Generic name: irbesartan (ir be SAR tan)
Brand name: Avapro
Dosage forms: oral tablet (150 mg; 300 mg; 75 mg)
Drug class: Angiotensin receptor blockers
Irbesartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (sometimes called an ARB).
Irbesartan is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults and children at least 6 years old. Lowering blood pressure may lower your risk of a stroke or heart attack.
Irbesartan is also used to treat kidney problems caused by type 2 diabetes.
Irbesartan may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Do not use if you are pregnant. Stop using and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
If you have diabetes, do not take irbesartan with any medication that contains aliskiren (a blood pressure medicine).
Before taking this medicine
You should not use irbesartan if you are allergic to it.
If you have diabetes, do not take irbesartan with any medication that contains aliskiren (a blood pressure medicine).
You may also need to avoid taking irbesartan with aliskiren if you have kidney disease.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- a heart condition other than one being treated with irbesartan;
- kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis); or
- if you are on a low-salt diet.
Do not use if you are pregnant. Stop using the medicine and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Irbesartan can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your second or third trimester.
If you plan to get pregnant, ask your doctor for a safer medicine to use before and during pregnancy. Having high blood pressure during pregnancy may cause complications in the mother and the baby.
You should not breastfeed while using irbesartan.
How should I take irbesartan?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Irbesartan may be taken with or without food.
Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. Your kidney function may also need to be checked.
Call your doctor if you are sick with vomiting or diarrhea, or if you are sweating more than usual. You can easily become dehydrated while taking irbesartan.
It may take up to 2 weeks before your blood pressure is under control. Keep using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.
You may need to use blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life. Treatment may also include diet, exercise, lowering cholesterol, not smoking, and controlling diabetes.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms may include fast heartbeats or fainting.
What should I avoid while taking irbesartan?
Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes, unless your doctor has told you to.
Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy.
Irbesartan side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
- little or no urination;
- high potassium level--nausea, weakness, tingly feeling, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, loss of movement.
Common side effects may include:
- dizziness;
- feeling light-headed; or
- high potassium.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Irbesartan dosing information
Usual Adult Dose for Hypertension:
Initial dose: 150 mg orally once a day
Maximum dose: 300 mg orally once a day
Usual Adult Dose for Diabetic Nephropathy:
Target maintenance dose: 300 mg orally once a day
Use: Treatment of diabetic nephropathy with an elevated serum creatinine and proteinuria (greater than 300 mg/day) in patients with type 2 diabetes and hypertension.
What other drugs will affect irbesartan?
Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:
- heart or blood pressure medication;
- lithium; or
- NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)--aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.
This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect irbesartan, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.