Indications
- Irbesartan is used for treating high blood pressure and protecting the kidneys from diabetes-related damage.
- It helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems by lowering high blood pressure.
- Irbesartan belongs to the class of drugs called angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs).
- The mechanism of action involves relaxing blood vessels to facilitate easier blood flow.
Dosage and administration
- Take this medication orally, with or without food, as directed by your doctor, typically once daily.
- Dosage is determined based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
- Use the medication regularly to maximize its benefits and take it at the same time each day to help remember.
- Continue taking the medication even if you feel well, as high blood pressure often shows no symptoms.
- Inform your doctor if there is no improvement or if your condition worsens, such as an increase in blood pressure readings.
Side effects
- Possible side effects may include dizziness, lightheadedness, or upset stomach during the initial adjustment to the medication.
- Inform your doctor or pharmacist promptly if these effects persist or worsen.
- To minimize the risk of dizziness, rise slowly from a sitting or lying position.
- This medication is prescribed because its benefits outweigh potential side effects; serious side effects are uncommon.
- Report serious side effects promptly to your doctor, such as fainting or symptoms of high potassium blood levels (muscle weakness, slow/irregular heartbeat).
- Irbesartan, while used to prevent or treat kidney problems, may rarely cause or exacerbate serious kidney issues. Regular kidney function checks are advised and inform your doctor of any signs of kidney problems, like changes in urine volume.
- Serious allergic reactions are rare but seek medical help immediately if symptoms occur, including rash, swelling (especially face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
- The list of possible side effects provided is not exhaustive; contact your doctor or pharmacist for any unlisted effects.
Precautions
- Inform your doctor or pharmacist about any allergies to irbesartan or other substances, as inactive ingredients may cause allergic reactions or other issues.
- Share your medical history, especially liver disease, dehydration, or high blood potassium levels, with your doctor or pharmacist before using this medication.
- This drug may induce dizziness; avoid activities requiring alertness until you can do them safely. Limit alcohol and marijuana use and discuss marijuana usage with your doctor.
- Consult your doctor before using potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium, as this medication may increase potassium levels.
- Before surgery, inform your doctor or dentist about all products you use, including prescriptions, non-prescriptions, and herbal items.
- If pregnant or planning to become pregnant, discuss with your doctor. Avoid pregnancy while using irbesartan, as it may harm an unborn baby. Consult your doctor promptly if you become pregnant.
- It’s unclear if this drug passes into breast milk; consult your doctor before breastfeeding.