Avapro

Avapro, also known as Irbesartan, is a medication that belongs to the angiotensin II receptor antagonist (ARB) class of drugs. It is primarily used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and to reduce the risk of stroke in patients with hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy. Avapro works by relaxing blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more easily and thus lowering blood pressure. It is available in tablet form for oral administration and is typically taken once daily.

What to Avoid When Taking Avapro

Avapro should not be used by individuals who are hypersensitive or allergic to irbesartan or any of the inactive ingredients present in the medication. It is important to inform your healthcare provider of any known allergies before starting treatment with Avapro. Additionally, Avapro should not be taken during pregnancy as it may cause harm to the developing fetus. Individuals with a history of angioedema, a condition characterized by severe swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, should also avoid using Avapro.

Avapro and Your Health

Like all medications, Avapro may cause side effects in some individuals. The most common side effects reported with Avapro include dizziness, headache, fatigue, and low blood pressure. These side effects are generally mild and transient. Less commonly, Avapro may cause serious side effects such as kidney problems, high levels of potassium in the blood, and allergic reactions. It is important to seek immediate medical attention if you experience signs of an allergic reaction such as rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing.

Dosing Information

The recommended starting dose of Avapro for the treatment of hypertension is 150 mg once daily. In patients with insufficient blood pressure control, the dosage may be increased to a maximum dose of 300 mg once daily. Avapro can be taken with or without food. If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered, unless it is close to the time for the next dose. In that case, the missed dose should be skipped and the regular dosing schedule should be resumed. Taking more than the prescribed dose of Avapro may lead to overdose symptoms such as low blood pressure, increased heart rate, and dehydration. In case of an overdose, medical attention should be sought immediately.

Avapro Compatibility

Avapro may interact with certain medications, resulting in decreased effectiveness or increased risk of side effects. It is important to inform your healthcare provider of all the medications you are currently taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal products. Drugs that may interact with Avapro include diuretics, other blood pressure medications, potassium supplements, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Combining Avapro with these medications may increase the risk of kidney problems and high potassium levels in the blood.

Ask and Answer

• Q: Can Avapro be used in children?
  A: Avapro is not recommended for use in children as its safety and effectiveness have not been established in this population.
• Q: How long does it take for Avapro to start working?
  A: The full therapeutic effects of Avapro may be seen within 2-4 weeks of starting treatment.
• Q: Can Avapro be used during breastfeeding?
  A: Avapro is not recommended for use during breastfeeding as it may pass into breast milk and harm the nursing baby.
• Q: Can Avapro be taken with food?
  A: Avapro can be taken with or without food, according to individual preference.
• Q: Can Avapro be used in combination with other blood pressure medications?
  A: Avapro may be used in combination with other blood pressure medications, but the dosages may need to be adjusted to avoid excessively low blood pressure.