Irbesartan is used on its own or together with other medicines to help keep your blood pressure under control.
This medicine may also be used to treat certain kidney disease in individuals with diabetes and high blood pressure.
Take Irbesartan exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on your condition and response to the medication.
Irbesartan must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon. If you become pregnant while being treated with Irbesartan, alert your doctor immediately. This medicine may cause harm to your unborn child. You must use proven birth control methods while taking Irbesartan.
Do not take Irbesartan with aliskiren (medicine for high blood pressure) if you have diabetes or kidney disease.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- heart diseases e.g. narrowing of the heart valves, abnormally thick heart muscle that results in blockage of blood flow
- previously experienced angioedema (swelling of the deep layers of the skin usually around the face, eyes, lips, or throat) after taking similar medicines such as captopril
- angioedema due to family history or an unknown reason
- low sodium levels in the blood
- low volume of circulating fluids in the body
- adrenal glands produce high levels of a hormone known as aldosterone
- diabetes
- kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to the elderly. Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
If you are going to have an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medicine.
If you are of a Black race, Irbesartan may be less effective. Inform your doctor if you are taking this medicine.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. kidney function, electrolyte levels) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Your blood pressure may fall to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure regularly during treatment.
What lifestyle changes can I make to improve my blood pressure?
Regular exercise and eating a healthy diet will help control your blood pressure and improve your overall health. Engage in physical activity like walking for at least 30 to 60 minutes on most days of the week. If you have not exercised for a long time, start with light exercises such as slow walks. Speak to your doctor about what type of exercise would be suitable for you. Follow a healthy diet plan by eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products and reduce your intake of foods high in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. Cutting down on deep-fried foods and using less salt when cooking can kick-start your healthy diet.
If you smoke, you should try to quit. Smoking is harmful to your blood pressure, heart and overall health. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about ways to stop your smoking habit.
Irbesartan may cause dizziness and tiredness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
This medicine may cause your blood pressure to fall suddenly when you get up from a sitting or lying down position and you may feel giddy. To minimise this problem, stand up slowly.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, diarrhoea, muscle or joint pain, and rash.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- swelling of the face, eyes, lips, mouth, or throat
- muscle weakness, cramping or numbness; fast or irregular heartbeat
- pain or difficulty in passing urine, change in how much urine is passed, blood in the urine
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Irbesartan together with aliskiren (medicine for high blood pressure) if you have diabetes or kidney disease.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- other medicines for high blood pressure e.g. captopril, ramipril
- NSAIDs (medicines for pain and inflammation) e.g. diclofenac, ibuprofen, etoricoxib, aspirin
- water pills or medicines for water retention e.g. hydrochlorothiazide, eplerenone
- lithium (medicine for mood disorders)
- heparin (blood-thinning medicine)
- repaglinide (medicine for diabetes)
- potassium supplements or potassium-containing medicines
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Irbesartan.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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