Irbesartan and Hydrochlorothiazide are combined together in this medicine. This medicine helps keep your blood pressure under control.
Take Irbesartan + Hydrochlorothiazide 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.
Irbesartan + Hydrochlorothiazide 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.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- severe liver disease
- severe kidney disease
- unable to pass urine
as this medicine may not be suitable for you.
Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon. If you become pregnant while being treated with this medicine, alert your doctor immediately. Irbesartan + Hydrochlorothiazide may cause harm to your unborn child. You must use proven birth control methods while taking this medicine.
Do not take Irbesartan + Hydrochlorothiazide with aliskiren (medicine for high blood pressure) if you have diabetes.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- electrolyte imbalance (imbalance of minerals in the body)
- diabetes
- high cholesterol level in the blood
- gout
- systemic lupus erythematosus (autoimmune disease that causes inflammation)
- heart disease e.g. narrowing of the valves of the heart
- kidney disease e.g. narrowing of the blood vessels in the kidney
- liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding.
If you are going for an operation, including minor surgery and certain laboratory tests, inform your doctor that you are taking this medicine.
For as long as you are taking Irbesartan + Hydrochlorothiazide, you may need to monitor your blood pressure regularly to check your body’s response to the medicine. Routine tests for your kidney function and electrolyte level may also be done. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
What lifestyle changes can I make to improve my blood pressure?
Regular exercise and eating a healthy diet will help lower your blood pressure and improve your overall health. Engage in physical activity (e.g. walking) 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 kick your smoking habit.
Try to keep stress levels under control as stress will cause your blood pressure to go up.
Irbesartan + Hydrochlorothiazide may cause dizziness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects may include any of the following: tiredness, muscle pain, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, and stomach pain or discomfort.
This medicine may increase your sensitivity to sunlight. Apply sunscreen when going outdoors and avoid direct or prolonged exposure to sunlight and UV lamps.
You may also feel dizzy when getting up from a sitting or lying down position, especially if you are taking Irbesartan + Hydrochlorothiazide for the very first time. This should improve gradually as you get used to this medicine. It will help if you get up slowly from a sitting or lying down position.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- swelling of hands, legs, face or mouth
- difficulty in breathing
- rashes
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 + Hydrochlorothiazide with aliskiren (medicine for high blood pressure) if you have diabetes.
Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines for pain and inflammation e.g. NSAIDs
- medicines for depression e.g. lithium
- medicines for diabetes e.g. insulin
- cholesterol-lowering medicines e.g. colestyramine
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. carbamazepine
- medicines or supplements containing potassium
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Irbesartan + Hydrochlorothiazide.
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.
Cut down on your salt intake. This may help lower your blood pressure and improve your overall health. Speak to your doctor or dietitian about ways to cut down on your salt intake.
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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