Irbesartán/Hidroclorotiazida Pensa (Hydrochlorothiazide, Irbesartan)

• Irbesartan/Hydrochlorothiazide acts on the renin‑angiotensin‑aldosterone system and renal sodium handling to lower blood pressure.
• Essential hypertension: reduces systolic and diastolic pressure by vasodilation and volume depletion.
• Secondary hypertension: provides effective control when hypertension is due to underlying conditions.
• Hypertension requiring combination therapy: offers dual mechanism to achieve target blood pressure when monotherapy is insufficient.

• Irbesartan selectively blocks angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptors, preventing angiotensin‑II‑mediated vasoconstriction and aldosterone secretion. Hydrochlorothiazide inhibits the Na⁺/Cl⁻ cotransporter in the distal convoluted tubule, decreasing sodium reabsorption, promoting diuresis, and lowering plasma volume. The combined actions reduce peripheral resistance and cardiac preload, producing an additive antihypertensive effect.

The combination may cause a range of adverse reactions, varying in frequency and severity.

Common Side Effects

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Increased urination
• Electrolyte disturbances (e.g., low potassium)
• Mild gastrointestinal discomfort

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Severe dehydration
• Acute kidney injury
• Hyperkalemia
• Angioedema
• Severe hypotension
• Allergic skin reactions (e.g., Stevens‑Johnson syndrome)

• When prescribing Irbesartan/Hydrochlorothiazide, clinicians should observe several safety considerations.
• Blood pressure monitoring: check regularly to avoid excessive hypotension.
• Renal function assessment: evaluate serum creatinine and eGFR before and during therapy.
• Electrolyte surveillance: monitor potassium and sodium levels, especially in patients on other diuretics.
• Diabetes caution: may affect glucose control; monitor blood sugar.
• Pregnancy and lactation: use only if potential benefit justifies risk, as safety data are limited.
• Store at below 25°C: keep in original packaging, protect from moisture and light.

Irbesartan/Hydrochlorothiazide can interact with several medicines, altering its efficacy or safety profile.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Aliskiren: combined use may increase risk of renal impairment and hyperkalemia.
• Potassium‑sparing diuretics or supplements: may cause dangerous hyperkalemia.
• ACE inhibitors or other ARBs: additive effects on blood pressure and potassium.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• NSAIDs: can reduce antihypertensive effect and impair renal function.
• Antidiabetic agents: diuretic‑induced changes in glucose may require dose adjustment.