Drug name: Irbesartan (Generic Avapro)

Other names used: Aprovel, Avapro, Karvea

Active Ingredients: Irbesartan

Therapeutic effect of Irbesartan: Irbesartan, the main constituent of Generic Avapro, is part of a class of medicines known as Angiotensin II receptor blockers. This medicine by blocking Angiotensin II receptors restricts the ability of Angiotensin II to constrict the blood vessels. This in turn relaxes the blood vessels and allows the free flow of blood. Irbesartan lowers the blood pressure and reduces the burden on the heart by its inhibiting actions. Irbesartan is a safe drug and it has no effect on the heart rate.

Indications: Irbesartan is used in the treatment of:

• Hypertension
• Irbesartan along with other medicines is used to treat diabetic nephropathy and arterial hypertension

Precautions and Restrictions: Do not use Irbesartan under the following circumstances:

• If the user has hereditary intolerance of galactose, lactose insufficiency and disorders of glucose absorbtion
• If the user is pregnant
• Lactation
• If the user is below the age of 18
• If the user is highly sensitive to the main components of this medicine

Use with caution if:

• The user is suffering from aortic stenosis (acrtic valve does not open fully)
• Mitral stenosis (mitral valve does not open fully)
• Heart muscle disease
• Dehydration
• Low blood sodium
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Diuretic therapy
• Renal artery stenosis
• Heart failure
• Hardening of the cerebral arteries
• High blood potassium
• Acute Liver Failure

Side effects: The use of Irbesartan may cause some side effects, but it is not certain that these side effects will affect every user of this drug.

• Some of the common side effects of Irbesartan include pyrosis, diarrhea, exhaustion, and loss of balance.
• Adverse reactions that are not too common are flatulence, depression, constipation, wheezing, breathing problem, swelling, itching, and rashes.

The above mentioned side effects are by no means exhaustive, so for the complete list of adverse reactions and possible side effects please see the information provided by the drug manufacturer or consult a doctor or a pharmacist.

Interactions: It is advisable to consult a doctor before taking Irbesartan. Apprise him of the treatment or medication you are currently taken and also get a prescription from your doctor before start taking any new drug. This is to make sure that the combination of the two drugs is safe. Be cautious while taking the following medicines:

• Potassium-sparing diuretics
• Medicines containing potassium
• Other medicines used to treat high blood pressure

Additional Information: Irbesartan is made for specific conditions and it's not advisable to use it for other purposes. Keep medicinal drugs, needles, syringes and other such medical substances out of the reach of children.