Irbesartan

Brand Name:Avapro

Prescription needed: Yes

What is this drug used for?

Irbesartan is a medication used alone or in combination with other medications (like “water pills”) to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), congestive heart failure, and some kidney diseases (e.g. nephropathy).

This medication may also be used in other conditions when people are having side effects (specifically a cough) to other medications called ACE inhibitors.

Is there any reason not to take this drug?

You should not take this drug if you are allergic to irbesartan or other similar drugs like losartan, candesartan, valsartan, telmisartan or eprosartan.

You should generally not take this medication if you are pregnant or have a kidney condition called bilateral renal artery stenosis. Tell your doctor specifically if you have or have ever had:

  • problems with your kidney or liver
  • congestive heart failure
  • high levels of potassium in your blood or taking potassium supplements
  • problems with severe dehydration or risk factors for dehydration or low salt in the blood (e.g., taking water pills, on salt-restricted diet, have symptoms of chronic diarrhea/vomiting) – may make your blood pressure too low while taking irbesartan
  • low blood pressure (hypotension)
  • aortic stenosis
  • a hormonal imbalance known as primary aldosteronism
  • experienced a side effect called angioedema

What about possible side effects?

The most common side effects are:

  • dizziness, feeling lightheaded
  • low blood pressure
  • high levels of potassium in the blood

Other less common and possibly severe side effects include:

  • rash and itching
  • headache
  • swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs (angioedema) – call your doctor immediately, very rare
  • problems with the kidney
  • rare cases of hepatitis (inflammation of the liver) and jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes) have been reported - call your doctor if you experience unexplained nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, fatigue, loss of appetite, dark urine, yellowing of the skin and/or eyes
  • very rarely, swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs (angioedema) – call your doctor immediately

This is not a complete list of side effects. If you are concerned about these or other unusual symptoms while taking this medication, ask your doctor and/or pharmacist for more information and advice.

What if I am taking other drugs?

Always provide your doctor with a list of all other drugs you are taking (including over-the-counter medications and herbal/natural products) as they may interact with and/or may change the safety or effectiveness of either drug. Tell your doctor specifically if you are taking any of these drugs as these are the most common interactions and he/she may need to make changes or monitor you more closely:

  • cyclosporine - may increase the chances for side effects on the kidney or increase the chance for high levels of potassium in the blood
  • fluconazole
  • water pills (e.g. hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide) - can increase the chances for low blood pressure
  • potassium supplements, spironolactone, amiloride, trimaterene - these drugs increase the chances of having high levels of potassium in the blood
  • other medications to treat high blood pressure - may increase your chances for experiencing low blood pressure
  • lithium - can increase the amount of lithium in the blood
  • ASA & other anti-inflammatories (e.g. ibuprofen, voltaren, diclofenac) (e.g. ibuprofen, naproxen, voltaren) – can increase the chances of problems with your kidney and may decrease how well irbesartan works to lower blood pressure or treat congestive heart failure

If you are taking this drug to treat high blood pressure, be careful of certain over-the-counter medicines that may increase your blood pressure. These include some cough and cold medicines. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

This is not a complete list of drug interactions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your list of medications.

Other information:

Special Instructions: Because of the possibility of a sudden drop in blood pressure and dizziness when you first take this drug, you may want to take the first dose while sitting or lying down. When you get up, do so slowly.

If you are dehydrated, your blood pressure may become too low when taking irbesartan. Be cautious and ensure adequate hydration if you experience severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; when exercising; or during exposure to hot weather. Symptoms of dizziness or lightheadedness occur when your blood pressure is too low.

If you are undergoing surgery, be sure to let the doctor know that you are taking this medication as it may make you more sensitive to the effects of the anesthetics.

Lab tests: Your doctor will likely send you for tests periodically to check the levels of potassium in your blood.

Children: Not prescribed.

Seniors: Are more sensitive to side effects and lower doses may be necessary.

Pregnancy: Do not take as it can cause birth defects. Talk to your doctor.

Women who are nursing: Safety not established. Talk to your doctor.

People who drive or operate machinery: Should not do so until they know how this drug affects them personally; may cause dizziness.

Alcohol: When taking irbesartan, avoid excessive use of alcohol as it may adversely affect your blood pressure.

Overdose: A large overdose of this medicine could cause serious symptoms, including dizziness and fainting. If you experience any unusual reactions, or if you seriously exceed the recommended dosage, call your doctor or 911.

Stopping the drug: Talk to your doctor before you stop taking this drug. Stopping the drug will likely cause your blood pressure to increase or your other symptoms due to congestive heart failure to return

If you miss a dose: Take it as soon as you remember. If your next scheduled dose is within 8 hours take the missed dose now and skip the next. Do not take a double dose.

Storage conditions: Closed container; cool, dry location away from excess moisture (not in the bathroom) and light; always out of reach of children.

Dietary precautions: In order to help control your blood pressure or heart failure, your doctor may suggest that you reduce the amount of salt in your diet. Avoid salt substitutes as they sometimes contain potassium.