Irbesartan: uses, side effects and cautions

Irbesartan helps lower blood pressure, and by doing so helps reduce the chance of complications such as heart failure and stroke. The NHS says it is sometimes also used for kidney disease caused by diabetes. It is an angiotensin receptor blocker, available only on prescription, and Aprovel is a brand name listed by the NHS.

Most adults can take irbesartan. It is unsuitable if you have previously had an allergic reaction or serious side effect from irbesartan or another ARB, if you have heart or liver problems, or if you have a history of angioedema. The NHS page sets no age limits in the text reviewed. Tell the prescriber about any other medical conditions before starting.

Irbesartan comes as tablets to swallow. You will usually take it once a day, at the same time every day, with or without food. Your doctor tells you how much to take and for how long; the NHS page gives no dose numbers.

If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless the next is nearly due, in which case skip it. Never double up. Taking too much can be dangerous, so call NHS 111 if you exceed your dose. Do not stop unless your doctor tells you to.

Common effects include headaches, joint or muscle pain, nausea and vomiting, weakness and tiredness, and dizziness, especially on standing quickly. Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if they persist.

Rare serious effects: anaphylaxis with a swollen throat or tongue, itchy raised rash and breathing difficulty; and swelling of the intestine with severe tummy pain, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea. Call NHS 111 if you suspect a serious effect.

Irbesartan does not usually affect driving, but if you feel dizzy, wait until it passes.

People prescribed irbesartan for kidney disease caused by diabetes are usually having several things monitored at once, such as blood pressure, kidney function and blood sugar. It helps to keep your own record of results and appointments so that the picture stays joined up between clinics.

The NHS page for irbesartan does not set out specific monitoring tests, so ask your prescriber which checks apply to you and how often they are planned.

The NHS highlights a dehydration risk if you have vomiting, diarrhoea or fever. Ask for advice if you cannot keep fluids down, because blood pressure and kidneys can be affected.

Named interactions include aliskiren and ACE inhibitors such as lisinopril, diuretics such as spironolactone, lithium, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, potassium supplements and potassium salt alternatives such as LoSalt. Limit alcohol, as it can increase the risk of side effects such as low blood pressure.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to be. The NHS says doctors will usually recommend a different medicine in pregnancy but warns not to stop irbesartan unless they tell you to. Irbesartan is not normally used during breastfeeding; a different medicine is usually recommended.

Losartan, valsartan and candesartan are other ARBs. Report suspected side effects via the Yellow Card scheme.