cardiology/Vascular Diseases; Endocrinology
Possible similar drugs: Diovan; Diovan HCT
| General Information | Mechanism of Action |
General Information
Diovan has been approved as the newest entry to a novel class of antihypertensive drugs, the angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). Diovan is indicated for the first-line treatment of hypertension. It offers blood pressure control comparable to current leading antihypertensive therapies (lisinopril and enalapril) and an outstanding side-effect profile.
Diovan is a first-line therapy, which has a recommended starting dose of 80 mg once daily and will be available by prescription in capsule form.
As with other drugs that work in the renin-angiotensin system, Diovan therapy should be discontinued as soon as pregnancy is detected.
Mechanism of Action
Diovan works by selectively blocking the angiotensin II hormone from binding to the AT1-receptor, located in many different tissues such as vascular smooth muscle. The blocking of angiotensin II results in dilation of blood vessels, thereby lowering blood pressure.
The FDA drug information shown here is licensed from Thomson CenterWatch. The information provided here is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or pharmaceutical advice which should be sought from qualified medical and pharmaceutical advisers.
