Avapro

Avapro, used to treat high blood pressure, is a member of the new family of drugs called angiotensin II receptor antagonists. It works by preventing the hormone angiotensin II from narrowing the blood vessels, an action that tends to raise blood pressure. Avapro may be consumed alone or with other blood pressure medications. Patients of type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure are given Avapro to stave off damage to the kidneys, often delaying the need for dialysis and a kidney transplant. Generic avapro is available on the market.

Medications and Prescriptions

Generic name: Irbesartan

Product Brand Name: Avapro

Avapro description

Why is this drug prescribed?

Used for the treatment of high blood pressure, Avapro is a member of the new family of drugs called angiotensin II receptor antagonists. It works by preventing the hormone angiotensin II from narrowing the blood vessels, an action that tends to raise blood pressure. Prescribed alone or with other blood pressure medications, Avapro is used to treat people with type II diabetes and high blood pressure. Avapro is also prescribed to stave off damage to the kidneys, often delaying the need for dialysis and a kidney transplant.

Most important fact about this drug:

Avapro must be regularly consumed for effective results. Since blood pressure declines gradually, it may be a couple of weeks before you get the full benefit of Avapro. It must be continued even if you are feeling healthy. Avapro does not cure high blood pressure, however, it keeps it under control.

How should you take this medication?

Avapro is to be consumed the same time every day, with or without food. If a dose is missed, take it when you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never have 2 doses at the same time.

Storage instructions:

Avapro is to be stored at room temperature.

What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be predictable. If you find any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor immediately. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Avapro.

More common side effects may include:

Diarrhea, fatigue, respiratory tract infection

Less common side effects may include:

Heartburn, indigestion

Rare side effects may include:

Constipation, depression, difficulty breathing, drowsiness, ear infection, ear pain, abdominal bloating, arthritis, bronchitis, bruising, bursitis, chest pain, chills, congestion, hives, irregular heartbeat, itching, jaundice (yellow skin or eyes), joint stiffness, emotional disturbances, eye infection, eye problems, face swelling, face reddening, muscle aches, muscle cramps, muscle weakness, nosebleeds, numbness, oral sores, fainting, fever, flushing, gas, gout, hearing problems, heart attack, heart failure, skin inflammation, skin tingling, sleep problems, stomach and intestinal inflammation, stroke heart murmur, prostate problems, sex drive changes, sexual dysfunction, skin eruptions, , swelling, swollen mouth or throat, tremor, urination problems, vision problems and wheezing.

People who consume Avapro for diabetic kidney disease, the most common side effect is dizziness.

Why should this drug not be prescribed?

You will not be able to use this drug, if Avapro gives you an allergic reaction.

Special warnings about this medication:

Avapro can cause a severe drop in blood pressure in some cases. This is because your body's supply of water has been exhausted by dialysis treatments or high doses of diuretics. Call your doctor if you experience symptoms such as light-headedness, dizziness, and faintness. You may need to have your dose adjusted. Avapro must be used with caution if you have kidney disease.

Possible food and drug interactions:

Since the chances of an interaction with Avapro are low, check with your doctor before combining it with tolbutamide (Orinase).

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding:

As Avapro can cause injury or even death to the unborn child when used during the last 6 months of pregnancy, stop taking Avapro once you are pregnant and call your doctor. Also, it is not known whether Avapro appears in breast milk. Due to the potential risks to the newborn, it's considered best to avoid using the drug while breastfeeding. You and your doctor should decide whether to give up nursing or discontinue Avapro.

Recommended dosage

ADULTS:

High Blood Pressure

How to use

The prescribed starting dose of Avapro is 150 milligrams once a day. Your dose will be gradually increased to 300 milligrams once a day, if your blood pressure remains elevated. If you are being treated with hemodialysis or high doses of diuretics, you'll be started at a lower dose of 75 milligrams once a day.

Kidney Damage from Diabetes:

The recommended dose is 300 milligrams once a day.

CHILDREN:

The safety and effectiveness have not been ascertained for children under 6. The typical starting dose for children 6 to 12 years old is 75 milligrams once a day. If blood pressure is still too high, the dose may be increased to 150 milligrams once a day. Adult dosage can be given to children of 13 to 16 years old.

Overdosage:

There has been little experience with overdosage of drugs such as Avapro. Low blood pressure and an abnormally slow or rapid heartbeat are the most expected results. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

It is necessary to consult your doctor before starting to take this medicine. Do not use it on your own initiative, without medical advice.

Avapro notes:

Avapro, a member of the new family of drugs called angiotensin II receptor antagonists, is used in treating high blood pressure. It works by stopping the hormone angiotensin II from thinning the blood vessels which is responsible for raising blood pressure. Known with the generic name irbesartan or irbesartan hydrochlorothiazide, it is prescribed alone or in combination with other blood pressure medications. Avapro irbesartan is also prescribed for people with type II diabetes and high blood pressure, along with the warding off of kidney damage, thereby delaying the requirement for dialysis and a kidney transplant. Consuming Avapro regularly can be very effective in declining blood pressure gradually. It may take a couple of weeks for getting the full benefit of Avapro. The drug has to be continued for feeling healthy. Rather than curing high blood pressure, Avapro helps in keeping it under control.

Generic avapro comes with some common side effects such as diarrhea, fatigue, respiratory tract infection. Heartburn and indigestion, difficulty breathing, abdominal bloating, bronchitis, arthritis, bruising, chest pain, bursitis, chills, congestion, constipation, depression, drowsiness, ear pain, ear infection, emotional disturbances, eye infection, face swelling, and eye problems are rare side effects. It is necessary to consume prescribed Avapro dosage. As pregnant women should not use the drug, it is advised to stop taking Avapro and consult your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while taking the drug.