Where is Irbesartan used?
Irbesartan is used for the treatment of hypertension. This helps to protect the kidneys from damage due to diabetes. Lowering high blood pressure helps avoid kidney problems, strokes, and heart attacks. This can be used alone or in combination with other blood pressure-lowering medications.
Irbesartan belongs to a group of medicines known as angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). This relaxes the blood vessels to let the blood flow more easily. This medication is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist. This is available for oral administration that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has already approved.
How does Irbesartan work?
Angiotensin II is involved in fluid balance and regulating blood pressure. It causes the kidneys to retain water and salt and the blood vessels to narrow, which increases the volume of fluid in the blood vessels.
Irbesartan works by blocking the receptors that angiotensin II acts on which prevents its actions. The main outcome of this is that the peripheral blood vessels are permitted to widen, which means that there are less resistance and more space in these blood vessels. This is the main mechanism by which the pressure in the blood vessels is lowered.
Blocking the actions of angiotensin II also increases the amount of fluid removed from the blood by the kidneys. This reduces the total of fluid in the blood vessels, which also lessens the resistance and pressure in the blood vessels.
How is Irbesartan taken?
The recommended dosage will depend on your condition and response to it. This is to be taken by mouth, usually once a day. Each dose may be taken with or without food. Take this at the same time each day or as directed by your doctor. Use this regularly to get the most benefit from it. Follow carefully the prescription of your doctor. Do not change any doses, unless your doctor tells you to do so.
What are the possible side effects of Irbesartan?
Here are some possible side effects that may occur while having this treatment:
- Heartburn
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Confusion
- Little or no urination
- Dizziness
- Swelling or rapid weight gain
- Upset stomach as your body adjusts to the medication
- Tiredness
A very serious allergic reaction is rare. These are some of the symptoms:
- Rash
- Severe dizziness
- Trouble breathing
- Swelling of the face, tongue, throat
What are the precautions in using Irbesartan?
- This is not prescribed for pregnant women. Stop using and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
- If you are a breastfeeding women, do not breastfeed while using this medication.
- Do not twice the dosage to avoid complications. If you missed a dose, call your doctor right away for instructions.
- If there is an allergic reaction, call for medical help right away. Inform your doctor if you have any allergies.
- Avoid driving or do anything that needs your alertness. This may make you feel dizzy.
- Limit your alcoholic beverages.
- Do not share this with others who have the same symptoms as yours.
- Keep this away from the reach of children.
