Irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide (Oral)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 16, 2021.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• Avalide

Available Dosage Forms:

• Tablet

Therapeutic Class: Angiotensin II Receptor Antagonist/Thiazide Combination

Pharmacologic Class: Angiotensin II Receptor Antagonist

Chemical Class: Thiazide

Uses for irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide

Irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide combination is used alone or together with other medicines to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure adds to the workload of the heart and arteries. If it continues for a long time, the heart and arteries may not function properly. This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. Lowering blood pressure can reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks.

Irbesartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). It works by blocking a substance in the body that causes the blood vessels to tighten. As a result, irbesartan relaxes the blood vessels. This lowers blood pressure and increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart.

Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill). It reduces the amount of water in the body by increasing the flow of urine, which helps lower the blood pressure.

Irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Before using irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide combination in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide combination in the elderly.

Breastfeeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the med..