What is Avapro?
Avapro (also known as ARB) is an ARB. Irbesartan prevents blood vessels from constricting, which reduces blood pressure and improves circulation.Avapro treats hypertension (hypertension) in adults and children older than 6 years. Lowering your blood pressure can reduce the risk of stroke and heart attacks.Avapro can also be used to treat kidney disease caused by type II diabetes.
Warnings
Do not use Avapro if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant, stop using Avapro and immediately tell your doctor.Avapro should not be taken with any medications that contain aliskiren, a blood pressure medication.Avapro may be affected by alcohol consumption. Alcohol can lower blood pressure and increase side effects. You should not take potassium supplements or sodium substitutes while taking Avapro unless you have been told to by your doctor.Irbesartan 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.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to irbesartan, Avapro should not be used.Avapro should not be taken with aliskiren, a blood pressure medication, if you have diabetes.If you have kidney problems, it is best to avoid Avapro and aliskiren.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that Avapro will be safe for you:
- A heart condition that is not being treated with irbesartan
- If you have kidney disease or are currently on dialysis,
- If you're on a diet low in salt,
If you are pregnant, do not take this medicine. If you are pregnant, stop using the medication and immediately tell your doctor. Irbesartan may cause harm or even death to an unborn child if taken during the second or third trimester.Ask your doctor about a safer medication to take before and during pregnancy if you are planning to become pregnant. High blood pressure can cause complications for both the mother and baby.Breastfeeding while on this medication should not be attempted.
Similar/related drugs
Amlodipine, lisinopril, metoprolol, losartan, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, and enalapril
How to take Avapro?
Follow the directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instructions sheets. Read all the instructions and directions that come with your prescription. Sometimes your doctor will change the dose.Avapro can be taken with food or without.Your blood pressure must be checked frequently in order to stay at an ideal level.You may need to check your kidney function.If you have diarrhoea or nausea, call your doctor. Avapro can cause you to become dehydrated.Your blood pressure may not be under control for up to two weeks. Even if you are feeling well, continue to take this medication as prescribed. High blood pressure is often asymptomatic.It is possible that you will need to take blood pressure medication for the rest of your life. Diet, exercise, lowering of cholesterol, stopping smoking, and diabetes control may be included in treatment.Store away from heat and moisture at room temperature.
Details on dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Hypertension:
Initial dose: 150mg orally, once daily.
Maximum dose: oral 300 mg once per day
Adult dose for diabetic nephropathy:
Maintenance dose target: 300 mg once daily orallyUse: treating diabetic nephropathy in patients with type 2 hypertension and elevated serum creatinine.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed one. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.Fast heartbeats and fainting are common symptoms of an overdose.
Aviod this
Use potassium supplements and salt substitutes only if your doctor recommends them.You may get dizzy if you stand up quickly from a seated or lying position.
Side effects of Avapro
If you experience any of the following: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat, contact an emergency medical professional immediately.
If you experience:
- A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you could pass out.
- Little or no urination
- High level of potassium nausea (e.g., tingling feeling, chest pains, irregular heartbeats), weakness, loss of movement, tingly feelings, chest pains
Avapro may cause side effects such as:
- Dizziness;
- Feeling light-headed
- High potassium
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
Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications, including:
- Heart or blood pressure medications;
- Lithium
- Nsaids are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications. These include aspirin (Advil), ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac (Indomethacin), celecoxib (Aleve), and many others.
This list is incomplete. Irbesartan may interact with other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all possible drug interactions.
