Avapro

Generic name:irbesartan [ ir-be-SAR-tan ]
Drug class:Angiotensin receptor blockers

Medically reviewed by Sanjai Sinha, MD. Last updated on Jun 3, 2021.

What is Avapro?

Avapro is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (sometimes called an ARB). Irbesartan keeps blood vessels from narrowing, which lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow.

Avapro is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults and children at least 6 years old. Lowering blood pressure may lower your risk of a stroke or heart attack.

Avapro is also used to treat kidney problems caused by type 2 diabetes.

Warnings

Do not use Avapro if you are pregnant. Stop using and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

If you have diabetes, do not take Avapro with any medication that contains aliskiren (a blood pressure medicine).

Drinking alcohol can further lower your blood pressure in the short-term and may increase certain side effects of Avapro. Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes while you are taking this medicine, unless your doctor has told you to.

In rare cases, irbesartan can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, possibly leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, and dark colored urine.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Avapro if you are allergic to irbesartan.

If you have diabetes, do not take Avapro with any medication that contains aliskiren (a blood pressure medicine).

You may also need to avoid taking Avapro with aliskiren if you have kidney disease.

To make sure Avapro is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

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