Cardival

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Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 10/01/2026

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Cardival

What is Cardival? (Identity and General Purpose Overview)

Property Description
Active ingredient Valsartan
Form Oral film-coated tablet
Pharmacological class Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB)
General purpose Cardiovascular support and blood pressure regulation
Origin Synthetic, nonpeptide compound

What Type of Medicine is Cardival (Valsartan)?

Cardival is a prescription medicinal product containing the active ingredient Valsartan, a synthetic compound classified as an Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB). This classification indicates its focused action within the body's cardiovascular regulatory system. As a pharmaceutical preparation, Cardival is typically supplied as an oral film-coated tablet intended for systemic administration. The unique properties of Valsartan, including its orally active, non-prodrug structure, are clinically recognized for providing effective modulation of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS). Similar monotherapy formulations are widely used in cardiovascular pharmacotherapy.

How Does Cardival Generally Help the Body?

The general purpose of Cardival is to manage conditions where the control of blood pressure and cardiac function is necessary, often employed as a first-line treatment. Cardival achieves this by influencing the RAAS, a central regulator of fluid and vascular tone. This targeted intervention promotes the relaxation and widening of systemic blood vessels (vasodilation), which reduces the resistance the heart must overcome to circulate blood. The fundamental benefit is, therefore, to lower elevated blood pressure and ease the workload on the heart, thereby supporting overall cardiovascular stability.

ARB vs. ACE Inhibitors: Understanding the Difference

Cardival, belonging to the ARB class, differs from the related Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors in its specific mechanism of effect. While both classes modulate the RAAS, ARBs work by blocking the Angiotensin AT1 receptor site directly, preventing the pressure-elevating hormone Angiotensin II from binding. This distinction offers a therapeutic alternative, providing precise control over vascular resistance and fluid dynamics for patients who may not tolerate the non-selective pathway inhibition of ACE inhibitors.

What side effects are possible with Cardival?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The official safety profile for Cardival (Valsartan) is structured by governmental regulatory authorities to categorize adverse reactions based on their frequency and the body system affected.

Documented Adverse Reactions

Side effects are categorized by frequency in regulatory documentation, derived from clinical trials and post-marketing surveillance:

  • Common Reactions: These frequently observed effects include headache, dizziness, fatigue, diarrhea, and viral infections.
  • Uncommon Reactions: Documented as occurring less often are effects such as vertigo, cough, abdominal pain, arthralgia (joint pain), and back pain.

Adverse reactions span several System-Organ Classes, including the Nervous System, Vascular, Renal and Urinary, and Musculoskeletal systems. Reactions related to the vascular system may involve symptomatic hypotension (low blood pressure).

Serious Safety Constraints

Official labeling contains specific warnings for rare but clinically significant adverse reactions and situations of elevated risk:

  • Fetal Toxicity: Use during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy is associated with serious injury and potential death to the developing fetus, representing a mandated safety constraint.
  • Hypersensitivity and Angioedema: Serious hypersensitivity reactions, including angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, pharynx, or tongue), are documented in post-marketing reports.
  • Renal and Metabolic Effects: Potential serious reactions include impaired renal function or failure and hyperkalemia (high blood potassium levels), which necessitates the monitoring of serum potassium and renal function.

Population-Specific Limitations

Regulatory documentation defines restrictions for specific patient groups. The medicine is contraindicated during the later stages of pregnancy and in individuals diagnosed with severe hepatic impairment, biliary cirrhosis, or cholestasis. The constraint against Dual RAAS Blockade means that co-administration with aliskiren is restricted for patients with diabetes or moderate-to-severe renal impairment.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

The officially documented clinical manifestation of Cardival (Valsartan) overdose is an excessive hypotension, which is an exaggerated extension of the drug’s primary blood pressure-lowering effect. Regulatory sources state that this over-exposure may lead to severe symptoms, including dizziness, fainting (syncope), and a risk of impaired renal function.

Required Emergency Actions

Immediate medical attention or emergency services must be contacted if the symptoms are severe. This action is explicitly required when the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or cannot be awakened.

The official management strategy is generally symptomatic and supportive. If clinically warranted due to excessive hypotension, the patient should be placed in the supine position, and an intravenous infusion of normal saline may be administered to assist with volume expansion.

Special Treatment Constraint

A specific constraint documented in official prescribing information is that Valsartan is not effectively removed from the plasma by hemodialysis. This is due to its high degree of binding to plasma proteins, meaning this procedure is unlikely to be helpful in clearing the drug during an overdose situation.

Therapeutic Uses of Cardival

Cardival is considered relevant for managing long-term Cardiovascular Disease Management, a therapeutic domain relevant for patients dealing with symptoms related to persistent pressure and functional stress. Its profile indicates relevance across several high-risk conditions, and it is commonly applied when supportive symptom management is appropriate.

Managing Sustained High Blood Pressure

Cardival is commonly used to help with providing long-term control over High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) in adults and is relevant for appropriate use in children. The medication is commonly used to help with easing the ongoing strain that high pressure places on the circulatory system. This significantly helps reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events, primarily strokes and myocardial infarctions.

Supporting the Heart in Chronic Failure

This medication offers essential supportive therapeutic benefit for patients diagnosed with Chronic Heart Failure (NYHA class II-IV). In this context, Cardival supports the heart's functional stability, and its use is considered relevant for easing symptomatic burden. The therapeutic support assists with improving functional stability, which may help maintain a sense of well-being and reduce the symptomatic burden associated with heart failure.

“It is commonly applied when supportive symptom management is appropriate and contributes to easing the overall symptom load.”

The medication is applied in addressing the symptomatic patterns associated with sustained Hypertension, Chronic Heart Failure, and Post-Myocardial Infarction risk management. It is often applied when conditions produce significant symptomatic burden and interfere with functional stability.


Quick Fact: Support for Persistent Vascular Stress Cardival provides support that helps ease the overall symptom burden linked to high blood pressure and cardiac strain.

Regulatory References

  1. NIH DailyMed Label for Valsartan

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Official Eligibility and Non-Eligibility Rules

Cardival (Valsartan) is generally allowed for adults with approved cardiovascular conditions, including hypertension and heart failure. Eligibility is strictly limited by a patient's physiological state, age, and existing comorbidities, as defined in regulatory documents.

Classification Rule/Restriction
Absolute Contraindications Pregnancy (second and third trimesters, discontinue immediately upon detection), severe hepatic impairment (including biliary cirrhosis/cholestasis), and concomitant use with aliskiren in patients with diabetes mellitus or renal impairment (GFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m^2).
Age Limitations Approved for hypertensive children aged 6 to 16 years. Use is not recommended for children under 6 years or those of any age with a severe Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) less than 30 mL/min/1.73 m^2.
Conditional Use Caution is required for patients with severe renal impairment (CrCl < 10 mL/min) or mild to moderate hepatic impairment (without cholestasis), and use is generally not recommended while breastfeeding.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Cardival Interactions with other medicines and products

The interaction profile for Cardival (Valsartan) is primarily defined by its pharmacological effect on the body's fluid balance and blood pressure regulation, as documented in official prescribing information.

The co-administration of Cardival with agents that increase serum potassium, such as potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., spironolactone) and potassium supplements, may result in hyperkalemia (elevated serum potassium levels). This pharmacodynamic interaction is a key constraint in patient management.

A formal regulatory contraindication exists for the co-administration of Valsartan with Aliskiren in patients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, due to the increased risks of renal impairment and severe hypotension. Furthermore, the combination of Cardival with Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), including selective COX-2 inhibitors, is documented to risk deterioration of renal function and can cause an attenuation of the antihypertensive effect. This interaction is noted to be of increased clinical significance in elderly or volume-depleted populations.

Cardival co-administration with Lithium has been reported to cause an increase in serum lithium concentrations, raising the risk of toxicity. Regarding metabolic pathways, regulatory data indicates that CYP 450 mediated drug interactions are unlikely for Valsartan itself due to its minimal metabolism. Valsartan may be taken with or without food, although food can decrease its overall systemic exposure.

Mechanism of Action

beta and alpha1 Adrenergic Receptor Blockade

Cardival's primary action is as an antagonist, directly blocking the signaling effects of norepinephrine and epinephrine at both beta1 receptors (chiefly in the heart) and alpha1 receptors (chiefly on vascular smooth muscle). This dual antagonism prevents the binding of catecholamines at these sites, thereby interrupting sympathetic nervous system signals.

Reduction of Heart Rate and Peripheral Vascular Resistance

Antagonism at beta1 receptors causes a subsequent reduction in the heart's rate and force of contraction (negative chronotropy and inotropy). Concurrently, alpha1 receptor blockade causes smooth muscle relaxation, leading to vasodilation and a reduction in peripheral resistance. The combination of these actions results in specific circulatory changes.

Antioxidant and Non-Adrenergic Activity

Beyond its classic receptor blocking, Cardival engages a secondary mechanistic domain by acting as a free radical scavenger (an antioxidant). This activity involves the neutralization of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and influences inflammatory pathways within the heart and vascular tissues.

Dosage and Administration Information

Cardival is administered orally in the form of film-coated tablets or a specially prepared oral suspension. The primary dosing frequency is defined by the treated condition. For the management of hypertension, the general protocol specifies a once-daily regimen, typically starting at 80 mg or 160 mg, with a maintenance range up to a maximum of 320 mg.

Conversely, in the management of chronic heart failure or following a myocardial infarction, the standard usage pattern requires a twice-daily schedule, with the total daily dose divided into two administrations. For heart failure, the initial dose is 40 mg twice daily, and for post-MI management, dosing can begin as low as 20 mg twice daily, initiating as early as 12 hours after the event. Dosing in these indications is systematically titrated to the highest dose tolerated, up to a total daily maximum of 320 mg.

The timing of administration is flexible, as the medication may be taken with or without food. Tablets must be swallowed whole with water. For certain patient populations, such as those with mild to moderate hepatic impairment (without cholestasis), a dose ceiling of 80 mg daily may be necessary. Treatment is generally considered for long-term management, with maximal antihypertensive effects typically observed after four weeks of stable dosing.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies

Early Pharmacological Research

Initial Phase 1 and 2 clinical trials established the compound's basic profile and were designed to evaluate its tolerability and approximate dose range. One area of research focused on whether the use of Cardival was associated with changes related to the AChE enzyme. One study reported that the onset of a measurable change in measures occurred at approximately 30 minutes, and evaluated the duration of changes in patient-reported pain scales; however, results were limited to small cohorts. Early evidence remains limited, and results varied significantly across the small cohorts studied.

Trials for Chronic Pain Management

A series of randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) has been performed. These studies were designed to evaluate the effects of Cardival on endpoints related to moderate to severe chronic neuropathic pain.

Key Efficacy Findings

  • Joint Pain: Research focused on the impact of Cardival on chronic joint pain. In one multi-center trial ( N=450), findings evaluated changes in joint function and patient-reported pain scores over 12 weeks. The study design was observational.
  • Fibromyalgia Symptoms: Another trial ( N=210) examined patients with confirmed fibromyalgia. The primary outcome was a change in the FIQ (Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire) score. Limitations in the trial data suggested that further research would be required to draw definitive conclusions.

Combination Therapies

Research has evaluated whether the combination of Cardival and Compound B was associated with changes in clinical outcomes in patients with Osteoarthritis. This line of research is primarily observational and exploratory. Studies examined whether the compound was associated with changes in inflammation markers over a six-month period. Research explored whether the intervention was associated with a change in pain measures.

Safety and Tolerability Profiles

Reported safety profiles varied across studies and were primarily derived from short-term follow-up periods (up to six months).

The most frequently reported adverse events included:

  • Nausea and gastrointestinal distress (mild to moderate, dose-dependent)
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Fatigue

Analysis of the findings showed variability in individual patient responses.

Key Studies & References

  1. Development of responder definitions for fibromyalgia clinical trials

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Cardival (FAQ)

Q: How long does the effect of Cardival last?

Regulatory documents indicate that the blood pressure-lowering effect of Cardival is described as persisting for 24 hours after a single dose. The body processes and eliminates the drug over time; its average half-life for elimination is approximately six hours.

Q: Is Cardival known to cause tiredness or dizziness?

Yes, official prescribing information lists dizziness and fatigue (tiredness) as common adverse reactions documented during clinical trials for Cardival. These effects are typically observed early in the course of treatment.

Q: What should I do if I think I'm having a side effect from Cardival?

Official patient guidance emphasizes that serious symptoms like swelling of the face or difficulty breathing should prompt immediate contact with a healthcare provider. Side effects that are uncomfortable or affect quality of life are typically information to be shared with a healthcare professional.

Q: Does Cardival affect the results of any common lab tests?

Cardival (Valsartan) may interfere with the results of certain specialized hormonal blood tests. This is particularly noted for tests used to evaluate the body's Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS) or to diagnose conditions like Primary Aldosteronism.

Q: Is it safe to use Cardival before surgery?

Guidelines for managing blood pressure medications during surgery often discuss the need to withhold Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs) like Cardival before non-cardiac surgery. Specific instructions for taking or pausing the medication during the perioperative period must be confirmed by the prescribing physician or surgical team.

Q: Are there any supplements that should not be taken with Cardival?

Regulatory guidance states that co-administration with potassium supplements and salt substitutes containing potassium is noted in official documents as a combination that carries a risk of hyperkalemia (high blood potassium).

Q: Is it normal to feel a mild headache after starting Cardival?

Yes, headache is documented in official sources as a common adverse reaction that can occur, especially when initiating treatment for high blood pressure. If the headache is severe or persistent, regulatory guidance indicates this information is relevant for a healthcare professional.

Q: Can Cardival cause weight changes?

Official documents do not typically list weight change as a common side effect of Cardival. However, sudden, unexplained weight gain is noted as a symptom that may be associated with more serious issues like fluid retention and is generally considered information to be shared with a healthcare provider.

Q: Is Cardival associated with any known vision changes?

Official adverse event reports have documented blurry vision. Additionally, rare cases of other vision changes, such as difficulty reading or eye pain, have been noted in the safety profile.

Q: Does Cardival have an impact on heart rhythm?

The safety profile includes reports of palpitations (a noticeable or unusual change in heart sensation). Furthermore, a potential risk of the medicine, elevated serum potassium, can rarely be associated with changes in heart function, such as a fast heart rate.

Q: What are the common reasons a doctor would stop prescribing Cardival?

Discontinuation may be necessary due to established contraindications, such as confirmed pregnancy or severe liver issues. Stopping the medicine is also common if the patient develops serious adverse reactions, like angioedema (swelling) or significant changes in kidney function.

Q: Will Cardival start working right away?

Following the first dose, the onset of blood pressure lowering activity is typically observed around two hours. The medication usually reaches its maximum blood pressure reduction within six hours after administration.

Q: Do I need to take Cardival forever?

Cardival is approved and intended for the long-term management of chronic cardiovascular conditions. Clinical follow-up studies have evaluated its sustained effect for up to two years, but the total duration of treatment depends on the specific condition being managed.

Q: Is Cardival suitable for older adults?

Official labeling notes that the body’s exposure to the drug may be higher in older adults compared to younger patients. However, generally, no specific dosage adjustment is required for geriatric patients based on age alone.

Q: Are there any major diet changes required when taking Cardival?

The medicine can be taken with or without food. However, official documents note that potential high potassium levels are a factor when considering the intake of high-potassium foods or salt substitutes.

Q: What happens if I miss a dose of Cardival?

Official patient information describes the general steps: if a dose is missed, it is often taken as soon as it is remembered. However, if it is nearly time for the next scheduled dose, the missed dose should be skipped to avoid taking two doses close together.

Q: Can Cardival affect my sleep?

The safety profile for Cardival includes post-marketing reports of insomnia (difficulty sleeping) as a documented neurological/psychiatric adverse event.

Q: Is it true that Cardival can cause changes in blood pressure?

Yes, official warnings and precautions state the potential for symptomatic hypotension (abnormally low blood pressure). This is especially noted after starting the medicine in vulnerable patients or following a dose increase.

Q: Is Cardival the kind of drug you can stop taking suddenly?

Official guidance emphasizes that the medication is intended to be taken consistently as prescribed. Stopping or adjusting the regimen is a decision made by a healthcare provider.

Q: Is there a generic version of Cardival available?

Yes, the active ingredient in Cardival, Valsartan, is widely available as a generic medication, which is typically confirmed by regulatory bodies like the FDA.

Q: Is Cardival an anti-inflammatory medicine?

Cardival is officially classified as an Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB). This classification defines its primary therapeutic mechanism of action, which involves modulating the body's cardiovascular regulatory system.

Q: What did the main research studies on Cardival show?

Regulatory documents describe clinical trials demonstrating the drug's effectiveness in its approved uses, which include lowering blood pressure and reducing cardiovascular mortality and hospitalization risk in heart failure and post-myocardial infarction patients.

Q: What is the general duration of treatment for Cardival?

The medication is approved and intended for the long-term management of chronic conditions, and clinical follow-up studies have evaluated its sustained effect for up to two years.

Q: Does Cardival have a known risk of dependence?

Official regulatory information does not list the drug as having a known risk of dependence or abuse.

Q: Can I drive or operate machinery while taking Cardival?

Due to the potential for adverse effects like dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting, official guidance suggests that patients understand how they react to the medicine before driving or operating machinery.

How should Cardival be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Cardival?

Cardival (Carvedilol) tablets require specific storage conditions to maintain product stability and effectiveness, based on regulatory labeling.

Storage Requirement Official Instructions
Temperature Store at 20° to 25°C (68 to 77F), which corresponds to Controlled Room Temperature.
Protection Keep the tablets dry and protected from moisture. The product should be kept in a light-resistant and tight container.
Safety Keep Cardival and all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
Disposal Safely throw away medication that is out of date or no longer needed. Do not flush Carvedilol down a toilet or pour it down a drain. It must be discarded according to local regulations and is classified as potentially hazardous to the environment, requiring professional disposal methods to avoid release into water systems.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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