Irbesartan Teva (Irbesartan)

Irbesartan acts on the renin‑angiotensin‑aldosterone system to lower blood pressure and protect renal function.

• Hypertension: reduces systolic and diastolic blood pressure, improving cardiovascular risk profile.
• Diabetic nephropathy: slows progression of kidney damage in patients with type 2 diabetes, preserving renal function.
• Combination therapy: may be used with other antihypertensives to achieve target blood pressure when monotherapy is insufficient.

• 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 stimulation, leading to vasodilation, decreased sodium and water retention, and lowered blood pressure. The blockade also mitigates angiotensin‑mediated renal and cardiac remodeling.

Irbesartan may cause a range of adverse reactions, which are categorized by frequency and severity.

Common Side Effects

• Dizziness: sensation of light‑headedness, especially after standing.
• Headache: mild to moderate head pain.
• Fatigue: feeling of tiredness or lack of energy.
• Hyperkalemia: elevated blood potassium levels, often detected in laboratory tests.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Angioedema: swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, potentially compromising airway.
• Acute renal failure: sudden loss of kidney function, indicated by rising creatinine.
• Hepatic injury: abnormal liver enzymes or hepatitis symptoms.

When prescribing Irbesartan, clinicians should consider several safety measures and monitoring requirements.

• Blood pressure monitoring: check regularly to ensure therapeutic effect and avoid hypotension.
• Renal function assessment: evaluate serum creatinine and eGFR before initiation and during treatment.
• Serum potassium monitoring: test potassium levels, especially in patients with renal impairment or those receiving potassium‑sparing agents.
• Concomitant drug review: avoid use with aliskiren in diabetic patients and limit combined ARB/ACE inhibitor therapy.
• Pregnancy caution: use only if potential benefit justifies risk, as safety data are limited.
• Store at room temperature: keep in original packaging, protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

Irbesartan can interact with other medicines, altering its efficacy or safety profile.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Aliskiren (in diabetes): combined use can increase risk of renal impairment, hyperkalemia, and hypotension.
• Dual ARB/ACE inhibitor therapy: may cause excessive potassium rise and kidney dysfunction.
• Potassium‑sparing diuretics (e.g., spironolactone): heightens risk of hyperkalemia.
• Strong CYP2C9 inhibitors (e.g., fluconazole): can increase Irbesartan plasma concentrations.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Lithium: may increase lithium levels, risk of toxicity.
• Cyclosporine: may raise serum creatinine, requiring renal function monitoring.
• NSAIDs: can reduce antihypertensive effect and impair renal function, especially in the elderly.