Uses of Irbesartan

Irbesartan is used to treat high blood pressure (essential hypertension) and protects the kidney in patients with high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and laboratory evidence of impaired kidney function.     

Therapeutic Category

Irbesartan: Antihypertensive agents (Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs))

How Irbesartan works

Irbesartan works by relaxing the blood vessel by blocking the action of a chemical (angiotensin-II) that usually makes blood vessels tighter. This lowers the blood pressure, which allows the blood to flow more smoothly to different organs and the heart to pump more efficiently.

Common side effects of Irbesartan

• dizziness
• vomiting
• feeling tired (fatigue)
• dizziness when getting up from a sitting or lying position
• low blood pressure when getting up from a lying or sitting position
• pain in joints or muscles

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor:

• In case of accidental overdosage
• If you experience serious allergic reaction (symptoms such as itchy red rash, feeling dizzy or faint, swelling of the face, lips and/or tongue which may cause difficulty breathing)
• If you experience yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, severe upper stomach pain and feeling and being sick (liver problems)
• If you experience raised purple spots and flat red areas caused by inflammation of small blood vessels
• If you experience passing urine more often, in greater amounts which is pale in colour or strain
• If you experience to pass urine less often, which may be darker in colour or may even be bloody (kidney problems)

Health Tips for Irbesartan

• Maintain a low-sodium, saturated-fat and cholesterol-containing diet. Consume plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. The DASH (Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension) diet is an example of a blood pressure-lowering diet.
• Exercise on a regular basis, as directed by your healthcare physician. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise each week or 75 minutes of strenuous exercise. Exercise has been shown to reduce blood pressure and enhance cardiovascular health
• Losing weight if you are overweight or obese might have a substantial impact on your blood pressure readings. Even a small weight decrease can benefit blood pressure and overall health
• If you smoke, you should think about quitting because it can raise your blood pressure and increase your risk of heart disease. Limit your alcohol consumption because excessive drinking can raise your blood pressure
• Irbesartan should be taken exactly as suggested by your doctor. Do not skip doses or discontinue medicine without first checking with your doctor