Generic Name : Irbesartan
Brand Names : Avapro
Avapro (Irbesartan) is prescribed to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and to help protect the kidneys from damage due to diabetes. High blood pressure reduction helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. This drug works by blocking the hormone angiotensin thereby relaxing blood vessels, causing them to widen. Irbesartan belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin receptor blockers.
Avapro (Irbesartan) is indicated to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and to help protect the kidneys from damage due to diabetes
The patient should take this medicine by mouth, with or without food, usually once or twice daily, or as directed by the doctor. The patient should use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help remember, the patient should use it at the same time each day.
The patient should not take potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium without talking to the doctor or pharmacist first. This medicine can raise the potassium levels, which rarely can cause serious side effects such as muscle weakness or very slow heartbeats. The doctor should be consulted immediately if these effects occur. Dosage will be based on medical condition, response to therapy. For the treatment of high blood pressure, it may take 2 weeks before the full benefit of this drug occurs .
The various reported side effects of the medicine are:fainting, decreased sexual ability, change in the amount of urine, stomach/abdominal pain, severe nausea, yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, unusual fatigue, muscle pain/tenderness/weakness. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but the patient should seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling (especially of the face, lips, tongue, or throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
Before using this medication, the doctor should be consulted of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products the patient is using, especially of: digoxin, lithium, "water pills" (diuretics such as furosemide; potassium-sparing diuretics such as amiloride, spironolactone, triamterene).
The labels on all the medicines should be checked (e.g., cough-and-cold products, diet aids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen for pain/fever reduction) because they may contain ingredients that could increase the blood pressure. The doctor should be consulted about the safe use of those products. Low-dose aspirin, as prescribed by the doctor for specific medical reasons such as heart attack or stroke prevention (usually at dosages of 81-325 milligrams per day), should be continued.
If overdose is suspected, the patient should contact local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include unusually fast or slow heartbeat, severe dizziness or fainting. Lifestyle changes such as stress reduction programs, exercise and dietary changes may increase the effectiveness of this medicine. The doctor should be consulted about lifestyle changes that might benefit the patient. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., kidney function, potassium blood level) should be performed periodically to monitor the progress or check for side effects.
the doctor should be consulted with the medical history, especially of : kidney disease, liver disease, high blood levels of potassium, heart problems, severe dehydration (and loss of electrolytes such as sodium).