Irbesartan Aurobindo Pharma (Malta) (Irbesartan)

• Irbesartan acts on the renin‑angiotensin‑aldosterone system to control high blood pressure and related kidney complications.
• Hypertension: reduces systolic and diastolic blood pressure, helping prevent cardiovascular events.
• Diabetic nephropathy: slows progression of kidney damage in patients with type 2 diabetes, preserving renal function.
• Cardiovascular risk reduction: lowers overall risk of heart‑related events in hypertensive patients.

• Irbesartan selectively blocks the angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor, preventing angiotensin II from binding. This inhibition stops vasoconstriction and aldosterone release, leading to relaxed blood vessels, reduced peripheral resistance, and decreased sodium and water retention, which together lower systemic blood pressure and protect renal function.

Common Side Effects

• Dizziness or light‑headedness, especially after the first dose.
• Headache, often mild and transient.
• Fatigue or general tiredness.
• Upper respiratory tract infection symptoms such as sore throat.
• Nausea or mild gastrointestinal upset.
• Mild swelling of the ankles or feet.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Angioedema involving the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Hyperkalemia, indicated by muscle weakness or irregular heartbeat.
• Acute kidney injury or worsening renal function.
• Hepatic injury presenting as jaundice or elevated liver enzymes.
• Severe hypotension leading to fainting.
• Myocardial infarction in susceptible patients.

Before initiating therapy, consider the following precautions:

• Monitor blood pressure regularly to assess therapeutic response.
• Check renal function (serum creatinine, eGFR) before and during treatment.
• Assess serum potassium levels, especially if combined with potassium‑sparing agents.
• Use cautiously in patients with hepatic impairment; dose adjustment may be required.
• Avoid in individuals with known hypersensitivity to irbesartan or any ARB component.
• Store at room temperature: keep in the original container, protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

Irbesartan may interact with several medicines; review patient medication lists carefully.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Concomitant use with aliskiren in diabetic patients due to increased renal risk.
• Potassium‑sparing diuretics or potassium supplements, which can cause hyperkalemia.
• ACE inhibitors, as combined therapy raises the chance of angioedema and hyperkalemia.
• Non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which may impair renal function.
• Lithium, because irbesartan can raise lithium concentrations.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Thiazide or loop diuretics, which may enhance the antihypertensive effect.
• Strong CYP2C9 inhibitors (e.g., fluconazole) that can increase irbesartan plasma levels.
• Other antihypertensives, requiring dose adjustments to avoid excessive hypotension.
• Rifampin, a CYP inducer that may reduce irbesartan exposure.
• Digoxin, where renal changes may alter digoxin clearance.