Description

Irbesartan (Avapro): Uses, Benefits, Dosage, and Safety

Irbesartan, a medication that blocks angiotensin II receptors, is sold as Avapro. High blood pressure is the main reason doctors prescribe Avapro. Patients with type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and diabetic kidney disease can also use it.

What’s Avapro?

Active ingredient in Avapro is irbesartan. It prevents blood vessel narrowing by blocking angiotensin II. As a result, blood vessels relax, improving blood flow and lowering blood pressure.

Therefore, regular blood-pressure control can reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular complications from uncontrolled hypertension.

Avapro Uses

Doctors often prescribe Avapro for hypertension. Lowering blood pressure reduces stroke and heart attack risk.

Avapro is also approved for diabetic nephropathy in type 2 diabetics with hypertension, elevated serum creatinine, and proteinuria.

Use Avapro only for medical conditions diagnosed and treated by a doctor.

How Avapro Works

Blocks angiotensin II receptors. Normally, angiotensin II tightens blood vessels and raises blood pressure. Irbesartan relaxes blood vessels by blocking this action.

Thus, blood flows more easily thru vessels. This reduces blood pressure and improves cardiovascular health.

Avapro Dosage

The FDA recommends 150 mg once daily for hypertension, up to 300 mg when necessary. The recommended daily dose for diabetic nephropathy is 300 mg. Tablets come in 75, 150, and 300 mg.

However, patients should never change their dose without medical advice. Doctors may adjust treatment based on blood pressure, kidney function, other medications, and individual circumstances.

Potential Side Effects

Irbesartan may cause dizziness, fatigue, diarrhoea, and other side effects. More serious reactions include face, lip, tongue, and throat swelling and difficulty breathing or swallowing.

Moreover, Avapro can affect kidney function and potassium levels. Healthcare professionals can monitor kidney function and serum potassium during treatment.

Important Safety Info

The pregnancy warning on Avapro is important. Renin-angiotensin-targeted drugs can harm or kill foetuses. Patients should notify their doctor immediately of pregnancy.

Patients should also tell their doctor about all prescription, OTC, supplement, and potassium-containing products. NSAIDs and lithium interact with irbesartan.

Conclusion

ARB avapro (irbesartan) treats high blood pressure and diabetic kidney disease. It relaxes blood vessels by blocking angiotensin II. Patients should follow this prescription medicine’s instructions and seek medical supervision.

This information is educational and does not replace medical advice.