Avapro (irbesartan) belongs to a group of drugs called angiotensin II receptor antagonists. Irbesartan keeps blood vessels from narrowing, which lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow.
Avapro is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It is sometimes given together with other blood pressure medications.
Avapro is also used to treat kidney problems caused by type 2 diabetes.
Avapro may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
Do not use Avapro if you are pregnant. Stop using and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
If you have diabetes, do not use Avapro together with any medication that contains aliskiren (Amturnide, Tekturna, Tekamlo, Valturna).
Drinking alcohol can further lower your blood pressure and may increase certain side effects of Avapro. Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes while you are taking this medicine, unless your doctor has told you to.
In rare cases, Avapro can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, and dark colored urine.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Avapro if you are allergic to irbesartan.
If you have diabetes, do not use Avapro together with any medication that contains aliskiren (Amturnide, Tekturna, Tekamlo, Valturna).
You may also need to avoid taking Avapro with aliskiren if you have kidney disease.
To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use if you are pregnant. Stop using and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Avapro can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your second or third trimester. Use effective birth control.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
It is not known whether irbesartan passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.
How should I take Avapro?
Take Avapro exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Avapro may be taken with or without food.
Your blood pressure will need to be checked often.
If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid?
Drinking alcohol can further lower your blood pressure and may increase certain side effects of Avapro.
Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes while you are taking Avapro, unless your doctor has told you to.
Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.
Avapro side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Avapro: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
In rare cases, Avapro can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, and dark colored urine.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
-
a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
-
little or no urinating;
-
swelling, rapid weight gain; or
-
confusion, loss of appetite, vomiting, pain in your side or lower back.
Common Avapro side effects may include:
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
Avapro dosing information
Usual Adult Dose for Diabetic Nephropathy:
Initial dose: 150 mg orally once a day with or without food.
Maintenance dose: 150 to 300 mg orally once a day.
Usual Adult Dose for Hypertension:
Initial dose: 150 mg orally once a day with or without food.
Maintenance dose: 150 to 300 mg orally once a day.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Hypertension:
6 to 12 years:
Initial dose: 75 mg once daily.
Maintenance dose: 75 mg to 150 mg once daily.
13 to 18 years:
Initial dose: 150 mg once daily.
Maintenance dose: 150 mg to 300 mg once daily.
What other drugs will affect Avapro?
Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with Avapro, especially:
This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with irbesartan, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.
