Dorothy,

Thanks for your question.

Diovan is an angiotension receptor blocker (ARB) that works by blocking a powerful hormone.  This results in some dilatation of blood vessels as well as the promotion of more water and salt loss through the kidney.  These actions work to lower the blood pressure. 

Norvasc is a calcium channel blocker that relaxes smooth muscle in the arterial walls causing them to dilate a bit and therefore lower blood pressure.

Both of these drugs are great medications that do a great job.  The Diovan should not cause any fluid build up in the circulatory system or the tissues.  Norvasc also does not increase the amount of fluid in the vascular system, but in some people it causes fluid to collect within tissues, most notably the legs, as gravity has its greatest effect here.  Sometimes a small dose of diuretic will relieve this problem, and in other cases, the drug is stopped and replaced with another medication.

Bottom line:       Diovan:  no water retention.

                       Norvasc:  some patients retain fluid in the legs.

I hope this has been helpful.  Best wishes.

Martin Cane, M.D.