Irbesartan

Generic Details

Generic Name

Irbesartan

Other Names

  • Avapro

Drug Class

  • Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker

Chemical Formula

C25H28N6O

Molecular Weight

428.53 g/mol

Mechanism of Action

  • Blocks the binding of angiotensin II to AT1 receptors, leading to vasodilation and reduced secretion of aldosterone

Indications

  • Hypertension
  • Diabetic Nephropathy
  • Heart Failure (off-label)

Common Dosage Forms

  • Tablet

Typical Dosage

  • 150-300 mg once daily

Pediatric Dosage

  • Not established

Geriatric Dosage

  • Dosage adjustments may be needed based on renal function

Side Effects

  • Dizziness
  • Hypotension
  • Hyperkalemia
  • Headache
  • Fatigue

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to irbesartan or any component of the formulation
  • Pregnancy

Pregnancy Category

  • D

Lactation Safety

  • Use with caution; consider alternatives

Drug Interactions

  • Potassium-sparing diuretics
  • NSAIDs
  • Lithium

Overdose Symptoms

  • Hypotension
  • Bradycardia

Antidote for Overdose

  • Intravenous fluids
  • Vasopressors if necessary

Storage Conditions

  • Store at room temperature away from light and moisture

Pharmacokinetics

  • Absorption: Rapidly absorbed after oral administration
  • Distribution: Irbesartan is highly bound to plasma proteins
  • Metabolism: Primarily metabolized by CYP2C9 and CYP3A4 enzymes
  • Excretion: Excreted predominantly in feces and urine

Precautions

  • Renal Impairment
  • Hepatic Impairment
  • Hyperkalemia

Warnings

  • Risk of fetal injury in pregnancy

Others

  • It may take up to 4-6 weeks for maximum blood pressure reduction