Irbesartan: some facts you need to know
Whether you’ve just been prescribed irbesartan or simply want to learn more about it, Chemist2U is here to help you by providing you with some information you may need to know. With us, you can be sure you have a trusted partner in understanding more about medication and even managing your medication with ease.
In this article

How does irbesartan work?
Irbesartan, generally sold under brand names like Avapro, is indicated for the treatment of hypertension, or blood pressure. It works by blocking a specific spot in the body known as the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1). By doing this, it stops the narrowing of blood vessels and the increase in body fluid that is usually caused by a substance called angiotensin II, which in turn helps lower high blood pressure.[1]
How do you take irbesartan?
Follow your doctor’s instructions on how much and how often you should take irbesartan. It may differ from the general advice.
The typical dosage for irbesartan is 150 mg, taken once every day before or after meals. Depending on your reaction, the recommended dosage may be increased to 300 mg every day. It’s best to take it at the same time every day to set up a regular routine and avoid missing doses. Don’t take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.[2]
Who can take irbesartan?
Irbesartan is mainly prescribed for adults aged 18 and older to manage high blood pressure. It’s often considered when someone has not tolerated ACE inhibitors like Ramipril or Lisinopril well, for example, due to a persistent dry cough.
Take note that Irbesartan may not be right for everyone. Before starting it, you should let your doctor know if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to it or any other medicine. You should also disclose to your doctor if you have diabetes, heart, or kidney problems and if you’ve had a kidney transplant.
If you’re on a low-salt diet, have low blood pressure, are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, discuss with your doctor if irbesartan is suitable for you.[3]
Side effects of Irbesartan
Irbesartan, like other blood pressure lowering medications such as Amlodipine, can potentially cause side effects.
Common ones include diarrhea, heartburn, and feeling fatigued.[4] However, if they persist or bother you, it’s important to tell your doctor.
There are also serious side effects that need immediate medical attention. If you get rashes and swelling of the face or tongue, contact your doctor right away. These could be signs of a severe allergic reaction.[5]
If you notice any other unusual or unexpected issues, even those not mentioned above, while taking irbesartan, make sure to inform your doctor, as they can help you deal with side effects and might adjust your treatment to make it more comfortable for you.
Irbesartan and other medications
Your doctor may prescribe you to take irbesartan on its own or in combination with other blood pressure lowering drugs, such as beta-adrenergic blocking agent, thiazide diuretics, and long-acting calcium-channel blocking
agent.
It’s crucial to let your doctor know about all the medications and supplements you’re taking for safe and effective treatment. Medications and supplements can interact, leading to side effects, reduced effectiveness, or unexpected health risks. These interactions can affect how your body processes treatments, potentially harming you or diminishing the effects of your medications.
Medicines you should not use with Irbesartan
Here are some medications to be cautious about or avoid while on Irbesartan:
- Medications that increase potassium levels: Taking irbesartan with drugs that raise potassium (examples include hydrochlorothiazide and indapamide) in your blood could lead to too much potassium, a condition known as hyperkalemia.
- Lithium: You may need to get regular blood tests if you take medications that contain lithium when taken with irbesartan.
- Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Medications like diclofenac and ibuprofen, along with COX- 2 inhibitors like celecoxib, can make irbesartan less effective in lowering blood pressure and lead to kidney damage.
- Drugs that affect the Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS): Taking Irbesartan with other RAS inhibitors can lead to lower blood pressure, higher potassium levels, and changes in kidney function, including acute kidney failure. Such combinations should generally be avoided unless closely monitored by a healthcare provider.
- Diabetic medications: Taking medicines like repaglinide with irbesartan at the same time is not recommended because it might result in lower blood glucose levels.[6]
How to order irbesartan through Chemist2U
Take control of managing your medications, whether you were prescribed irbesartan or a different blood pressure lowering drug like Noten (Atenolol), with Chemist2U, your trusted ally.
Embrace the simplicity of ordering your prescription with just a few clicks. To begin, just download our app or visit our website to upload your prescription and add any over-the-counter goods. Just place your order before the cutoff time (typically 2.00 p.m., but may vary in some locations) and receive your medications and goods before the day ends.
Note: A minority of products (inc. Ozempic and Mounjaro) are delivered via AusPost. Allow 5 to 7 business days.
Have your medication home delivered by Chemist2U today!
References
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548450/
[2] https://www.ebs.tga.gov.au/ebs/picmi/picmirepository.nsf/pdf?OpenAgent&id=CP-2010-CMI-07799-3
[3] https://www.ebs.tga.gov.au/ebs/picmi/picmirepository.nsf/pdf?OpenAgent&id=CP-2010-PI-02616-3&d=20240229172310101
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3172075/
[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6601692/
[6] https://www.ebs.tga.gov.au/ebs/picmi/picmirepository.nsf/pdf?OpenAgent&id=CP-2010-CMI-07799-3