Norvasc vs. Diovan

Are Norvasc and Diovan the Same Thing?

Norvasc (amlodipine) and Diovan (valsartan) are used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).

Norvasc is also prescribed for the prevention and treatment of heart pain or chest pain from angina.

Diovan is also used to treat heart failure, and given in post heart attack care.

Norvasc and Diovan belong to different drug classes. Norvasc is a calcium channel blocker (CCB) and Diovan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker.

What Are Possible Side Effects of Norvasc?

Common side effects of Norvasc include:

What Are Possible Side Effects of Diovan?

Common side effects of Diovan include:

What Is Norvasc?

Norvasc (amlodipine) is a calcium channel blocker (CCB) prescribed for the prevention and treatment of heart pain or chest pain from angina, and for the treatment of high blood pressure.

What Is Diovan?

Diovan is a prescription medicine called an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB). It is used in adults to:

  • lower high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults and children, 6 to 16 years of age.
  • treat heart failure in adults. In these patients, Diovan may lower the need for hospitalization that happens from heart failure.
  • improve the chance of living longer after a heart attack (myocardial infarction) in adults.

Diovan is not for children under 6 years of age or children with certain kidney problems.

SLIDESHOW

Heart Disease: Symptoms, Signs, and Causes See Slideshow

What Drugs Interact With Norvasc?

Norvasc may interact with other blood pressure medications.

Norvasc may also interact with simvastatin, ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir, diltiazem, and cyclosporine, or other heart medications.

What Drugs Interact With Diovan?

Diovan may interact with cyclosporine and ritonavir. Diovan may also interact with cyclosporine, diuretics (water pills), rifampin, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

How Should Norvasc Be Taken?

The usual initial antihypertensive oral dose of Norvasc is 5 mg once daily, and the maximum dose is 10 mg once daily. Norvasc dosages may need to be lowered in patients with liver dysfunction.

How Should Diovan Be Taken?

Diovan is available as tablets for oral administration in strengths of 40, 80, 160 or 320 mg of valsartan. Usual beginning dose is a total of 80 mg per day, but this may vary. For children with pediatric hypertension (ages 6–16), the dose is weight based at 1.3 mg per Kg weight not to exceed 40 mg per day.

QUESTION

In the U.S., 1 in every 4 deaths is caused by heart disease. See Answer

From WebMD Logo

Healthy Heart Resources
Featured Centers
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Disclaimer

All drug information provided on RxList.com is sourced directly from drug monographs published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Any drug information published on RxList.com regarding general drug information, drug side effects, drug usage, dosage, and more are sourced from the original drug documentation found in its FDA drug monograph.

Drug information found in the drug comparisons published on RxList.com is primarily sourced from the FDA drug information. The drug comparison information found in this article does not contain any data from clinical trials with human participants or animals performed by any of the drug manufacturers comparing the drugs.

The drug comparisons information provided does not cover every potential use, warning, drug interaction, side effect, or adverse or allergic reaction. RxList.com assumes no responsibility for any healthcare administered to a person based on the information found on this site.

As drug information can and will change at any time, RxList.com makes every effort to update its drug information. Due to the time-sensitive nature of drug information, RxList.com makes no guarantees that the information provided is the most current.

Any missing drug warnings or information does not in any way guarantee the safety, effectiveness, or the lack of adverse effects of any drug. The drug information provided is intended for reference only and should not be used as a substitute for medical advice.

If you have specific questions regarding a drug’s safety, side effects, usage, warnings, etc., you should contact your doctor or pharmacist, or refer to the individual drug monograph details found on the FDA.gov or RxList.com websites for more information.

You may also report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA by visiting the FDA MedWatch website or calling 1-800-FDA-1088.

References

RxList. Norvasc Medication Guide.
https://www.rxlist.com/norvasc-drug.htm#medguide
RxList. Diovan Side Effects Center.
https://www.rxlist.com/diovan-side-effects-drug-center.htm

Health Solutions From Our Sponsors