Avapro
Irbesartan
Irbesartan (ir be SAR tan) is a generic medication prescribed for high blood pressure and diabetic kidney disease in certain people with type 2 diabetes. Irbesartan belongs to a group of drugs called angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs).
Medically reviewed by Dena Westphalen, PharmD on May 12, 2023
Written by Sarah Lewis, PharmD
Introduction
This article describes irbesartan’s uses and dosage, ways to save on cost, and more. Below you’ll find some coupon options for irbesartan.
Boxed warning: Risks of fetal harm or pregnancy loss
Irbesartan has a boxed warning about the risks of fetal harm or pregnancy loss. Boxed warnings are serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
For details, see the “Interactions and warnings for irbesartan” section below.
Common questions about irbesartan
Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about irbesartan.
Is it safe to take irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide together?
Yes, irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide are safe to take together. In fact, there is a drug that combines these two ingredients into one product. The brand name is Avalide. It’s for people who need more than one medication to manage their blood pressure.
To learn more about taking irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide together, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
How does irbesartan compare with other similar drugs, such as losartan or telmisartan?
Irbesartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). Other ARBs include candesartan, losartan, telmisartan, and valsartan. Because these drugs belong to the same group of drugs, they have similar side effects and warnings. They also have similar uses, but some have additional approved uses.
If you’d like to know whether another ARB is an option for you, talk with your doctor. They may recommend one drug over the other to manage your condition.
Does irbesartan cause long-term side effects?
No, long-term side effects aren’t expected with irbesartan. In studies, specific side effects weren’t seen in people who had taken the drug for a long time. Long lasting side effects after treatment ended also weren’t reported.
Talk with your doctor if you have questions about possible long-term side effects with irbesartan.
Can irbesartan 300 mg cause more side effects than irbesartan 150 mg?
No, more side effects aren’t expected with a higher dose of irbesartan. In studies, the side effects that occurred weren’t dose-related. This means there weren’t any more side effects at higher doses than there were at lower doses of irbesartan.
If you notice new symptoms after a dosage increase, tell your doctor. They can determine the most likely cause of a symptom and suggest ways to help manage it.
Is it safe to stop taking irbesartan?
No, you should not stop taking irbesartan without talking with your doctor. Stopping it without another medication to manage your condition could lead to serious complications.
Tell your doctor if you want to stop irbesartan. They can help you do it safely and still manage your condition.
How does irbesartan work? And how long does it take to start working?
Irbesartan blocks the angiotensin II receptor. (A receptor is a binding site on a cell.) The hormone that usually binds to this receptor is angiotensin II. Angiotensin II causes blood vessels to tighten and narrow. This increases the pressure the inside blood vessels.
When irbesartan blocks the receptor, it stops angiotensin II from binding to it. This lowers blood pressure since angiotensin II can’t have an effect.
Irbesartan will have an effect on blood pressure within about 4 hours. But it can take up to 2 weeks to see the full effect.
To learn more about what you can expect with irbesartan, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Side effects of irbesartan
Irbesartan may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of irbesartan and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.
To learn more about irbesartan’s side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also read the prescribing information* for irbesartan.
* To view irbesartan’s prescribing information, see the “Article resources” section below.
Mild side effects
More common mild side effects reported with some forms of irbesartan are listed below.
This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about irbesartan’s side effects, see the prescribing information* for irbesartan.
With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.
Irbesartan oral tablet’s mild side effects include:
- diarrhea
- dizziness
- fatigue (lack of energy)
- heartburn
- mild allergic reaction†
* To view irbesartan’s prescribing information, see the “Article resources” section below.
† For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for irbesartan” section below.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects of irbesartan are listed below.
This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about irbesartan’s side effects based on the form, see the prescribing information* for irbesartan.
With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.
In general, irbesartan’s serious side effects include:
- high blood potassium level
- low blood pressure or dizziness upon standing, which can lead to fainting
- problems with kidney function
- very low blood pressure
- boxed warning: risks of fetal harm or pregnancy loss†
- severe allergic reaction†
* To view irbesartan’s prescribing information, see the “Article resources” section below.
† For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for irbesartan” section below.
Uses of irbesartan
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as irbesartan for certain conditions. Approved uses for irbesartan are described below.
Use for high blood pressure
Doctors may prescribe irbesartan oral tablet to help manage high blood pressure. It’s used for this purpose in adults. It’s usually prescribed as a long-term treatment.
With high blood pressure, there are usually no symptoms. But people with high blood pressure are at risk of serious problems, including heart attack and stroke. Because these problems can be life threatening, high blood pressure is sometimes called “the silent killer.”
Irbesartan can be prescribed together with other medications for high blood pressure.
Doctors may not prescribe irbesartan oral tablet in certain situations. This includes for people with diabetes who also take aliskiren (Tekturna).
Use for diabetic neuropathy
Doctors may prescribe irbesartan oral tablet for treating diabetic nephropathy. It’s used for this purpose in adults with diabetes who have a high creatinine level, protein in the urine, and high blood pressure. It’s usually prescribed as a long-term treatment.
With diabetic nephropathy, high blood sugar damages the kidneys of people who have diabetes. The damage means the kidneys can’t work as well as they should. Irbesartan can slow this kind of kidney damage.
Doctors can find out how well your kidneys are working with a creatinine urine test. If your creatinine is high, it could be a sign of kidney damage. Protein in the urine is another sign that your kidneys aren’t working the way they should.
Doctors may not prescribe irbesartan oral tablet in certain situations. This includes for people with diabetes who also take aliskiren (Tekturna).
Dosage of irbesartan
The dosage of irbesartan your doctor prescribes may vary based on your condition and certain other factors. Talk with your doctor about the dosage you should follow.
Taking irbesartan
Irbesartan oral tablet is taken by mouth, with or without food.
Your doctor will talk with you about how to take irbesartan. They’ll explain how much to take and how often. Always follow your doctor’s recommendation.
Overdose of irbesartan
You should not take more irbesartan than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to serious side effects or overdose.
If you think you’ve taken too much irbesartan, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
Irbesartan coupon
You may be able to save money on your prescription for irbesartan by using our Perks discount coupons. They can be found at the end of this article.
If you have questions about how to pay for irbesartan, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.
Interactions and warnings for irbesartan
Below, you’ll find information about irbesartan’s possible interactions and warnings.
Interactions of irbesartan
For some medications, certain things may affect how the drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol or certain foods, or taking the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.
Before you take irbesartan, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:
- prescription drugs
- over-the-counter medications
- vitamins, herbs, or supplements
To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for irbesartan” section below.
Warnings for irbesartan
Irbesartan should not be taken or should be taken cautiously by certain people.
Boxed warning: Risks of fetal harm or pregnancy loss
Irbesartan has a boxed warning about the risks of fetal harm or pregnancy loss. Boxed warnings are serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
For details, see the “Pregnancy or breastfeeding and irbesartan” section below.
Other warnings
Irbesartan could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether irbesartan is a safe option for you.
Ask your doctor about specific warnings for irbesartan, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:
- current health, including any allergies to medications
- past health conditions or surgeries
Allergic reaction
Irbesartan can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.
If you’ve had an allergic reaction to irbesartan or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe irbesartan. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.
A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
- swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
- swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems
If you have an allergic reaction to irbesartan, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding and irbesartan
Information about irbesartan and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.
Irbesartan and pregnancy
Irbesartan should not be taken during pregnancy. In fact, irbesartan has a boxed warning about the risks of fetal harm or pregnancy loss. See below for details.
If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication. Your doctor may suggest birth control options to use during treatment with irbesartan.
Risks of fetal harm or pregnancy loss
Irbesartan has a boxed warning about the risks of fetal harm or pregnancy loss. Boxed warnings are serious warnings from the FDA.
Taking irbesartan during pregnancy can cause harm to the developing fetus and, in some cases, pregnancy loss. If you become pregnant while taking irbesartan, tell your doctor immediately and stop taking irbesartan as soon as possible.
To learn more, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Irbesartan and breastfeeding
Irbesartan should not be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication. Your doctor may recommend other ways to feed your child during treatment with irbesartan.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes irbesartan’s uses and dosage, ways to save on cost, and more. Let your doctor know if you have questions about irbesartan or would like more details about it.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Can irbesartan cause hair loss?
- How does irbesartan compare with an ACE inhibitor?*
- Is irbesartan safe to take with my other medications?
* ACE stands for angiotensin converting enzyme. ACE inhibitors are a group of drugs that stop the body producing angiotensin II (which causes blood vessels to tighten and narrow).
Article resources
- Irbesartan tablets, for oral use. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/4725e842-8d01-4204-af6f-ae71531ccd0d/spl-doc
- Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
- Generic
- Tablet
- 300mg
- 90 Tablets
Dosage settings
Name
Irbesartan
Pronunciation
(ir be SAR tan)
Brand Names: US
Avapro
Warning
Do not take if you are pregnant. Use during pregnancy may cause birth defects or loss of the unborn baby. If you get pregnant or plan on getting pregnant while taking this drug, call your doctor right away.
What is this drug used for?
It is used to treat high blood pressure. It is used to protect kidney function in diabetic patients who have protein loss. It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take this drug?
If you are allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had. If you are taking a drug that has aliskiren in it and you also have diabetes or kidney problems. This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this drug. Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this drug with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take this drug?
Tell all of your health care providers that you take this drug. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists. Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert until you see how this drug affects you. To lower the chance of feeling dizzy or passing out, rise slowly if you have been sitting or lying down. Be careful going up and down stairs. Check your blood pressure as you have been told. Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor. If you are taking a salt substitute that has potassium in it, a potassium-sparing diuretic, or a potassium product, talk with your doctor. If you are on a low-salt or salt-free diet, talk with your doctor. If you are taking this drug and have high blood pressure, talk with your doctor before using OTC products that may raise blood pressure. These include cough or cold drugs, diet pills, stimulants, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen, and some natural products or aids. Talk with your doctor before you drink alcohol. Be careful in hot weather or while being active. Drink lots of fluids to stop fluid loss. Tell your doctor if you have too much sweat, fluid loss, throwing up, or loose stools. This may lead to low blood pressure. This drug may not work as well to lower blood pressure in Black patients. Sometimes another drug may need to be given with this drug. If you have any questions, talk with the doctor. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.
What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect: Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat. Signs of kidney problems like unable to pass urine, change in how much urine is passed, blood in the urine, or a big weight gain. Signs of a high potassium level like a heartbeat that does not feel normal; change in thinking clearly and with logic; feeling weak, lightheaded, or dizzy; feel like passing out; numbness or tingling; or shortness of breath. Very bad dizziness or passing out.
What are some other side effects of this drug?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away: Dizziness. These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
How is this drug best taken?
Use this drug as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely. Take with or without food. Take this drug at the same time of day. Keep taking this drug as you have been told by your doctor or other health care provider, even if you feel well. Drink lots of noncaffeine liquids unless told to drink less liquid by your doctor.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time. Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
How do I store and/or throw out this drug?
Store at room temperature in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom. Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets. Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
General drug facts
If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor. Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs. Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider. If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this medicine or any other medicine. Only the healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for a specific patient. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this medicine. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this medicine. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from the healthcare provider. You must talk with the healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.