What is Irbesartan: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Irbesartan overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Avapro

Generic Names:

  • Irbesartan

Uses:

  • Treats high blood pressure. Also treats diabetic nephropathy. This medicine is an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB).

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Cardiovascular Agent, Renal Protective Agent

Forms:

  • Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Irbesartan used for?

Irbesartan is a medication used to treat high blood pressure. Irbesartan belongs to a class of medications called angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). This drug relaxes your blood vessels for easier blood flow. Irbesartan is a generic drug also sold under the brand name Avapro. This drug has been available generically for years. In the treatment of high blood pressure, irbesartan use is common.

What form(s) does Irbesartan come in

  • Tablet

What are common Irbesartan doses?

  • Tablet 75MG

  • Tablet 150MG

  • Tablet 300MG

  • Bottle 90 Tablets

  • Bottle 30 Tablets

Common Irbesartan prescriptions

  • Irbesartan
    30 tablets bottle

  • Irbesartan
    90 tablets bottle

  • Irbesartan
    30 tablets disp pack

  • Irbesartan
    150mg tablet

  • Irbesartan
    300mg tablet

  • Irbesartan
    75mg tablet

How to take Irbesartan

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

What to do if you miss a dose of Irbesartan

Irbesartan contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to irbesartan, or if you are pregnant.

Irbesartan warnings

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

  • Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or heart failure.

  • This medicine may cause kidney problems.

  • This medicine could lower your blood pressure too much and cause you to feel dizzy or lightheaded. This is more likely to happen when you first use the medicine or if you become dehydrated. Stand or sit up slowly if you are dizzy.

  • Do not stop using the medicine without asking your doctor, even if you feel well. This medicine will not cure your high blood pressure, but it will help keep it in the normal range. You may have to take blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Irbesartan interactions

  • Do not use this medicine together with aliskiren if you have diabetes.

  • Some medicines can affect how irbesartan works. Tell your doctor if you are using the following: AliskirenLithiumA diuretic (water pill, such as amiloride, spironolactone, triamterene)An NSAID pain or arthritis medicine (such as aspirin, celecoxib, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen)

  • Ask your doctor before you use any medicine, supplement, or salt substitute that contains potassium.

  • This medicine could lower your blood pressure too much and cause you to feel dizzy or lightheaded. This is more likely to happen when you first use the medicine or if you become dehydrated. Stand or sit up slowly if you are dizzy.

  • Do not stop using the medicine without asking your doctor, even if you feel well. This medicine will not cure your high blood pressure, but it will help keep it in the normal range. You may have to take blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Irbesartan side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting

  • Confusion, weakness, uneven heartbeat, trouble breathing, numbness or tingling in your hands, feet, or lips

  • Change in how much or how often you urinate

  • Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

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