Irbesartan/Hydrochlorothiazide Teva (Hydrochlorothiazide, Irbesartan)

Irbesartan/Hydrochlorothiazide is indicated for hypertension, acting on the renin‑angiotensin‑aldosterone system and promoting diuresis.

• Hypertension: provides combined blood pressure reduction in patients requiring dual therapy.
• Edema associated with hypertension: assists in fluid removal and blood pressure control.
• High blood pressure in chronic kidney disease: offers effective control while addressing volume overload.

• Irbesartan selectively blocks angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptors, preventing vasoconstriction and aldosterone release, which relaxes blood vessels. Hydrochlorothiazide inhibits sodium‑chloride reabsorption in the distal convoluted tubule, increasing urinary excretion of water and electrolytes, thereby reducing plasma volume and contributing to lower blood pressure.

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.
• Increased urination: more frequent need to void.
• Low potassium: reduced serum potassium levels.
• Hyperuricemia: elevated uric acid in blood.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Severe dehydration: marked fluid loss requiring medical attention.
• Acute kidney injury: sudden decline in renal function.
• Hyperkalemia: dangerously high potassium levels.
• Severe allergic reaction: rash, swelling, or anaphylaxis.
• Pancreatitis: inflammation of the pancreas.
• Blood dyscrasias: abnormal blood cell counts.

Before initiating therapy, clinicians should consider several safety aspects.

• Monitor renal function: assess serum creatinine and eGFR regularly.
• Assess electrolyte balance: watch for hypo‑ or hyperkalemia.
• Evaluate volume status: avoid use in severe dehydration.
• Use caution in pregnancy: contraindicated in second and third trimesters.
• Avoid in patients with anuria or severe renal impairment.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep in the original pack, protect from moisture.

Irbesartan/Hydrochlorothiazide may interact with several medicines.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Aliskiren (in diabetes): increased risk of renal impairment.
• Potassium‑sparing diuretics: risk of hyperkalemia.
• ACE inhibitors: additive effect on potassium and renal function.
• NSAIDs: may reduce antihypertensive efficacy and affect kidneys.
• Lithium: increased lithium concentrations.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Other antihypertensives: may cause excessive blood pressure lowering.
• Antidiabetic agents: may require dose adjustment.
• CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole): increase irbesartan levels.
• Antacids containing aluminum/magnesium: may reduce irbesartan absorption.
• High‑dose NSAIDs: heightened risk of renal dysfunction.