What is Avalide?
Avalide tablets are a combination of hydrochlorothiazide and irbesartan. Hydrochlorothiazide, also known as thiazide (water pill), is a diuretic that prevents your body from absorbing excessive salt. This can lead to fluid retention.Irbesartan works as an antagonist of the angiotensin receptor. Irbesartan prevents blood vessels from constricting, lowering blood pressure, and improving blood flow.Avalide treats hypertension (high blood pressure).This medication guide does not list all possible uses of Avalide.
Warnings
Avalide should not be used if you're pregnant. Stop taking the medicine immediately if you become pregnant. Tell your doctor as soon as possible.This medicine should not be used if you have a sulfa drug allergy or are unable to urinate.Avalide should not be taken with Tekturna, Tekamlo, or any other medication containing aliskiren if you have diabetes.Avalide may cause kidney failure in rare cases. If you experience muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness, call your doctor immediately, especially if there is a fever, nausea, vomiting, or dark urine.
Prior to using this drug
Avalide should not be used if:
- If you're unable to urinate,
- If you have an allergy to sulfa medications,
Avalide should not be taken with any medications that contain aliskiren, such as Tekturna and Tekamlo.If you have kidney problems, it is best to avoid Avalide and Aliskiren.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that this medicine will be safe for you:
- Liver disease
- Congestive heart failure;
- Glaucoma;
- Low or high potassium levels in your blood
- Asthma or allergies
- High cholesterol or triglyceride level;
- Gout;
- Lupus;
- Diabetes
- Penicillin allergy is a serious condition.
Avalide should not be used if you are pregnant. If you are pregnant, stop using the medication and call your doctor immediately. Irbesartan may cause harm or even death to your unborn child if taken during the second or third trimester.This medicine should not be used while breastfeeding.
How do I take Avalide?
Follow the directions on your prescription label. Please follow all the instructions on the prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally alter your dosage. Take this medication only as prescribed. Do not exceed the recommended dose or take it longer.Avalide may be taken with or without food.If you experience diarrhoea or vomiting that continues, or if your sweating is greater than normal, call your doctor. This medication can cause you to become dehydrated, resulting in low blood pressure and an electrolyte imbalance.You will need to check your blood pressure often. If you've been vomiting or dehydrated, your blood and urine will be tested.Tell your doctor that you use Avalide before you undergo any medical procedures or tests.This medication may take 4 weeks to bring down your blood pressure. Continue to take this medication as prescribed, even if your symptoms are normal. High blood pressure is often asymptomatic. It is possible that you will need to take blood pressure medications for the rest of your life.
Store away from heat and moisture at room temperature.
Info on dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Hypertension:
Initial treatment: hydrochlorothiazide (12,5 mg)-irbesartan, 150 mg orally, one time a day. This dose may be increased after 1 to 2 weeks.
Add-on/Replacement Therapy: Hydrochlorothiazide 12,5 to 25 mg Irbesartan, 150 to 300mg orally, once daily
Maximum dose: Hydrochlorothiazide 25, mg-Irbesartan, 300 mg orally, one time a day.
Comments:
The recommended doses in order of increasing mean effect are (hydrochlorothiazide-irbesartan): 12.5 mg–150 mg, 12.5 mg–300 mg, 25 mg–300 mg; the largest incremental effect will likely be from monotherapy to 12.5 mg–150 mg.
The maximum antihypertensive effects are achieved within two to four weeks of a dose change.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed one. Do not take more than one dose at a time.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.Overdose symptoms include a fast or slow heartbeat or feeling lightheaded or fainting.
Aviod this
Skin cancer is increased by hydrochlorothiazide. Avoid tanning beds or sunlight. When you're outdoors, wear protective clothing and apply sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher). You may be asked by your doctor to undergo regular skin checks.Avoid taking cholestyramine and colestipol within 4 hours of Avalide.Alcohol can lower blood pressure further and cause adverse effects.If you are taking Avalide, you should not take potassium supplements or sodium substitutes unless you have been told to by your doctor.
Side effects of Avalide
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an Avalide allergy: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throatAvalide may cause kidney failure in rare cases. If you experience unexplained weakness, muscle tenderness, or pain, call your doctor immediately, especially if there is a fever, unusual fatigue, or dark urine.
Call your doctor immediately if you:
- Eye pain and vision problems
- A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you could pass out.
- Little or no urinating is acceptable.
- Jaundice refers to an illness characterized by yellowing of both skin and eyes.
- Easy bruising and unusual bleeding
- Signs of an Electrolyte Imbalance increased thirst or urination; confusion, vomiting, or constipation; muscle pain or weakness; leg cramps or bone pains Lack of energy.
Avalide may cause side effects such as:
- Dizziness
- Muscle or joint pain
- Feeling tired
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The fda can be contacted at 1-800-fda-1088 to report side effects.
Interaction with other drug
Take avalide 4 hours before taking cholestyramine or 4 hours after taking colestipol.Tell your doctor if you are taking any new medications or if you will stop using any of your current ones.
- Carbamazepine;
- Insulin or oral diabetes medication;
- Lithium
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, and indomethacin
This list is incomplete. Hydrochlorothiazide, irbesartan, and other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products, may interact. This medication guide does not list all drug interactions.
