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Home > Drug Category > Blood Pressure Medication (Angiotensin Receptor Blocker) > Avapro and Equivalent

Avapro (Irbesartan) Information

Avapro, which contains the active ingredient irbesartan, is an Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB). It is primarily indicated for the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure), used either alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents. It is also indicated for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy (kidney disease) in patients with type 2 diabetes and hypertension, as it has been shown to slow the progression of renal disease in this population. Irbesartan is administered orally, typically once daily, and does not require hepatic activation (it is not a prodrug).

The mechanism of action for irbesartan involves blocking the potent vasoconstrictor hormone Angiotensin II. Angiotensin II causes narrowing of blood vessels (vasoconstriction) and stimulates the release of aldosterone, which causes the body to retain sodium and water. Irbesartan works by selectively blocking the binding of Angiotensin II to the AT1 receptor found in vascular smooth muscle, the kidney, and the adrenal glands. By blocking this receptor, irbesartan counteracts Angiotensin II's effects: it promotes vasodilation (widening of blood vessels), thereby reducing systemic vascular resistance, and inhibits aldosterone secretion, promoting the excretion of sodium and water. These combined actions result in sustained reductions in blood pressure and proteinuria (protein in the urine) in patients with diabetic nephropathy.

Avapro Side Effects

Avapro is generally well-tolerated, but side effects related to its action on blood pressure and the renin-angiotensin system may occur. Common side effects reported include fatigue, dizziness (particularly when standing up quickly or postural dizziness), headache, upper respiratory tract infection, and flu-like symptoms.

However, more serious side effects can occur, leading to significant monitoring protocols. If any of the following symptoms are experienced, the patient should stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention:
• Angioedema: A rare but severe and potentially life-threatening swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, which can impair breathing. This requires immediate emergency medical attention.
• Fetal Toxicity (Boxed Warning): Use during pregnancy is associated with significant harm to the developing fetus, including fetal death, hypotension, renal failure, and skull hypoplasia. The drug must be discontinued immediately upon confirmed pregnancy.
• Hyperkalemia (High Potassium): This potentially life-threatening electrolyte abnormality requires immediate management and is particularly common in patients being treated for diabetic nephropathy.
• Renal Impairment/Failure: In patients whose kidney function is dependent on the renin-angiotensin system (e.g., those with severe heart failure or bilateral renal artery stenosis), irbesartan may cause acute kidney failure or worsening renal function.
• Symptomatic Hypotension: Excessive lowering of blood pressure, especially in patients who are volume-depleted (e.g., on high-dose diuretics), which may lead to fainting (syncope).

Avapro Precautions

Due to the risk of fetal harm, Avapro carries a Boxed Warning regarding use during pregnancy and must be discontinued as soon as pregnancy is detected. Women of childbearing age should be advised about the risks of use during pregnancy and discuss appropriate contraceptive use or alternative therapies if they are planning to become pregnant. It is contraindicated in patients with a known history of hypersensitivity to irbesartan or a history of angioedema related to previous ARB or ACE inhibitor therapy. Caution is advised when initiating therapy in volume-depleted patients (e.g., those on high-dose diuretics) or salt-depleted patients, as they are at a greater risk for symptomatic hypotension, which may require correction before starting the drug. The concurrent use of Avapro with the drug aliskiren is contraindicated in patients with diabetes or moderate to severe renal impairment (GFR less than 60 millilitres per minute). Patients with severe heart failure or bilateral renal artery stenosis require careful and frequent monitoring of serum creatinine and potassium levels, as they are prone to significant renal function changes and hyperkalemia while on ARBs.

Do I need a prescription to order Avapro?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Avapro.