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Diovan

Brand- Name Diovan Generic Name Valsartan Company Novartis Disease/Medical Use Hypertension First Approval Date Dec-1996

Valsartanis an angiotensin II receptor antagonist, with particularly high affinity for the type I (AT1) angiotensin receptor. By blocking the action of angiotensin, valsartan dilates blood vessels and reduces blood pressure. In the U.S., valsartan is indicated for treatment of high blood pressure, congestive heart failure (CHF), or post-myocardial infarction (MI).

A study released by the Journal of Clinical Investigation in 2007 found some efficacy in the use of valsartan in the treatment and prevention of Alzheimer's disease although such use is considered to be highly experimental.

Valsartan is an oral medicine that belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), Other ARBs include irbesartan (Avapro), losartan (Cozaar), and candesartan (Atacand). Angiotensin, formed in the blood by the action of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), is a powerful chemical that attaches to angiotensin receptors found in many tissues but primarily on smooth muscle cells of blood vessels. Angiotensin's attachment to the receptors causes the blood vessels to narrow (vasoconstrict) which leads to an increase in blood pressure (hypertension). Valsartan blocks the angiotensin receptor. By blocking the action of angiotensin, valsartan dilates blood vessels and reduces blood pressure. Valsartan was approved by the FDA in December 1996.