Irbesartan Brown & Burk Uk (Irbesartan)

Irbesartan belongs to the class of Angiotensin II receptor blockers and is used to manage conditions related to the renin‑angiotensin system.

• Hypertension: lowers systolic and diastolic blood pressure, reducing cardiovascular risk.
• Diabetic nephropathy: slows the progression of kidney disease in patients with type 2 diabetes.
• Cardiovascular risk reduction: used as part of therapy to lower the chance of heart‑related events in high‑risk patients.

• Irbesartan selectively blocks the angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor, preventing angiotensin II from binding. This inhibition leads to vasodilation, reduced aldosterone secretion, and decreased sympathetic activation, which together lower systemic vascular resistance and blood pressure while offering renal protective effects.

Common side effects are generally mild and may resolve with continued therapy.

Common Side Effects

• Dizziness: sensation of light‑headedness, especially after standing.
• Headache: mild to moderate pain in the head region.
• Fatigue: feeling unusually tired or weak.
• Nasal congestion: blocked or runny nose.
• Back pain: discomfort in the lower back area.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Angioedema: swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat that may impair breathing.
• Hyperkalaemia: elevated potassium levels that can affect heart rhythm.
• Acute renal impairment: sudden decline in kidney function.
• Hepatic injury: signs of liver damage such as jaundice or elevated enzymes.

Before initiating therapy, clinicians should assess individual risk factors and monitor relevant parameters.

• Blood pressure monitoring: check regularly to ensure therapeutic effect and avoid hypotension.
• Renal function assessment: evaluate serum creatinine and eGFR before and during treatment.
• Serum potassium monitoring: watch for hyperkalaemia, especially when combined with potassium‑sparing agents.
• Pregnancy safety: category D; avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks.
• Hepatic impairment: use with caution in patients with severe liver disease.
• Store at room temperature: keep in the original container, protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

Irbesartan may interact with several drug classes, requiring attention to dosage and monitoring.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Aliskiren (in diabetes): combined use can increase renal risk and hyperkalaemia.
• ACE inhibitors or other ARBs: concurrent use raises the chance of severe hypotension and kidney injury.
• Potassium‑sparing diuretics: may cause dangerous elevations in serum potassium.
• NSAIDs: can diminish antihypertensive effect and worsen renal function.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Thiazide diuretics: may enhance the blood‑pressure‑lowering effect, requiring dose adjustment.
• Lithium: irbesartan can increase lithium concentrations, risking toxicity.
• CYP2C9 inhibitors (e.g., fluconazole): may raise irbesartan plasma levels, necessitating monitoring.