Irbesartan

Who is Irbesartan for ?

Irbesartan is used to treat high blood pressure. Irbesartan is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Irbesartan may also be used to treat heart failure and kidney problems caused by diabetes. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition.

Irbesartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker, or ARB. Irbesartan is thought to help lower blood pressure by blocking angiotensin II, a hormone in the body that causes blood vessels to constrict or narrow. This narrowing of blood vessels due to angiotensin II hormone is an important component of high blood pressure. Blocking the hormone causes vessels to relax or dilate, and thus Irbesartan helps reduce blood pressure.

When should I be careful taking Irbesartan ?

Do not take Irbesartan if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Irbesartan, call your doctor immediately.

Before taking Irbesartan,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Irbesartan or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially diuretics ("water pills"), other medications for heart or high blood pressure, potassium supplements, and vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver or kidney disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Irbesartan, call your doctor immediately.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking Irbesartan.
• you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how Irbesartan will affect you.

Irbesartan Side Effects

Although side effects from Irbesartan are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• dizziness
• cough
• diarrhea
• upset stomach
• vomiting
• headache
• muscle aches
• fatigue
• fever
• sore throat

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms, or legs
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• fainting
• rash