What is irbesartan?
Irbesartan is in a group of drugs called angiotensin II receptor antagonists. Irbesartan keeps blood vessels from narrowing, which lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow.
Irbesartan is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It is sometimes given together with other blood pressure medications.
Irbesartan is also used to treat kidney problems caused by type 2 diabetes.
Irbesartan may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about irbesartan?
Do not use irbesartan if you are pregnant. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to irbesartan.
Before you take irbesartan, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, congestive heart failure, or if you are dehydrated.
Drinking alcohol can further lower your blood pressure and may increase certain side effects of irbesartan.
Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes while you are taking irbesartan, unless your doctor has told you to.
Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. Visit your doctor regularly.
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.
In rare cases, irbesartan 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.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking irbesartan?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to irbesartan.
To make sure you can safely take irbesartan, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use irbesartan if you are pregnant. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Irbesartan can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your second or third trimester. Use effective birth control while taking irbesartan.
It is not known whether irbesartan passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while taking irbesartan.