Details

Irbesartan is in a group of drugs called angiotensin II receptor antagonists. Irbesartan keeps blood vessels from narrowing, which lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow. Irbesartan is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It is sometimes given together with other blood pressure medications. Irbesartan is also used to treat kidney problems caused by type 2 diabetes. To make sure irbesartan is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease liver disease congestive heart failure or if you are dehydrated. Do not use irbesartan if you are pregnant.

Typical Uses

Irbesartan 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. Irbesartan belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). It works by relaxing blood vessels so that blood can flow more easily. This drug may also be used to treat heart failure.

Side Effects

In rare cases, irbesartan can cause a condition that result in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Some of the other side effects of irbesartan include a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out little or no urinating swelling, rapid weight gain or confusion, loss of appetite, vomiting, pain in your side or lower back.

Drug Interactions

• Irbesartan+amiloride- Using amiloride together with irbesartan may increase potassium levels in the blood. High levels of potassium can develop into a condition known as hyperkalemia, which in severe cases can lead to kidney failure, muscle paralysis, irregular heart rhythm, and cardiac arrest. You may be more likely to develop hyperkalemia while using these medications if you are elderly, dehydrated, or have kidney disease, diabetes, or advanced heart failure.
• Irbesartan+benazepril- Using benazepril together with irbesartan may increase the risk of side effects such as low blood pressure, kidney function impairment, and a condition called hyperkalemia (high blood potassium). In severe cases, hyperkalemia can lead to kidney failure, muscle paralysis, irregular heart rhythm, and cardiac arrest.
• Irbesartan+fosinopril- Using fosinopril together with irbesartan may increase the risk of side effects such as low blood pressure, kidney function impairment, and a condition called hyperkalemia (high blood potassium). In severe cases, hyperkalemia can lead to kidney failure, muscle paralysis, irregular heart rhythm, and cardiac arrest.
• Irbesartan+moexipril- Using moexipril together with irbesartan may increase the risk of side effects such as low blood pressure, kidney function impairment, and a condition called hyperkalemia (high blood potassium). In severe cases, hyperkalemia can lead to kidney failure, muscle paralysis, irregular heart rhythm, and cardiac arrest.

Mechanism of action

Irbesartan belongs to a class of drugs named as angiotensin II receptor antagonists. It acts on the blood vessels by blocking certain substance that is responsible for tightening of the blood vessels, allowing them to relax and pump blood effectively.

Pregnancy Category : D