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Pronounced: DYE-oh-van
Generic name: Valsartan
Other brand name: Diovan HCT
Diovan is one of a new class of blood pressure medications called angiotensin II receptor antagonists. Diovan works by preventing the natural hormone angiotensin II from narrowing the blood vessels, which tends to raise blood pressure.
Diovan may be prescribed alone or with other blood pressure medications, such as diuretics – which assist the body in getting rid of excess water. Diovan HCT is exactly that: Diovan plus the common diuretic hydrochlorothiazide.
DIOVAN
The usual starting dose is 80 milligrams once a day, but if your blood pressure doesn’t go down, your doctor may increase the dose or add a diuretic to your regimen. The maximum recommended dose is 320 milligrams a day.
DIOVAN HCT
The usual starting dose when switching from Diovan to Diovan HCT is one 80 milligram/12.5 milligram tablet daily. Daily dosage may be increased to a maximum of 160 milligrams of Valsartan and 25 milligrams of hydrochlorothiazide.
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