aliskiren vs amlodipine/valsartan
Side-by-side comparison of aliskiren and amlodipine/valsartan. Data from FDA drug databases (Orange Book, NDC Directory, recalls, shortages) covering 20,000+ approved drugs, plus CMS pricing; see our methodology.
major Known Drug Interaction
Dual Blockade of the Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS): Dual blockade of the RAS with angiotensin receptor blockers, ACE inhibitors, or aliskiren is associated with increased risks of hypotension, hyperkalemia, and changes in renal function (including acute renal failure) compared to monotherapy. Do not coadminister aliskiren with valsartan in patients with diabetes. Avoid use of aliskiren with valsartan in patients with renal impairment (GFR < 60 mL/min).
Recommendation: Do not use this combination if you have diabetes or existing kidney problems. Your provider will monitor your blood pressure and kidney health very closely if these drugs are used.
Tekturna
Exforge
Tekturna is a medicine used to treat high blood pressure. It helps lower blood pressure, which can reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks.
Exforge HCT is a combination medicine used to treat high blood pressure. It contains amlodipine, valsartan, and hydrochlorothiazide to help lower your blood pressure.
Tekturna is used to treat high blood pressure in adults and children who weigh at least 110 pounds and are 6 years or older. Lowering your blood pressure helps prevent strokes and heart attacks. It is important to manage high blood pressure with a healthy lifestyle too.
Exforge HCT is used to treat high blood pressure. Lowering blood pressure reduces the risk of heart problems and strokes. It is for people who need more than one medicine to control their blood pressure. It is not for the initial treatment of high blood pressure.
Tekturna works by blocking a substance in your body called renin. Renin helps to control your blood pressure. By blocking renin, Tekturna helps to lower your blood pressure.
This medicine works in three ways to lower blood pressure. Amlodipine relaxes your blood vessels. Valsartan blocks a substance that tightens blood vessels. Hydrochlorothiazide helps your body get rid of extra salt and water.
- • Diarrhea
- • Dizziness
- • Swelling in your arms, hands, legs, and feet
- • Headache
- • Heartburn
- • Tiredness
- Weakness 367
- Fall 356
- Feeling sick to your stomach 336
- Shortness of breath 314
- Headache 301
- Pain 11
- Interaction with another medicine 9
- Taking too much medicine on purpose 9
- Attempt to end one's own life 9
- Weight loss 9
Tekturna can harm your unborn baby, even causing death. If you become pregnant, stop taking Tekturna right away and tell your doctor.
If you are pregnant, stop taking Exforge HCT right away. This medicine can harm or kill your unborn baby.
Tekturna can cause serious harm or death to an unborn baby. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, talk to your doctor about other blood pressure medicines. Breastfeeding is not recommended while taking Tekturna.
Do not take Exforge HCT if you are pregnant. It can cause serious harm to your unborn baby, including death. Breastfeeding is not recommended while taking this medicine.
How to Read This aliskiren vs amlodipine/valsartan Comparison
aliskiren is classified in the Direct Renin Inhibitor drug class, while amlodipine/valsartan sits within the CCB / ARB Combination class. Drugs from different classes work through distinct mechanisms, so a head-to-head comparison illustrates trade-offs rather than equivalence. Both drugs are prescription-only, so a licensed provider must authorize use.
Adverse event totals above are pulled from the FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). For these top-ranked reactions alone, aliskiren has 1,674 submissions while amlodipine/valsartan has 47. Those figures reflect cumulative reporting volume, not per-patient risk, so older, widely dispensed drugs typically look worse on count alone. These two drugs have a known major interaction flagged in FDA labeling, attributed to using these two medicines together can over-block the system that regulates blood pressure and kidney health. this can lead to dangerously low blood pressure, high potassium, or sudden kidney failure.. Serious warnings, pregnancy guidance, and contraindications can differ even when indications overlap.
A table cannot substitute for clinical judgment. Effectiveness, tolerability, drug-drug interactions with your other medications, kidney and liver function, pregnancy status, insurance formulary, and price all feed into a decision that only a licensed prescriber can make responsibly. Data here is sourced from FDA Structured Product Labels (SPL) and FAERS, both of which update as manufacturers and clinicians submit new information. This page is for educational purposes only, is not medical advice, and should not be used to self-switch between aliskiren and amlodipine/valsartan - always consult your physician or pharmacist first.
Important: This comparison is for informational purposes only. Drug effects vary between individuals. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized medical advice.