Irbesartan is a drug to treat high blood pressure and diabetic nephropathy. In addition to treating hypertension, irbesartan can also be used to treat aortic aneurysms in patients with Marfan syndrome.
Irbesartan works by blocking the effects of angiotensin II, which causes blood vessels to constrict. Thus, blood vessels become more relaxed, dilated, blood flow is smoother, and blood pressure can be lowered. This drug can be used alone or in combination with other blood pressure lowering drugs.
irbesartan trademark: Aprovel, Coaprovel, Irbesartan, Irvell, Irtan, Tensira
What is Irbesartan
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB) |
| Benefit | Overcoming hypertension and diabetic nephropathy |
| Used by | Mature |
| Irbesartan for pregnant and lactating women | Category D: There is positive evidence of risks to the human fetus, but the benefits may outweigh the risks, for example in dealing with life-threatening situations. It is not known whether Irbesartan is absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Tablet |
Warning Before Taking Irbesartan
Irbesartan should only be used according to a doctor's prescription. Here are some things you need to pay attention to before taking irbesartan:
- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Irbesartan should not be used in patients who are allergic to this drug.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney disease, liver disease, heart failure, or dehydration.
- Tell your doctor if you have diabetes and are on treatment with aliski. Irbesartan should not be used together with aliskren.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- During treatment with irbesartan, do not drive or operate equipment that requires alertness, as this medicine can cause dizziness.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal medicines and supplements. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking supplements that contain potassium.
- See your doctor immediately if you have an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose, after taking irbesartan.
Dosage and Rules for Use of Irbesartan
The dose of irbesartan given by the doctor depends on the condition and age of the patient. Here is the explanation:
Condition: Hypertension
- Mature: 150 mg, once daily. The dose can be increased up to 300 mg per day.
- seniors: 75 mg, once daily.
Condition: Diabetic nephropathy
- Mature: 150 mg, once daily. The dose can be increased up to 300 mg per day.
How to Take Irbesartan Correctly
Follow the doctor's recommendations and read the instructions for use on the packaging before using irbesartan. Irbesartan can be taken with or without food. Do not crush, chew, or split this medication, as this may affect the effectiveness of the drug.
If you forget to take irbesartan, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose of irbesartan to make up for a missed dose, unless directed by your doctor.
Store irbesartan at room temperature, protect from direct sunlight, and keep out of reach of children.
Interactions of Irbesartan with Other Drugs
The following are a number of interactions that may occur if irbesartan is used in combination with other medicines:
- Increased risk of developing hyperkalemia when used with potassium supplements or potassium-sparing diuretics, such as amiloride, triamterene, or spironolactone
- Increased risk of impaired renal function, hyperkalemia and hypotension when used with aliskiren in patients with diabetes and renal failure
- Increased levels of lithium in the blood which increase the risk of toxic effects
- Decreased effectiveness of irbesartan and increased risk of renal impairment when used with NSAIDs
Irbesartan Side Effects and Dangers
Some side effects that may occur after taking irbesartan are:
- Dizzy
- Diarrhea
- Muscle ache
- Stomach pain or burning sensation in the chest (heartburn)
- Fatigue
Check with a doctor if the complaints mentioned above do not go away or get worse. Immediately see a doctor if you experience an allergic reaction to the drug which can be characterized by difficulty breathing, swelling of the lips and eyelids, or experiencing more serious side effects, such as:
- Hyperkalemia, which can be characterized by nausea, vomiting, tingling, chest pain, or palpitations
- Orthostatic hypotension, which can be characterized by dizziness upon awakening
- Rhabdomyolysis, which can be characterized by muscle pain, muscle weakness, reddish or brown urine
- Angioedema, which can be characterized by swelling of the skin, lips, tongue, or difficulty breathing
- Irregular heartbeat