Uses

Avapro(Irbesartan) is an angiotension receptor blocker. It decreases the body’s production of angiotension 2, a hormone that can lead to increases in blood pressure. It also causes the adrenal gland to secrete aldosterone. It is commonly used to treat conditions such as diabetic nephropathy and hypertension.

How to Use

Take this medication by mouth with water. This medication can be taken with or without food. Be sure to take it regularly, exactly as directed.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is already almost time for your next dose, take only that next dose. Do not double up on any dose.

Important Information

Meet with your doctor and check your blood pressure regularly while on this medication.

Do not operate heavy machinery, drive a car, or engage in other activity that requires fine motor skills until you are sure of how this medication affects you.

Sit down, and stand up slowly when starting this medication to avoid dizziness. Avoid alcohol.

Inform your doctor if you think you may be pregnant or are expecting to become pregnant while on this medication. There is a potential of serious side effects to an unborn child, this is seen most commonly in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters.

Check with a healthcare provider before self treating your self with over the counter products for coughs, colds and pain while on this medicine.

Be sure that your prescribing doctor is aware if you have any of the the following conditions before taking this medication

Heart failure, liver disease, kidney disease, history of allergic reactions, pregnancy, breastfeeding, trying to become pregnant.

Side effects that should be immediately reported to your healthcare provider

Allergic reaction(hives, itching, rashes, swelling of the face or mouth), confusion, dizziness or fainting, changes in passage or amount or urine, swelling of face, tongue, hands, feet or lips, changes in heartbeat, difficulty breathing or swallowing, tightening of throat.

Other Side Effects

Diarrhea, heartburn, headache, fatigue.

Adult Doses

Diabetic Nephropathy

75-300 mg by mouth daily. The target dose is 300 mg.

Hypertension

Around 150 mg by mouth once daily.

Sources

1. Avapro (irbesartan) [package insert]. New York, NY: Bristol-Myers Squibb Company; 2014.

2. Parving H, Lehnert H, Brochner-Mortensen J, et al. The effect of irbesartan on the development of diabetic nephropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes. N Engl J Med 2001;345:870-878.