What is irbesartan, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
Irbesartan is an oral medication that is
used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and
diabetic nephropathy or
kidney disease. It belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin receptor
blockers (ARBs) which also includes valsartan (Diovan), losartan (Cozaar), and
candesartan (Atacand). Angiotensin, formed in the blood by the action of
angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), is a powerful chemical that attaches to angiotensin receptors found in many tissues but primarily on smooth muscle cells
of blood vessels. Angiotensin’s attachment to the receptors causes the blood
vessels to narrow (vasoconstrict), which leads to an increase in blood pressure
(hypertension ). Irbesartan blocks the angiotensin receptor. By blocking the
action of angiotensin, irbesartan dilates blood vessels and reduces blood
pressure. The FDA approved irbesartan in September 1997.
What brand names are available for irbesartan?
Avapro
Is irbesartan available as a generic drug?
GENERIC AVAILABLE: No
Do I need a prescription for irbesartan?
Yes
What are the side effects of irbesartan?
The most common side effects of irbesartan are:
- dizziness,
- hyperkalemia,
- diarrhea,
- abdominal pain or
- heartburn,
- fatigue, and
- reduced blood pressure when rising from a sitting or standing position (orthostatic hypotension).
Other important side effects patients may experience include:
Rhabdomyolysis (inflammation and destruction of muscle) and
angioedema (swelling of soft tissues including those of the throat and larynx) are rare but serious
side effects of irbesartan.
QUESTION
Salt and sodium are the same.
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What is the dosage for irbesartan?
The recommended dose of irbesartan for treating hypertension
is 75 to 300 mg once daily. Most hypertensive patients are started on 150 mg
daily. Diabetic nephropathy is treated with 300 mg daily.
Which drugs or supplements interact with irbesartan?
Combining irbesartan with potassium-sparing
diuretics (for example., spironolactone
[Aldactone], triamterene, amiloride),
potassium supplements, or salt substitutes containing potassium may lead to
hyperkalemia (elevated potassium in the blood) and toxicity from potassium.
Combining irbesartan or other ARBs with
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
in patients who are elderly, fluid-depleted (including those on diuretic
therapy), or with poor kidney function may result in reduced kidney function,
including kidney failure. These effects usually are reversible. There have been
reports that aspirin and other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (Advil, Children’s
Advil/Motrin, Medipren, Motrin, Nuprin, PediaCare Fever, etc.), indomethacin (Indocin,
Indocin-SR), and naproxen (Anaprox, Naprelan, Naprosyn, Aleve) may reduce the
effects of ARBs.
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Is irbesartan safe to take if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
All ARBs should not be used during
pregnancy. When used in
the second or third trimester of pregnancy, irbesartan and similar drugs may
cause injury and even death to the fetus. Irbesartan should not be used during
pregnancy. When pregnancy is detected, irbesartan should be stopped as soon as
possible.
It is not known whether irbesartan is secreted into
human milk. Irbesartan is secreted into the milk of rats.
What else should I know about irbesartan?
What preparations of irbesartan are available?
Tablets: 75 mg, 150 mg and 300 mg.
How should I keep irbesartan stored?
Tablets should be stored at room temperature, 15 C -30 C (59 F – 86
F).