Irbesartan Tecnimede (Irbesartan)

Irbesartan acts on the renin‑angiotensin‑aldosterone system to control blood pressure and renal outcomes.

• Hypertension: lowers systolic and diastolic blood pressure to achieve target levels.
• Diabetic nephropathy: slows progression of renal impairment and reduces proteinuria in type 2 diabetes.
• Proteinuria in diabetes: diminishes urinary protein excretion, helping preserve kidney function.
• Cardiovascular risk reduction: contributes to lower incidence of major cardiovascular events in hypertensive patients.
• Heart failure: improves symptoms and reduces hospitalisation when used as part of combination therapy.
• Stroke prevention: helps lower the risk of recurrent stroke in patients with hypertension.

• Irbesartan selectively blocks the angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor, preventing angiotensin II from binding and activating the receptor. This inhibition reduces vasoconstriction, aldosterone secretion, and sympathetic activation, leading to vasodilation, decreased sodium and water retention, and ultimately lower systemic blood pressure and reduced stress on the kidneys.

Adverse reactions may vary in frequency and severity.

Common Side Effects

• Dizziness: sensation of light‑headedness, especially after standing.
• Headache: mild to moderate pain often occurring early in therapy.
• Fatigue: general feeling of tiredness without obvious cause.
• Upper respiratory tract infection: nasopharyngitis or mild cough.
• Nausea: occasional upset stomach or feeling of queasiness.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Angioedema: swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat requiring immediate medical attention.
• Hyperkalemia: elevated blood potassium levels that can affect heart rhythm.
• Acute renal impairment: sudden decrease in kidney function, indicated by rising creatinine.
• Hepatic injury: rare liver enzyme elevations or hepatitis.
• Severe hypotension: marked drop in blood pressure causing faintness or shock.

Before initiating therapy, consider the following safety measures.

• Monitor blood pressure: ensure target levels are achieved without excessive drop.
• Assess renal function: check serum creatinine and eGFR periodically.
• Check serum potassium: avoid hyperkalemia, especially when combined with potassium‑sparing agents.
• Use caution in hepatic impairment: dose adjustments may be required.
• Avoid in patients with known hypersensitivity to irbesartan or other ARBs.
• Store at room temperature: keep in the original container, protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

Irbesartan may interact with other medicines, altering efficacy or safety.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Concomitant use with aliskiren in diabetic patients: increased risk of renal dysfunction and hyperkalemia.
• Dual blockade with ACE inhibitors or other ARBs: higher incidence of hypotension, renal impairment, and hyperkalemia.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Potassium‑sparing diuretics (e.g., spironolactone): monitor serum potassium levels.
• Non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): may reduce antihypertensive effect and affect renal function.
• Lithium: irbesartan can increase lithium concentrations, requiring serum level monitoring.