Avapro (Irbesartan) belongs to a class of medication called angiotensin II receptor blockers. Irbesartan is a blood pressure medication and is prescribed to patients who suffer from hypertension (high blood pressure) and may sometimes be prescribed along with other blood pressure medications.

This medication works by preventing the blood vessels from contracting, allowing efficient blood flow through the blood vessels, lowering blood pressure.

Avapro (irbesartan) is a prescription medication and should only be used specifically as instructed by your prescribing doctor. Do not attempt to take more or fewer amounts of the medication or for longer periods of time than what was prescribed to you.

When taking irbesartan, you can take this medication with or without food. Ensure that you have your blood pressure tested regularly, and never stop taking irbesartan unless explicitly instructed to do so by your prescribing doctor, even if you feel that your symptoms have improved.

People with diabetes should not use irbesartan with any other medication that may contain aliskiren. Also, if you suffer from kidney disease, it may be best to avoid taking irbesartan.

To ensure your safety while using this medication, you should notify your doctor if you have had any of the following conditions in the past:

• Kidney disease

• Liver disease

• Congestive heart failure

• Dehydration

This medication is not safe to use during your pregnancy. If you become pregnant while you are taking this medication, you should immediately stop using irbesartan and inform your doctor of your pregnancy. Irbesartan may cause harm or death to an unborn child if you take this medication during our second or third trimester. This medication is also known to excrete into breast milk. Do not breast-feed your nursing child during your treatment.

The more common irbesartan side effects may include:

• Diarrhea
• Heartburn
• Upset stomach
• Tiredness

Also, inform your prescribing doctor immediately if you notice any of the following less common, yet more serious irbesartan side effects:

• Light-headed
• Trouble urinating
• Swelling or unusually sudden weight gain
• Confusion
• Appetite loss
• Vomiting
• Pain in the side or lower back
• Breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue

Is it okay to take my lithium medication while I’m on Avapro?

No, lithium is known to have a negative drug interaction with the use of irbesartan.

Is there anything I should avoid while taking Avapro?

To prevent the potential increase of side effects, do not drink alcohol while taking irbesartan. Also, avoid using potassium supplements or salt substitutes unless your doctor explicitly instructed you to do so.