Uses
What is irbesartan used for?
Irbesartan is commonly used for the following conditions.
- To lower high blood pressure (hypertension)
- To protect the kidneys in people with type 2 diabetes and nephropathy, which is a type of kidney disease
Irbesartan may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does irbesartan work (mechanism of action)?
Irbesartan blocks receptors in your body that normally bind to a hormone called angiotensin II. When angiotensin II binds to these receptors, it causes your blood vessels to constrict. Blocking these receptors help your blood vessels relax so that blood can move through them more easily. This can help lower blood pressure and may reduce your risk for heart attack, stroke, and kidney damage progression.
How is irbesartan supplied (dosage forms)?
Irbesartan is available as Avapro and generic irbesartan in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.
- 75 mg oral tablets
- 150 mg oral tablets
- 300 mg oral tablets
How should I store irbesartan?
Irbesartan should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of irbesartan?
The most common side effects of irbesartan are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- High potassium level (see below)
- Dizziness (including dizziness upon standing)
- Decreased blood pressure (see below)
There may be other side effects of irbesartan that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of irbesartan?
While less common, the most serious side effects of irbesartan are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Decreased Blood Pressure (Hypotension). Irbesartan may cause low blood pressure in people with low levels of fluids or salt. This can happen especially in people taking a medicine that causes you to pee more often (diuretic). If you feel faint or dizzy, lie down. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of low blood pressure.
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Confusion
- Feeling weak or tired
Kidney Damage. Kidney damage can happen when taking irbesartan. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of kidney damage.
- Reduced need to pee
- Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs
- Weakness or unusual tiredness
- Difficulty catching your breath or chest pain/pressure
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Seizures
Severe Allergic Reactions. Irbesartan may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using irbesartan and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
High Potassium Level (Hyperkalemia). Irbesartan can cause a high potassium level (hyperkalemia), which can be serious and may lead to death. Your healthcare provider will check your potassium levels, especially if you take certain other medicines. Call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of a high potassium level.
- Muscle weakness or unusual tiredness
- Slow heartbeat or feeling of skipped heartbeats
- Nausea or vomiting
- Trouble breathing
- Abnormal heart rhythm
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use irbesartan?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use irbesartan.
- Avapro
- Irbesartan
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific irbesartan products they stock.
Drug Interactions. Irbesartan should not be taken while you are using certain other medicines and have diabetes. Before taking irbesartan, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
What should I know about irbesartan before using it?
Do not take irbesartan unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.
Do not share irbesartan with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep irbesartan out of the reach of children.
Irbesartan can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how irbesartan affects you.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using irbesartan?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if irbesartan is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.
- Heart problems
- Kidney problems
- Diabetes
- Electrolyte imbalance, such as high or low levels of sodium or potassium
- Persistent or severe vomiting or diarrhea
Pregnancy. Irbesartan can cause death or serious harm to an unborn baby if taken during pregnancy. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant, stop taking irbesartan right away and contact your healthcare provider.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if irbesartan passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should stop breastfeeding or stop irbesartan.
Interactions
Does irbesartan interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between irbesartan and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect irbesartan. The risk of dizziness may be increased if you drink alcohol while taking irbesartan.
Does irbesartan interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking irbesartan.
- Aliskiren (Tekturna), which is a medicine for high blood pressure
- A supplement or salt-substitute containing potassium
- A diuretic, also called a water pill, which is a medicine used to reduce edema (fluid retention) and blood pressure
- A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and others, which are contained in many prescription and OTC products for pain, swelling, and fever
- Lithium, which is a medicine for certain mental health conditions
- An angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, which is a medicine for high blood pressure, heart failure, and certain kidney problems
- An angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), which is a medicine for high blood pressure, heart failure, and other heart conditions
- Any medicine for high blood pressure
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much irbesartan?
If you or someone else has used too much irbesartan, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of irbesartan?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Are you currently using Irbesartan (Avapro)?
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