irbesartan

Generic Name: irbesartan (ir be SAR tan)

Brand Names: Avapro

What is irbesartan?

Irbesartan is in a group of drugs called angiotensin II receptor antagonists. Irbesartan keeps blood vessels from narrowing, which lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow.

Irbesartan is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It is sometimes given together with other blood pressure medications.

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.

What is the most important information I should know about irbesartan?

Do not use irbesartan if you are pregnant. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. You should not use this medication if you are allergic to irbesartan.

Before you take irbesartan, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, congestive heart failure, or if you are dehydrated.

Drinking alcohol can further lower your blood pressure and may increase certain side effects of irbesartan. Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes while you are taking irbesartan, unless your doctor has told you to.

Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. Visit your doctor regularly.

If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.

In rare cases, irbesartan can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, and dark colored urine.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking irbesartan?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to irbesartan.

To make sure you can safely take irbesartan, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• kidney disease;


• liver disease;


• 
  

  congestive heart failure; or

  
  


• 
  

  if you are dehydrated.

  
  

FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use irbesartan if you are pregnant. Stop using this medication 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. Use effective birth control while taking irbesartan. It is not known whether irbesartan passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while taking irbesartan.

How should I take irbesartan?

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results.

Irbesartan may be taken with or without food.

Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. Visit your doctor regularly.

If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

See also: Irbesartan dosage (in more detail)

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

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 or slow heartbeat, feeling light-headed, or fainting.

What should I avoid while taking irbesartan?

Drinking alcohol can further lower your blood pressure and may increase certain side effects of irbesartan. Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes while you are taking irbesartan, unless your doctor has told you to. Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.

Irbesartan side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. In rare cases, irbesartan can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, and dark colored urine. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• 
  

  feeling like you might pass out;

  
  


• 
  

  urinating less than usual or not at all;

  
  


• 
  

  drowsiness, confusion, mood changes, increased thirst, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting; or

  
  


• 
  

  swelling, weight gain, feeling short of breath.

  
  

Less serious side effects may include:

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  diarrhea;

  
  


• 
  

  heartburn, upset stomach;

  
  


• 
  

  mild dizziness; or

  
  


• 
  

  tired feeling.

  
  

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 Diabetic Nephropathy:

Initial dose: 150 mg orally once a day with or without food.
Maintenance dose: 150 to 300 mg orally once a day.

Usual Adult Dose for Hypertension:

Initial dose: 150 mg orally once a day with or without food.
Maintenance dose: 150 to 300 mg orally once a day.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Hypertension:

6 to 12 years:
Initial dose: 75 mg once daily.
Maintenance dose: 75 mg to 150 mg once daily.

13 to 18 years:
Initial dose: 150 mg once daily.
Maintenance dose: 150 mg to 300 mg once daily.

What other drugs will affect irbesartan?

Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:

• 
  

  a diuretic (water pill); or

  
  


• 
  

  a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, Naprelan, Treximet), celecoxib (Celebrex), diclofenac (Arthrotec, Cambia, Cataflam, Voltaren, Flector Patch, Pennsaid, Solareze), indomethacin (Indocin), meloxicam (Mobic), and others.

  
  

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with irbesartan. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

More irbesartan resources

• Irbesartan Side Effects (in more detail)
• Irbesartan Dosage
• Irbesartan Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Irbesartan Drug Interactions
• Irbesartan Support Group
• 25 Reviews for Irbesartan - Add your own review/rating

• irbesartan Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information


• Irbesartan Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)


• Irbesartan MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Irbesartan Monograph (AHFS DI)


• Avapro Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Avapro Consumer Overview

Compare irbesartan with other medications

• Diabetic Kidney Disease
• High Blood Pressure

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about irbesartan.

See also: irbesartan side effects (in more detail)