Indications: hypertension; myocardial infarction with left ventricular failure or left ventricular systolic dysfunction.

Cautions: (See Irbesartan) also mild to moderate hepatic impairment; renal impairment.

Contra-indications: severe hepatic impairment, cirrhosis, biliary obstruction, breastfeeding.

Side Effects: fatigue, rarely diarrhea, headache, epistaxis; thrombocytopenia, arthralgia, myalgia, taste disturbance, neutropenia & rash.

Dose: hypertension, usually 80 mg once daily; in elderly over 75 years, mild to moderate hepatic impairment, moderate to severe renal impairment, intravascular volume depletion, initially 40 mg once daily; if necessary increased after at least 4 weeks to 160 mg daily.

Myocardial infarction, initially 20 mg twice daily increased over several weeks to 160 mg twice daily if tolerated; consider lower dose in mild to moderate hepatic impairment.

Note: (Co-Diovan Tablets With Diuretic) For Hypertension Not Adequately Controlled By Valsartan Alone.