GENERIC NAME: irbesartan

BRAND NAME: Avapro

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Irbesartan is among a class of drugs called angiotensin receptor blockers and is similar to losartan (Cozaar) and valsartan (Diovan). All three drugs block angiotensin II, a chemical that causes the arteries and veins to narrow, from attaching to the arteries and veins and causing them to narrow. As a result, the arteries and veins dilate (become larger), and blood pressure is reduced. When the blood pressure is reduced, the heart doesn't have to work as hard to pump blood. Irbesartan was approved by the FDA in 1998.

GENERIC AVAILABLE: no

PRESCRIPTION: yes

PREPARATIONS: Tablets: 75mg, 150mg, 300mg.

STORAGE: Tablets should be stored at room temperature, 15-30°C (59-86°F).

PRESCRIBED FOR: Irbesartan is used to treat high blood pressure . It may be used alone or in combination with other drugs. It has less of an effect in black patients, an effect that is similar to another class of drugs used to treat high blood pressure called ACE inhibitors--captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), benazepril (Lotensin), and lisinopril (Zestril). Irbesartan is being studied in patients with congestive heart failure to determine if its blood pressure-lowering effects are beneficial to the heart.

DOSING: Irbesartan usually is taken once daily.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: No important drug interactions have been described with irbesartan. Since angiotensin receptor blockers such as irbesartan can increase the concentration of potassium in blood, other medications that also increase the concentration of potassium, such as hydrochlorothiazide (Dyazide) and spironolactone (Aldactone), as well as potassium supplements, should be used cautiously with irbesartan.

PREGNANCY: When used in the second or third trimester of pregnancy, drugs that work in a manner similar to irbesartan--specifically, ACE inhibitors such as enalapril (Vasotec)--can cause injury and even death to the fetus. Because of the possibility that irbesartan may have a similar effect on the fetus, it should not be used during pregnancy.

NURSING MOTHERS: Another angiotensin receptor blocker, losartan (Cozaar), is secreted in rat milk and is toxic to newborn rats. Since irbesartan is similar to losartan and may share a similar effect, irbesartan should be avoided in nursing mothers. The safety and efficacy of irbesartan in children has not been established.

SIDE EFFECTS: The most common side effects with irbesartan are diarrhea (occurring in 1 in 30 persons) and abdominal pain or heartburn (occurring in 1 in 50 persons).

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