Many people around us are suffering from hypertension. Nearly 4 out of 5 people have high blood pressure which implies that many people are suffering through this unavoidable disease. To treat hypertension, Avapro i.e. Irbesartan medication is widely used. Irbesartan belongs to a class of drugs known as ‘Angiotensin Receptor Blockers’ which is similar to Valsartan Diovan and Losartan Cozaar. Actually, these three drugs block angiotensin II a chemical, which causes the arteries and veins to narrow from attaching to the arteries and veins and causing them to narrow. As a result the arteries and veins become larger i.e. dilate and hence reduces the blood pressure. And when the blood pressure reduces, the heart doesn’t have to work hard to pump blood in our body.

It is also used to treat kidney problems, which is caused by type 2 diabetes. Most of the times, it is also given with other blood pressure medicines. It can also be used for other purposes, but you need to consult your doctor before consuming it for other medical conditions. This medication is used in adults, older people and children of age above 6 years to get rid from high blood pressure and damage to the kidneys. If a pregnant woman consumes this medication in her last six months of pregnancy, can face the severe result of the death of her newborn. So, pregnant women should take precautions of not using this medicine and keep consulting their doctors for the safety of their baby.

Irbesartan was approved by the FDA in 1998.

For the exact dosage of the medication, please consult your doctor. Usually, Irbesartan tablets are taken once in a day, orally with or without food. Avoid taking salt substitutes containing potassium or potassium supplements without consulting your doctor as the high potassium levels can cause serious side effects to you.

For more information, please consult from your doctor and your pharmacists.

The most common side effects with Irbesartan are diarrhea occurring in 1 in 30 persons and abdominal pain or heartburn occurring in 1 in 50 persons. Some unlikely side effects can also been seen such as, weakness, decreased sexual ability, stomach/abdominal pain, severe nausea, change in the amount of urine, dark urine, fainting, unusual fatigue, yellowing eyes or skin etc. Some allergic reactions may also been seen as, difficulty in breathing, itching, swelling in different parts such as face, lips, tongue or throat, severe dizziness, severe rashes, slow heartbeats etc.

Call your doctor if you have any of these unusual problems or some new problems while taking this medication which may appear severe or persistent to you. Consult your doctor immediately and get treated accordingly.

No important drug interactions have been described with Irbesartan. Since angiotensin receptor blockers such as Irbesartan can increase the concentration of potassium in blood other medications that also increase the concentration of potassium such as hydrochlorothiazide Dyazide and Spironolactone Aldactone as well as potassium supplements should be used cautiously with Irbesartan. So, if your doctor suggests you to have low sodium or salt diet, please follow the instructions very strictly.

So, please consult your doctor and get more information on the interactions of the Avapro medication and take precautions accordingly. If you wish to discontinue this medication, please consult your doctor before doing so.

In case of overdose call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
If the suffering patient has collapsed or is not breathing call local emergency services at 911. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.

Keep all appointments with your doctor during the complete course. And never allow anyone else take your medication unless they are prescribed by their doctors themselves. Also inform your doctor if you have been the victim of any serious and major diseases. Keep checking your blood pressure regularly at your laboratory to see the response of Irbesartan medication in your body.

If you missed the dose, do take the medicine immediately provided that there is ample of time in between the next dose. However if it is almost time for the next dose skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Never double dose it to cope up with the missed dose. And in case, if you miss the two consecutive doses consult to your doctor or physician for guidance and continue further.

Irbesartan is used to treat high blood pressure. It may be used alone or in combination with other drugs. Irbesartan is being studied in patients with congestive heart failure to determine if its blood pressure-lowering effects are beneficial to the heart. It has less of an effect in black patients, an effect that is similar to another class of drugs used to treat high blood pressure called ACE inhibitors such as, captopril Capoten, enalapril Vasotec, benazepril Lotensin and lisinopril Zestril.

For more information, consult your doctor once.

Irbesartan may also be used to treat heart failure and kidney problems caused by diabetes. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition.

Avapro tablets are stored at a prescribed temperature of 15-30°C 59-86°F. Keep the medicine in a light-resistant tight container and away from heat, dampness or direct light. Check Expiry date without fail. Keep all medicines away from women, newborns, children and pets. Moisture or Heat may cause the break down of the medicine. In any case, do not store the medicine in the bathroom. However, some manufacturers vary in their storage recommendations. Therefore storage conditions for each product should be clarified with your pharmacist.

Following precautions must be taken during consuming generic Avapro:

1. Let your doctor know about your complete medical history, if you have or have ever had any major diseases like heart problems, severe dehydration, kidney disease, any allergies - especially to ACE inhibitors such as captopril or lisinopril, liver disease, high blood levels of potassium, diabetes, or any other major disease.

2. Tell your doctor that what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking or even any OTC like nutritional supplements, vitamins, minerals, herbal products etc. that you may be intaking.

3. Avoid alcohol and smoking during the complete course.

4. If you have to undergo any surgery, major operation or any dental procedure, inform your surgeon, dentist or doctor, that you are taking Avapro medication.

5. Let your doctor or the physician know about your any kind allergies. They may be any food, medicine, particularly to Avapro or any composition allergy.

6. Do not share the Avapro with others unless they are prescribed by the doctor themselves. If the medicine is no longer in use or is outdated, discard it immediately after checking with your doctor or your pharmacist.

7. Do not discontinue medication on your own. Consult your doctor before doing so.

8. Keep the medication out of reach of newborns, children and pets.

9. Before taking Avapro, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Avapro or any other medications.

10. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or are breast-feeding. If you conceive during the course, immediately inform your doctor.