Irbesartan
Irbesartan (Avapro)
Irbesartan
(ihr-beh- SAR-tan)
Pregnancy Category: C (first trimester), D (second and third trimesters) Avapro (Rx)

Classification: Antihypertensive, angiotensin II receptor antagonist

See Also: See also Angiotensin II Receptor Antagonists and Antihypertensive Drugs.

Action/Kinetics: Rapid absorption after PO use. Peak plasma levels: 1.5-2 hr. Food does not affect bioavailability. Effect somewhat less in blacks. t 1/2, terminal elimination: 11-15 hr. Over 90% bound to plasma proteins. Metabolized in liver and both unchanged drug and metabolites excreted through urine (20%) and feces (80%).

Uses: [.]

Additional Uses: Investigational: Heart failure, reduce rate of progression of renal disease and adverse clinical sequelae in hypertensives with diabetic nephropathy.

Side Effects: GI: Diarrhea, dyspepsia, heartburn, abdominal pain, N&V, constipation, oral lesion, gastroenteritis, flatulence, abdominal distention. CV: Tachycardia, syncope, orthostatic hypotension, hypotension (especially in volume- or salt-depletion), flushing, hypertension, cardiac murmur, MI, cardio-respiratory arrest, heart failure, hypertensive crisis, CVA angina pectoris, arrhythmias, conduction disorder, transient ischemic attack. CNS: Sleep disturbance, anxiety, nervousness, dizziness, numbness, somnolence, emotional disturbance, depression, paresthesia, tremor. Musculoskeletal: Extremity swelling, muscle cramp, arthritis, muscle ache, musculoskeletal pain, musculoskeletal chest pain, joint stiffness, bursitis, muscle weakness. Respiratory: Epistaxis, tracheobronchitis, congestion, pulmonary congestion, dyspnea, wheezing, upper respiratory infection, rhinitis, pharyngitis, sinus abnormality. GU: Abnormal urination, prostate disorder, UTI, sexual dysfunction, libido change. Dermatologic: Pruritus, dermatitis, ecchymosis, facial erythema, urticaria. Ophthalmic: Vision disturbance, conjunctivitis, eyelid abnormality. Otic: Hearing abnormality, ear infection, ear pain, ear abnormality. Miscellaneous: Gout, fever, fatigue, chills, facial edema, upper extremity edema, headache, influenza, rash, chest pain.

Laboratory Test Alterations: BUN (minor), serum creatinine. Hemoglobin. Neutropenia.

How Supplied: Tablet: 75 mg, 150 mg, 300 mg

Dosage
?Tablets Hypertension.
150 mg once daily, up to 300 mg once daily. Lower initial dose of 75 mg is recommended for clients with depleted intravascular volume or salt. If BP is not controlled by irbesartan alone, hydrochlorothiazide may have an additive effect. Clients not adequately treated by 300 mg irbesartan are unlikely to get benefit from higher dose or b.i.d. dosing.