Drugs >  Irbesartan
Irbesartan
Pronunciation
Brand Names
Therapeutic Categories
What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?
Reasons not to take this medicine
What is this medicine used for?
How does it work?
How is it best taken?
What do I do if I miss a dose?
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
What are the common side effects of this medicine?
What should I monitor?
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
How should I store this medicine?
General statements

Pronunciation
(ir be SAR tan)

Brand Names
Avapro®

Therapeutic Categories
Angiotensin II Antagonists

What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?

  • Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant. Use during the second and third trimester (more than 12 weeks pregnant) can cause harm to the baby you are carrying. Call healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant. Your medicine will need to be changed.


Reasons not to take this medicine

  • If you have an allergy to irbesartan or any other part of the medicine. If you are allergic to another angiotensin receptor antagonist, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have any of the following conditions: Disease of the vessels (arteries) that take blood to the kidney, primary hyperaldosteronism.
  • If you are more than 12 weeks pregnant.


What is this medicine used for?

  • This medicine is used to treat high blood pressure.


How does it work?

  • Irbesartan lowers blood pressure by preventing a strong chemical in the body from increasing blood pressure.


How is it best taken?

  • Take with or without food. Take with food if this medicine causes an upset stomach.
  • Follow diet plan (low salt) as recommended by healthcare provider.


What do I do if I miss a dose?

  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.


What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

  • Limit alcohol intake (includes wine, beer, and liquor). May increase blood pressure.
  • Do not use over-the-counter products that increase blood pressure. These include cough or cold remedies, diet pills, stimulants, ibuprofen or like products, and certain herbs or supplements. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Avoid potassium-containing salt substitutes and potassium supplements. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Be careful in hot weather. You may see a greater blood pressure lowering effect.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • Do not use in pregnancy and do not get pregnant. Use birth control that you can trust while taking this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.


What are the common side effects of this medicine?

  • Dizziness is common. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing stairs.
  • Lightheaded. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities that require you to be alert until you see how this medicine affects you.


What should I monitor?

  • Check blood pressure regularly.


Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Passing out, fainting, dizziness, or lightheadedness.
  • Severe headache.
  • Any rash.
  • If you become pregnant while on this medicine.


How should I store this medicine?

  • Store in a tight, light-resistant container at room temperature.


General statements

  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).


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