What is Irbesartan?
Irbesartan is an active ingredient used for the treatment of high blood pressure and diabetic kidney disease. The product ingredient is Irbesartan hydrochloride (hcl).
The brand name of Irbesartan in the United States is Avapro.
Irbesartan Mechanism of Action (MOA)
Inhibits the effect of angiotensin II on blood pressure, renal blood flow and aldosterone secretion.
Therapeutic indications, uses and benefits of Irbesartan
Essential high blood pressure (BPH).
Nephropathy with type 2 diabetes and hypertension as part of antihypertensive treatment.
Dosage Irbesartan
Oral:
Adults: 150 mg/day, with or without food, maximum 300 mg/day.
Elderly > 75 years and haemodialysis patients: 75 mg/day.
Method of administration of Irbesartan
Oral use.
Administer once a day with or without food.
Contraindications of Irbesartan
- Hypersensitivity.
- Second and third trimester pregnancy.
- Concomitant with aliskirene in patients with diabetes or moderate to severe renal failure.
Warnings and precautions with Irbesartan
- Severe liver failure.
- Kidney failure.
- Severe CHF or underlying kidney disease, including renal artery stenosis.
- Ischemic heart disease or ischemic cardiovascular disease. Mitral and aortic stenosis.
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
- Bilateral stenosis of the renal arteries or stenosis of the renal artery of a single functioning kidney increase the risk of hypotension and renal failure.
- Black race (less effective at lowering blood pressure).
- Risk of symptomatic hypotension in patients with decreased Na and/or volume.
- There is no experience in recent renal transplantation.
- Not recommended in primary hyperaldosteronism.
- Dual blockade of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (ARAS) by combined use of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor antagonists, or aliskiren is not recommended because of an increased risk of hypotension, hyperkalemia, and changes in kidney function.
- If dual block therapy is considered essential, it should only be performed under the supervision of a specialist and subject to frequent and close monitoring of kidney function, electrolyte levels, and blood pressure.
- In diabetic nephropathy do not use concomitant angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor antagonists.
- Risk of hyperkalaemia (in patients with renal failure, frank proteinuria due to diabetic neuropathy and/or heart failure).
- Monitor serum K and creatinine levels.
- Not recommended in children (from 0 to 18 years).
Liver failure
Caution in severe liver failure (no experience available).
Kidney failure
Assess the use of a lower initial dose (75 mg) in haemodialysis patients.
Concomitant use with aliskirene in renal insufficiency with glomerular filtration rate < 30 ml/min/1,73m 2 is contraindicated.
Interactions with Irbesartan
- Hypotension enhanced by: diuretics and other antihypertensive agents.
- Increased serum potassium concentrations: with K supplements, K-sparing diuretics, salt substitutes containing K, heparin.
- Increases toxicity of: lithium.
- Antihypertensive effect attenuated with: COX-2 inhibitors, AAS (> 3 g/day) and non-selective NSAIDs.
Pregnancy and Irbesartan
Not recommended in first trimester.
Contraindicated in the second and third trimester.
Induces fetotoxicity (decreased renal function, oligohydramnios, delay in cranial ossification) and neonatal toxicity (renal insufficiency, hypotension, hyperkalemia).
Breastfeeding
Since there is no information regarding use during lactation, it is recommended not to administer during this period. It is preferable to switch to a treatment with a known safety profile, especially in newborns and premature infants.
Effects on driving ability
When driving or using machinery, it should be noted that dizziness or fatigue may occur during treatment.
Adverse reactions and side effects of Irbesartan
- Dizziness.
- Nausea/vomiting.
- Fatigue.
- Orthostatic dizziness.
- Orthostatic hypotension.
- Musculoskeletal pain.
- Increased CK.
- Hyperkalemia.
- Thrombocytopenia.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ VIDEO OF IRBESARTAN/AVAPRO (DRUG)
Source: The content of this active ingredient has been written taking into account the clinical and molecular information of all medicines authorised and marketed in the United States under the Unique Ingredient Identifier (UNII) by the Substance Registration System (SRS) of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the United States Pharmacopeia (USP).
In order to know in detail the information authorized by the FDA for each drug, you should consult the corresponding medication guide authorized by the FDA.
Resources:
UNII: J0E2756Z7N
ChemIDplus
DrugPortal
PubChem CID: 3749
NCI Thesaurus: C29130