Irbesartan is used alone or with other medications to treat high blood pressure . It can also be used in cases of kidney problems caused by type 2 diabetes and hypertension .
Sometimes it is also used in the treatment of heart failure .
What is Irbesartan used for?
Irbesartan is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist : it works by blocking the action of natural substances that restrict blood vessels. Doing so facilitates blood flow and helps the heart to work more efficiently.
How is Irbesartan administered?
Irbesartan can be taken orally in the form of tablets. Typically once a day.
Your doctor may prescribe a low dose of the medicine and then increase it if necessary.
Side effects of Irbesartan
Possible side effects of Irbesartan include:
- diarrhea
- heartburn
- severe tiredness
It is good to contact a doctor immediately in case of:
- swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles or calves
- hoarseness
- difficulty swallowing or difficulty breathing
Warnings on the use of Irbesartan
Irbesartan can cause dizziness and fainting when getting up from a lying position: it is good to be very careful, especially in the first days of treatment.
Irbesartan must not be taken during pregnancy as it can cause serious harm or death to the fetus in the past six months of gestation.
Before starting to take it, it is also important to tell your doctor:
- of allergies to the active substance, its excipients or other drugs;
- medicines, phytotherapy and supplements taken, citing in particular aspirin and Fans, selective COX-2 inhibitors, diuretics and potassium supplements;
- if you have diabetes and take Aliskiren ;
- if you suffer (or have suffered) from heart failure or kidney disease;
- if you are pregnant or breastfeeding .
