Irbesartán/Hidroclorotiazida Kern Pharma (Hydrochlorothiazide, Irbesartan)

Irbesartan/Hydrochlorothiazide acts on the renin‑angiotensin‑aldosterone system and renal sodium handling to control elevated blood pressure.

• Hypertension: reduces systolic and diastolic pressure in patients with essential hypertension.
• Diabetic nephropathy: slows progression of kidney damage in type 2 diabetes when combined with standard care.
• Hypertension requiring diuretic therapy: provides additional fluid‑excreting effect to achieve target blood pressure.

• Irbesartan selectively blocks AT1 receptors, preventing angiotensin II‑mediated vasoconstriction and aldosterone release, which lowers systemic vascular resistance. Hydrochlorothiazide inhibits NaCl reabsorption in the distal convoluted tubule, increasing urinary sodium and water excretion, thereby decreasing plasma volume and contributing to blood‑pressure reduction.

Common Side Effects

• Dizziness: transient light‑headedness, especially after the first doses.
• Headache: mild to moderate intensity, often resolves with continued therapy.
• Increased urination: due to the diuretic component, may be more noticeable at night.
• Electrolyte changes: mild alterations in potassium or sodium levels.
• Fatigue: occasional tiredness during dose titration.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Severe hypotension: marked drop in blood pressure causing fainting.
• Acute kidney injury: sudden decline in renal function, particularly in volume‑depleted patients.
• Hyperkalemia: elevated potassium levels, especially when combined with potassium‑sparing agents.
• Angioedema: swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat requiring urgent care.
• Severe skin reactions: such as Stevens‑Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis.

Before initiating therapy, clinicians should assess patient history and monitor relevant parameters.

• Blood pressure monitoring: check regularly to avoid excessive lowering.
• Renal function: evaluate serum creatinine and eGFR at baseline and during treatment.
• Electrolyte balance: monitor potassium and sodium, especially when using other diuretics.
• Pregnancy: avoid unless clearly needed, as safety data are limited.
• Concomitant medications: review for agents that may increase potassium or affect renal perfusion.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep tablets in the original container, protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

Irbesartan/Hydrochlorothiazide can alter the effects of several drugs.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Aliskiren (in diabetes): combined use may increase risk of renal impairment and hyperkalemia.
• Potassium‑sparing diuretics or supplements: may cause dangerous hyperkalemia.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• NSAIDs: can reduce antihypertensive efficacy and worsen renal function.
• Lithium: may increase lithium concentrations, requiring serum level monitoring.
• ACE inhibitors: concurrent use can heighten the risk of hypotension and renal dysfunction.