Valsartan Teva

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Valsartan Teva

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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 Valsartan Teva

Quick Facts

Property Description
Active ingredient Valsartan (INN)
Form Film-coated tablet
Pharmacological class Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB)
Common purpose Lowering systemic blood pressure
Origin Synthetic compound

Valsartan Teva is a prescription-only pharmaceutical preparation whose active compound, Valsartan, is classified as an Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB). It belongs to the group of synthetic medicines often referred to as Sartans and is a generic equivalent of the original Valsartan formulation, containing the identical active substance. The medication is manufactured by Teva Pharmaceuticals, a global producer of generic medicines.

What Type of Medicine is Valsartan Teva?

This single-ingredient product is supplied as a film-coated tablet designed for oral administration, a stable solid dosage form for systemic use. Valsartan's primary function is established through the selective antagonism of the AT1 receptor, a mechanism clinically recognized for providing effective intervention in the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS). As an ARB, this preparation is a key component of therapeutic strategies aimed at managing elevated vascular resistance.

What is the General Therapeutic Purpose of Valsartan?

The overarching purpose of Valsartan is to manage systemic pressure by promoting the relaxation and widening of the blood vessels, a process known as vasodilation. The active substance acts to manage blood pressure by blocking the effect of the potent vasoconstrictive hormone Angiotensin II at its receptor site, thereby interrupting the signal that causes the arteries to constrict.

The resulting reduction in vascular resistance and sustained lowering of blood pressure are central to the drug's role in providing broad cardiovascular support and easing the workload on the heart. Valsartan acts specifically to relax blood vessels, thus enabling blood to flow more easily.

Regulatory References

  1. MedlinePlus Valsartan Page

What side effects are possible with Valsartan Teva?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

This section summarizes the officially documented adverse reactions and safety restrictions for Valsartan Teva as structured by regulatory authorities.

Frequency-Classified Adverse Reactions

The following are classified based on the frequency reported in clinical trials and post-marketing surveillance:

Classification Examples of Adverse Reactions
Common Dizziness, low blood pressure (hypotension), headache, kidney function problems, high potassium levels (hyperkalaemia).
Uncommon Vertigo, cough, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, weakness (asthenia), fainting (syncope), decreased red blood cell measures.
Frequency Not Known Angioedema (swelling of the face, throat, or tongue), allergic reactions (hypersensitivity), rash, pruritus (itching), liver function abnormalities, thrombocytopenia (low platelet count).

Serious and Clinically Significant Safety Information

  • Fetal Toxicity: Valsartan can cause severe injury or death to the developing fetus and must be discontinued immediately if pregnancy is detected, especially after the first three months. This is a critical regulatory restriction.
  • Serious Adverse Reactions: Documented serious risks include Angioedema, severe drops in blood pressure, and renal failure. Immediate medical evaluation is required if swelling or difficulty breathing occurs.
  • Contraindications: This medicine must not be used by patients with severe liver impairment, biliary cirrhosis, or cholestasis. It is also contraindicated for use with aliskiren in patients with diabetes or moderate-to-severe kidney impairment.

Regulatory Alerts

Official regulatory bodies have issued alerts concerning the active substance (valsartan) due to the presence of probable human carcinogen impurities (such as NDMA or NDEA) above acceptable limits, leading to product recalls and ongoing regulatory surveillance.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose with the active ingredient Valsartan is primarily characterized by an exaggeration of the drug's expected pharmacological effect, as documented in government regulatory sources.

The most likely manifestation is Profound Hypotension, an excessive drop in systemic blood pressure, which may be accompanied by changes in heart rate such as Tachycardia (abnormally fast) or Bradycardia (abnormally slow). Reported severe outcomes include Circulatory Collapse and Shock, resulting from severe low blood pressure, and a Depressed Level of Consciousness.

Emergency medical attention is required immediately for any suspected overdose or if severe signs appear. Patients must seek help right away if symptoms include signs of collapse, unconsciousness, or any symptom indicating severe circulatory compromise. Officially documented management principles emphasize the necessity of Symptomatic and Supportive Treatment to stabilize the patient. For excessive hypotension, interventions include placing the patient in a supine position and administering an Intravenous Infusion of Normal Saline. The official prescribing information states that no specific antidote is known for Valsartan, and in adults, the active substance is not removed by hemodialysis. Specific overdose considerations are documented for neonates with in utero exposure.

Therapeutic Uses of Valsartan Teva

Valsartan Teva is applied across domains where additional symptomatic support is needed in the management of chronic cardiovascular conditions, focusing on addressing underlying disease factors and supporting patients during periods of heightened physiological stress. Therapeutic applications focus on key clinical contexts where the medication is commonly used to help with conditions presenting with systemic or localized discomfort, including chronic high blood pressure (hypertension), chronic heart failure, left ventricular dysfunction after a heart attack, and diabetic kidney disease (nephropathy).

This support helps to ease the physical workload on the heart and plays a role in managing symptoms linked to post-event cardiovascular vulnerability. The general therapeutic goal is to contribute to the management of long-term cardiovascular risk and assist with maintaining functional stability of critical organs.

“This approach is relevant when supportive symptom management is appropriate, assisting with maintaining functional stability for patients with established chronic conditions.”


Quick Fact: Relief for Systemic Imbalance

Domain Benefit Focus
High Blood Pressure Contributes to management of long-term risk and supports the process of long-term pressure management.
Heart Failure Helps ease physical workload and supports general well-being.
Diabetic Nephropathy May assist with maintaining functional stability of the kidneys.

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

The eligibility for Valsartan Teva is determined by specific regulatory criteria regarding age, physiological state, and existing medical conditions.

Contraindicated Populations (Must Not Use)

Valsartan Teva is contraindicated and must not be used by patients with a known hypersensitivity to the drug, those with severe hepatic impairment (liver disease), or those with biliary cirrhosis or cholestasis.

  • The medicine is strictly contraindicated for women in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy due to fetal risk. Discontinuation is advised immediately upon detection of pregnancy.
  • It is also prohibited for patients with Diabetes Mellitus or renal impairment ( GFR < 60 mL/ min/1.73 m^2) who are taking a medicine containing aliskiren.

Eligibility and Conditional Use

The drug is approved for adults for all labeled indications. For pediatric patients, use is established for treating hypertension in children and adolescents 6 to 18 years of age, but not recommended for children under six.

Conditional use and special caution are required in patients with severe renal impairment and in those who are volume- or salt-depleted. Use is not recommended for women in the first trimester of pregnancy, nursing mothers, or patients with primary hyperaldosteronism.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Official Interaction Profile

The interaction profile of Valsartan Teva (Valsartan) is documented by regulatory authorities, focusing on specific substance classes and transporters that may modify its effects or concentrations. No timing requirements for separation of doses are listed in the official labeling.

Interaction Type Interacting Agents (Official Listing)
Formal Contraindication Aliskiren (Prohibited in patients with diabetes mellitus or GFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m^2)
Exposure Modification Lithium (Increased serum concentrations and toxicity risk); OATP1B1 and MRP2 transporter inhibitors (e.g., Cyclosporine, Rifampin, Ritonavir)
Pharmacodynamic Risk Potassium-sparing diuretics and Potassium supplements (Increased serum potassium); NSAIDs including COX-2 Inhibitors (Renal function deterioration and reduced antihypertensive effect)

Co-administration with other Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors is generally not recommended. The risks associated with Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) are officially stated to be heightened in the elderly, those who are volume-depleted, or those with compromised renal function.

Mechanism of Action

How Valsartan Teva Blocks the Angiotensin Receptor

Valsartan Teva is a selective Angiotensin II Type 1 receptor ( AT1 R) Antagonist. The drug's mechanism involves competitively binding to the AT1 R on vascular smooth muscle, the adrenal glands, and the kidneys. This action prevents the endogenous hormone Angiotensin II ( AngII) from activating the receptor, thereby modulating the final step of the Renin–Angiotensin–Aldosterone System ( RAAS) cascade.

Decreasing Vascular Resistance and Volume

This receptor blockade directly causes vasodilation (relaxation of arterial muscle) by removing AngII-mediated signaling, resulting in a decrease in peripheral vascular resistance. Furthermore, the mechanism suppresses AngII's ability to promote aldosterone release, which, over time, reduces the reabsorption of sodium and water in the kidneys. This renal effect leads to a decrease in the body's overall fluid volume and a subsequent reduction in ventricular wall tension.

Inhibition of Cardiovascular Remodeling

Beyond its acute hemodynamic effects, the drug's mechanism influences systems associated with chronic cardiovascular activity. By removing the signaling of AngII from the AT1 R, Valsartan Teva inhibits the structural changes, such as cellular hypertrophy (abnormal thickening) of the heart muscle and blood vessel walls, that are driven by chronic RAAS signaling.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Valsartan Teva: Administration Guidelines

Valsartan Teva is administered exclusively via the oral route as a film-coated tablet and is intended for long-term use in managing chronic cardiovascular conditions. The usage protocol is defined by specific, indication-dependent dosing and frequency rules.

Administration Scope

Feature Guideline
Route of administration Oral (by mouth)
Timing in relation to meals May be taken with or without food.
Preparation requirements The tablet must be swallowed whole with water.
Missed-dose rules If a dose is missed, the next dose should be taken at the usual scheduled time; do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Dosing and Frequency Patterns

The required dosing schedule is titrated and varies according to the condition being addressed. The total dosage must not exceed 320 mg per day. For hypertension, the typical initial dose is 80 mg once daily. For heart failure, administration generally begins at 40 mg twice daily, with the dose gradually increased as tolerated, reflecting the need for consistent systemic medication levels. The use of the tablet requires adherence to a continuous schedule, and sudden discontinuation is advised against.

Population-Specific Instructions

Usage instructions include guidance for specific populations. For older adults, no initial dosage adjustment is typically required. However, dose modifications may be necessary for patients with impaired kidney or liver function due to physiological constraints on drug processing.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies for Valsartan Teva


Evidence for Use in Treating High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

Valsartan Teva was studied for conditions characterized by fluctuating or episodic manifestations like high blood pressure (hypertension). Research was applied in studies examining patient-reported experiences in this condition. Research examined whether taking the medication was associated with changes in blood pressure readings, which are key outcomes monitoring physiological strain or stress. The studies often compared Valsartan Teva to a placebo or to other types of blood pressure medications.

Findings describe patterns observed in the studies regarding outcomes monitoring physiological strain or stress, where the groups taking Valsartan Teva was associated with different outcomes monitoring physiological strain or stress compared to placebo groups. This evidence contributes to understanding symptom patterns related to this condition over defined time intervals. However, research does not determine whether an individual will respond similarly, as results apply only to the populations studied. Findings were mixed when research examined comparisons against other types of blood pressure drugs.


Evidence for Use After a Recent Heart Attack

Valsartan Teva was evaluated in settings involving individuals who had experienced a recent heart attack. These studies explored how the medication was associated with long-term outcomes related to systemic or functional imbalance and specific outcomes related to systemic or functional imbalance. This research examined patient populations with conditions associated with acute or disruptive episodes, focusing on follow-up periods after the event.

The studies report how symptoms evolved in the observed populations, and the data show patterns related to certain outcomes related to systemic or functional imbalance following a heart attack and specific outcomes related to systemic or functional imbalance. While this research provides context, findings describe group patterns, not personal outcomes. The research contributes to the broader evidence landscape regarding this specific condition. Comparative evidence is lacking for some comparisons.


Evidence in Special Populations

Valsartan Teva was evaluated in specific groups, such as older adults or individuals with comorbid conditions (other existing health issues). Studies explored how the medication was observed in some studies that examined daily-life functioning in these individuals.

The subgroup findings are uncertain in some cases, because data for certain groups remain insufficient. For example, while research examined the use in older adults, the results apply only to the populations studied. Evidence is limited for use in children and in pregnancy-related populations.


What is Still Uncertain About Valsartan Teva

Research has been studied for Valsartan Teva, but several questions remain open. Evidence highlights what is known — and what is still uncertain about its full effects. Findings were mixed in some comparisons with other treatments.

Evidence quality varies across studies, and research is ongoing in many settings. Comparative evidence is lacking in some important scenarios. Data are still emerging regarding the overall research questions. Certainty remains low regarding some outcomes related to systemic or functional imbalance outside of the studied patient groups.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Valsartan Teva (FAQ)

Q: Is Valsartan Teva the same kind of medication as an ACE inhibitor?

Valsartan is classified as an Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB). Official drug information confirms it is not an ACE inhibitor, but both ARBs and ACE inhibitors work by targeting the Renin-Angiotensin System to help manage blood pressure and heart function.

Q: Is Valsartan Teva used to prevent future heart problems?

Official product labeling indicates that Valsartan is used to lower the risk of death in certain clinically stable patients following a recent heart attack. It is also prescribed to lower the risk of hospitalization for patients with heart failure. This is part of the drug's long-term cardiovascular management role.

Q: Does Valsartan Teva cause weight gain or weight loss?

Weight changes are not commonly reported as a specific side effect in the regulatory product information. However, official warnings mention that unexplained, sudden weight gain or swelling may be a sign of changes in kidney function or fluid balance. Any rapid or unexplained change should be brought to the attention of a healthcare provider.

Q: Is it common to feel tired when first starting Valsartan Teva?

Yes, regulatory documents list fatigue (tiredness) as a common adverse reaction observed in clinical studies for both the high blood pressure and heart failure indications. This is considered an expected, though non-specific, finding in the initial stages of treatment.

Q: Are there any specific vitamins or supplements that are not safe to take with Valsartan Teva?

Official drug information warns that supplements that contain potassium, such as potassium-containing salt substitutes, may need to be avoided or used with caution. This is because Valsartan can increase potassium levels, potentially leading to a condition called hyperkalemia (high potassium).

Q: Can Valsartan Teva affect kidney function tests?

Yes, Valsartan can cause changes in kidney function, which would be visible in related blood tests. Regulatory warnings recommend that kidney function monitoring is performed periodically for patients susceptible to such changes.

Q: Do I need to change my diet while taking Valsartan Teva?

Official regulatory warnings focus on the risk of increased potassium levels (hyperkalemia). Because of this, specific dietary limits on high-potassium foods or the avoidance of potassium-containing salt substitutes may be necessary, as noted in official warnings.

Q: Does Valsartan Teva interact with common pain relievers like ibuprofen?

Regulatory drug information states that taking Valsartan with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may reduce the blood pressure-lowering effect. Furthermore, the combination may increase the risk of developing impaired kidney function.

Q: Is it possible for Valsartan Teva to cause a dry cough, like some other heart medicines?

Yes, cough is listed as a possible side effect in the official adverse reaction data for Valsartan. In some clinical studies, cough was one of the reasons that led patients to discontinue the medication.

Q: Can Valsartan Teva affect blood sugar levels?

Regulatory documents list diabetes as a disease state that may interact with Valsartan treatment. Furthermore, Valsartan is contraindicated (should not be used) with the drug aliskiren specifically in patients who have diabetes.

Q: Is Valsartan Teva safe for older adults or seniors?

Official information regarding use in specific populations indicates that in clinical trials, no overall difference in effectiveness or safety was noted between patients 65 years and older and younger adults. Dosage adjustments are not typically required for seniors unless kidney or liver function is impaired.

Q: Does taking Valsartan Teva mean I have to limit my potassium intake?

Official warnings indicate that Valsartan may cause a rise in potassium levels (hyperkalemia) in the blood. Patients, particularly those with existing heart or kidney problems, often require regular monitoring of their potassium levels.

Q: What types of heart conditions, besides high blood pressure, is Valsartan Teva used for?

Beyond high blood pressure, Valsartan is officially indicated for the treatment of heart failure and to lower the risk of death in clinically stable patients who have recently had a heart attack.

Q: Is there a generic version of Valsartan Teva?

Yes, the active ingredient in Valsartan Teva is valsartan, and this compound is available as a generic medication. Generic versions are reviewed and approved by regulatory bodies, such as the FDA, from various manufacturers.

Q: How often do people typically need to have blood tests while on Valsartan Teva?

Official product labeling describes that periodic blood monitoring to check for potassium levels and to assess renal function is necessary for patients who may be susceptible to changes in these areas.

Q: Can Valsartan Teva be cut in half if the tablet is scored?

Official administration guidelines state that the tablet should be swallowed whole with water. The tablet's integrity should be maintained, as official guidelines specify the tablet should be swallowed whole.

Q: How long does the effect of a single dose of Valsartan Teva typically last?

The official pharmacokinetic data indicates that the elimination half-life of valsartan is approximately 6 hours. This is the time it takes for half of the drug to be cleared from the system. Maximum concentration in the blood is typically reached within 2 to 4 hours.

Q: Can Valsartan Teva cause swelling in the ankles or feet?

Official adverse reaction data indicates that swelling in the ankles, feet, or hands (edema) is a possible symptom. This sign is mentioned because it can suggest changes in kidney function or fluid balance.

Q: What should I know about taking Valsartan Teva if I travel to a hot climate?

Official warnings indicate that patients who become volume-depleted (low on fluids) or salt-depleted, which can easily happen in hot climates due to sweating, are at increased risk. This puts them at greater risk of developing symptomatic low blood pressure (hypotension).

Q: Does Valsartan Teva interact with alcohol?

Yes, alcohol (ethanol) may have an additive effect with Valsartan in lowering blood pressure. This combination can increase the risk of symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting, according to official drug interaction summaries.

Q: Can Valsartan Teva be used by people with diabetes?

Diabetes is listed in regulatory documents as a condition that may interact with Valsartan treatment. Furthermore, the drug is explicitly contraindicated (should not be used) in patients with diabetes who are also taking the medication aliskiren.

Q: What are the major contraindications for Valsartan Teva besides pregnancy?

Official contraindications include known hypersensitivity or allergy to any component of the medication. It is also contraindicated for use with the drug aliskiren in patients who have diabetes.

Q: Can Valsartan Teva cause dizziness when standing up?

Yes, regulatory adverse reaction data lists postural dizziness (feeling dizzy when standing up) and postural hypotension (low blood pressure upon standing) as potential reactions. This is more commonly reported by patients with heart failure.

Q: Is Valsartan Teva a type of diuretic or water pill?

Valsartan is classified as an Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB). While its mechanism does reduce the reabsorption of sodium and water in the kidneys, leading to a decrease in overall fluid volume, the medication itself is not classified as a diuretic (or water pill).

Q: Does Valsartan Teva affect fertility or sexual health?

Official adverse reaction data includes impotence as a potential side effect in the urogenital category. Regulatory documents list this reaction under potential effects on sexual health.

Q: Are there common reasons why a person might be advised to stop taking Valsartan Teva?

Regulatory data from clinical trials lists the most common reasons leading to permanent discontinuation of the drug. These included developing hypotension (low blood pressure), cough, and increases in blood creatinine (a measure of kidney changes).

Q: What did the studies show about Valsartan Teva's use after a heart attack?

Official product information states that Valsartan is indicated specifically to lower the risk of death in patients who are clinically stable following a recent heart attack. This indication is based on regulatory review of clinical study results.

Q: Is Valsartan Teva often combined with other blood pressure medicines?

Official drug information states that Valsartan is approved to be used alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents. Combination therapy is a common approach in managing high blood pressure.

Q: What does 'angiotensin II receptor blocker' mean in simple terms?

Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB) is the class name for Valsartan. This means the drug works by blocking the signals of the powerful hormone Angiotensin II, which normally causes blood vessels to narrow. By blocking this signal, the drug helps blood vessels relax and widen.

Q: Is Valsartan Teva commonly used in children or adolescents?

Official safety and efficacy data supports the use of Valsartan in pediatric patients aged 6 to 16 years who have high blood pressure. However, the medication is explicitly not recommended for children under the age of six.

Q: What is the risk of a severe allergic reaction to Valsartan Teva?

Regulatory warnings highlight the risk of a severe allergic reaction called angioedema, which involves swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. This is a serious event, and patients are instructed by product labeling to seek immediate medical attention if these symptoms occur.

Q: Is the medication Valsartan Teva approved by the FDA (or equivalent regulator)?

Yes, the active ingredient in the medication, valsartan, is an FDA-approved drug. Its official use and safety profile are reviewed and regulated by government authorities in the US and equivalent bodies internationally.

Q: Why might a person taking Valsartan Teva be asked to monitor their fluid intake?

Official warnings state that patients who are volume-depleted (low fluid) are at an increased risk of symptomatic hypotension (low blood pressure). This mechanism explains why fluid intake and hydration status may be a point of discussion with a healthcare professional.

Q: Does Valsartan Teva affect uric acid levels or gout?

Some studies have indicated that Valsartan may be associated with elevated serum uric acid levels in certain patients. Uric acid is the substance involved in the formation of gout.

Q: Does Valsartan Teva require refrigeration or special storage conditions?

Regulatory storage information indicates that the tablets should generally be stored at controlled room temperature. Only the prepared liquid suspension form of the medication requires specific storage conditions, which may include refrigeration.

Q: Is it common for people to report muscle cramps while taking Valsartan Teva?

Muscle cramps are listed as a potential adverse reaction in the official product information. This reaction is included in the list of events observed during clinical trials.

How should Valsartan Teva be stored and disposed of?

Storage and Disposal Conditions for Valsartan Tablets

Official Storage Requirements

Valsartan tablets must be stored at Controlled Room Temperature, defined as 20 C to 25 C (68 F to 77 F). The container must be kept tightly closed in a dry place and protected from moisture and direct light. A mandatory regulatory requirement is to store the medicine out of the reach and sight of children at all times.

Disposal Instructions

Unused or expired Valsartan tablets should be discarded according to official government guidance. The preferred method is to utilize a drug take-back program. If no program is available, the product should be disposed of in the household trash by mixing it with an unappealing material, such as used coffee grounds, to prevent accidental consumption or misuse. Tablets must not be flushed down the toilet or poured down a sink.

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

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