Losartan vs. Diovan

Main Difference

The main difference between Losartan and Diovan is that Losartan is the generic name of the drug and Diovan is the brand name of a drug.

Difference Between Losartan and Diovan

Comparison Chart

Losartan vs. Diovan

Losartan is a generic term, on the other hand, Diovan is the brand name. Losartan is available as losartan potassium while Diovan is available as valsartan potassium. Losartan is a short-acting drug, on the other hand, Diovan is a long-acting drug relatively. Losartan at lower doses should be taken twice a day whereas Diovan is taken once daily. Losartan does not cause chest pain and low blood sugar. On the other hand, Diovan causes chest pain and low blood sugar. Losartan does not cause insomnia and muscle cramps, on the other hand, Diovan causes insomnia and muscle cramps. Losartan reduces the risk of strokes in hypertensive patients and left ventricular hypertrophy patients, while Diovan does not reduce such risks.

What is Losartan?

Losartan is the active therapeutic moiety of the Cozaar, which is used to lower the blood pressure in patients suffering from high blood pressure. Losartan is available as the Losartan potassium, and it is also available in combination tablet of Losartan potassium and hydrochlorothiazide. Losartan is used alone or with other drugs to lower the blood pressure. Losartan treatment takes a roundabout six weeks for the proper lowering of the blood pressure. Losartan is also used for the treatment of different other medical condition like heart failure, left ventricular enlargement, and diabetic kidney disease. Losartan is the angiotensin receptor blocker and shows its therapeutic actions by blocking the angiotensin II binding to the angiotensin I receptors. Losartan delays diabetic nephropathy. Losartan decreases renal disease progression in type 2 diabetes patients. Losartan also finds its role in reducing the microalbuminuria or proteinuria. Losartan is recommended to patients under the age of 55 who can not tolerate the ACEinhibitor. Losartan is considered best for primary prevention of adverse cardiovascular events. When taken orally Losartan is absorbed well, and after ist pass metabolism it produces its metabolite that is five carboxylic acid metabolite. Losartan use should be discontinued as soon as the pregnancy test is positive as it leads to fetal toxicity causing fatal injury or death. Losartan use can lead to some side effects, which are dizziness, back pain, stuffy nose, and upper respiratory infections. Diabetic patients experience some unique side effects like diarrhea, low blood pressure, fatigue, chest pains, low blood glucose, and elevated potassium. More serious side effects include low blood pressure and allergic reactions. Diabetic patients and patients using aliskiren should not use Losartan.

Example

Famous brands containing Losartan are Hyperten, Losagen, etc

What is Diovan?

Diovan contains the valsartan which is used by the patients of high blood pressure, diabetic kidney disease, and heart failure. Diovan is considered best for the initial treatment of hypertension. Diovan causes the blood vessels to relax and activates aldosterone by blocking the actions of the angiotensin I, and it leads to the reduction in the blood pressure. Diovan acts as an antagonist to angiotensin type I receptors. Diovan is an orally active and nonpeptide drug. Diovan tablets contain the valsartan in the strength of 40 mg, 80 mg, 160 mg, or 320 mg tablets. The inactive ingredients of Diovan are colloidal silicon dioxide, polyethylene glycol 8000, iron oxides (yellow, black and red), magnesium stearate, crospovidone, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose microcrystalline cellulose, and titanium dioxide. Clinical studies of Diovan show several side effects, but side effects are mild, and in some cases, patients need discontinuation of the therapy. Diovan shows side effects like diarrhea, dizziness, low blood pressure, and some less common side effects include fatigue, joint pain, and back pain. Diovan interacts with food. Diovan use in pregnancy can harm the baby, and its use is not recommended in breastfeeding mothers. Diovan should not be used if the patient is allergic to the active ingredient or is dehydrated. As Diovan causes some dizziness so do not operate any heavy machinery or drive after taking it. Diovan increases the potassium levels, so consult a physician before taking any potassium supplement while using Diovan. Diovan should not be taken with lithium and aliskiren as both increases the potassium in the blood.

Example

Diovan is brand of valsartan and some other brand of valsartan is starval.

Conclusion

The conclusion of the above discussion is that both Losartan and Diovan are angiotensin receptor blockers and are used to treat hypertension and some other cardiovascular disorders.