Avapro (Irbesartan)

General information

Avapro belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin receptor blockers. It works by relaxing blood vessels so that blood can flow more easily. It is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and to help protect the kidneys from damage due to diabetes. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. This drug may also be used to treat heart failure. The full effects of Avapro are usually seen within about 4 weeks. It can be used alone or in combination with thiazide diuretics (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide).

Directions

Take Avapro exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The usual starting dose is 150 mg daily at the same time each day, with or without food (but taken in the same manner each day). The doctor may increase the dose to 300 mg once a day if the blood pressure has not come down enough. The recommended starting dosage for people with diabetic nephropathy is 300 mg a day. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well.

Precautions

Before taking Avapro you should talk with your doctor if you have heart disease, congestive heart failure, kidney disease, kidney failure, liver disease, severe loss of body water and minerals, any allergies. Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes. This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive or perform tasks that require alertness. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall. Limit alcoholic beverages. Alcohol can lower your blood pressure and may increase some of the side effects.

Contraindications

You should not take Avapro if you are allergic to irbesartan or to any of the ingredients of the medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Possible side effect

Get emergency medical help if you have painful or difficult urination, hives, chest pain, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, stomach pain, heartburn, diarrhea, fast heart rate, swelling in your hands or feet, joint pain, itching, dizziness, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor.

Drug interactions

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially: blood thinners (warfarin), diuretics (furosemide, torsemide, bumetanide), digoxin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (celecoxib, etodolac, naproxen, ibuprofen), potassium supplements. Interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking.

Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if it is time for your next scheduled dose. Don't take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

If you think you have overdosed the medicine seek emergency medical help at once. The overdose symptoms are severe dizziness, fainting, lightheadedness, slow or irregular heartbeat, drowsiness, loss of consciousness, headache, back pain.

Storage

Store the medicine at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store the drugs in the bathroom. Keep all drugs away from reach of children and pets.

Note

The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.