ORIGINAL USES (ON-LABEL) Hypertension, alone or in combination. Nephropathy in type 2 diabetic patients.
BRAND NAME Avapro, Aprovel
DRUG CLASS
Antihypertensive/Angiotensin II antagonist
DESCRIPTION
Antagonizes the effect of angiotensin II (vasoconstriction and aldosterone secretion) by blocking the angiotensin II (AT1 receptor) in vascular smooth muscle and the adrenal gland, producing decreased BP.
POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS
Headache, dizziness, and muscle and bone pain.
CAUTIONS
Irbesartan should not be taken by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
It should be used with caution by people with kidney disease, severe liver disease, heart failure, and some types of heart disease.
Dizziness and weariness may occasionally occur during treatment with blood pressure lowering medicines. If you are affected, caution is required when driving or operating machinery.
People with high blood pressure caused by high levels of the hormone aldosterone (primary hyperaldosteronism) do not generally respond to this type of blood pressure lowering medicine, and it is not recommended for these people.
People with heart failure or diabetic kidney disease should have regular blood tests to monitor the level of potassium in their blood while taking this medicine.
The safety and efficacy of this medicine in children has not been studied by the manufacturer.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Lithium
FOOD INTERACTIONS
Unknown
HERBAL INTERACTIONS
Unknown
PREGNANCY AND BREAST-FEEDING CAUTIONS
Use in second and third trimesters may cause injury and death to fetus.
SPECIAL INFORMATION
Potentially as or more effective than angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, without cough;
no evidence for reduction in morbidity and mortality as first line agents in hypertension, yet;
whether they provide the same cardiac and renal protection also still tentative;
Like ACE inhibitors, less effective in black patients.
Call your clinician immediately if note following side effects: wheezing; lip, throat or face swelling; hives or rash
