Irbesartan

Irbesartan should not be taken during pregnancy as it has the potential to harm the unborn baby.

It is unknown whether Irbesartan is secreted in the breast milk and harm the baby. Due to lack of availability of sufficient data, avoid breastfeeding while you are on this medicine.

Irbesartan is not known to affect your driving ability. If you experience any symptoms like dizziness or drowsiness, avoid driving.

Caution is advised as alcohol can lower blood pressure and increase the side effects of Irbesartan like sedation or drowsiness, especially when you start the treatment.

Inform your doctor if you are suffering from any kidney, liver diseases or congestive heart failure (decreased pumping ability of the heart)Blood pressure, blood potassium and other electrolyte levels, and kidney function tests need to be checked regularlyThis medicine can be taken with or without food but you are advised to take this medicine at the same time every day to derive maximum benefitIrbesartan is slow to act and it may take 4-6 weeks to achieve the desired blood pressure levelsDo not stop the medication a few weeks after starting because you do not see any improvementIts duration of action is also long and most commonly used once dailyDose adjustment may be required in the elderlyIrbesartan should not be used in children and adolescents less than 18 years of age

Irbesartan is of particular benefit in patients who have associated high blood pressure and Type 2 diabetesIrbesartan is commonly used with a water pill called hydrochlorothiazide to adequately control high blood pressureWhen used alone or in combination with hydrochlorothiazide, this medicine has demonstrated excellent safety and tolerabilityIt is one of the safest blood pressure medicines, even when used for long termApart from its protective effect on kidneys, Irbesartan has also shown benefits in high blood pressure patients with heart disease, especially heart failure (decreased pumping efficiency of the heart)