Irbesartan, the Generic for Avapro® Tablets for High Blood Pressure

What Irbesartan Is and How It Works

Irbesartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker used to treat high blood pressure and to slow kidney damage in adults with type 2 diabetes and hypertension. It is available as oral tablets, often in 75 mg, 150 mg, and 300 mg strengths. Many patients take it once daily. Higher doses such as irbesartan 300 mg are common when more blood pressure control is needed. By blocking the AT1 receptor, irbesartan lowers vascular resistance and reduces aldosterone effects. That relaxes blood vessels and helps the kidneys handle salt and water better. Unlike ACE inhibitors, ARBs have a low rate of cough.

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Dosage and Usage

The dose and plan depend on the condition, other medicines, and response. Tablets may be taken with or without food at the same time each day.

• For hypertension, adults often start at 150 mg once daily.
• The dose may increase to 300 mg once daily for greater effect.
• In type 2 diabetic nephropathy, 150 mg once daily is common; 300 mg is the target dose if tolerated.
• Patients on high-dose diuretics or with volume depletion may start at 75 mg.
• Swallow tablets whole with water. Do not crush unless your prescriber advises.
• If you miss a dose, take it when remembered unless close to the next dose. Do not double.
• If you vomit or have severe diarrhea, contact a prescriber about dosing until fluids are stable.
• Do not use during pregnancy. Stop and contact a clinician if pregnancy occurs.

Storage and travel tips:

• Store your tablets at room temperature, 15–30°C, away from moisture and light.
• Keep medicine in your original bottle with the label for travel.
• Pack extra doses in your carry-on and avoid leaving medicine in a hot car.
• Use your phone or a pill organizer to help track daily dosing.
• Turn on reorder reminders so you never run out before a trip.

Benefits and Savings

Irbesartan reduces systolic and diastolic blood pressure and is well tolerated. It helps protect the kidneys in adults with type 2 diabetes and hypertension, especially at 300 mg daily. Once-daily dosing supports adherence, and it works well in combination plans when a second agent is needed. Compared with some older options, it has a low rate of cough and angioedema.

Buying through YouDrugstore means access to Canadian pricing. Many customers see 60–80% savings versus typical US prices. Check your irbesartan price across strengths if your prescriber offers options. The irbesartan 300 mg price may differ from the irbesartan 150 mg price or the irbesartan 75 mg price. The cost of irbesartan is often lower than the avapro cost because Avapro is the brand. If using the combination product, the avalide cost may vary by strength.

Side Effects and Safety

Most side effects are mild and improve as the body adjusts. Seek care for severe reactions.

• Common: dizziness, fatigue, headache, nausea, diarrhea, back pain, upper respiratory symptoms.
• Blood tests: small creatinine rise or potassium increase may occur, especially with kidney disease.
• Low blood pressure: lightheadedness or faintness can happen when starting or increasing the dose.
• Less common: rash, cough, joint pain, taste changes.
• Serious (seek urgent help): severe allergic reaction or angioedema (swelling of face, lips, tongue), severe dizziness with fainting, very high potassium with muscle weakness or heart rhythm changes, marked decline in kidney function.

Key precautions and interactions:

• Do not use in pregnancy; ARBs can harm the fetus in the second and third trimesters.
• Avoid aliskiren with diabetes due to risk of kidney issues and high potassium.
• Use caution with potassium supplements, salt substitutes, or potassium-sparing diuretics.
• NSAIDs may reduce the blood pressure effect and affect kidney function, especially in older adults or dehydrated patients.
• Monitor lithium levels if used together; levels may rise.
• Tell your prescriber about kidney artery stenosis, severe kidney or liver disease, dehydration, or heart failure.

Onset Time

Blood pressure usually begins to fall within one to two weeks. The full effect is often seen after four to six weeks at a stable dose. Kidney protection benefits in type 2 diabetes build over months to years of steady treatment.

Compare With Alternatives

Losartan, valsartan, and candesartan are ARBs with similar uses. Some patients respond better to one agent or tolerate one more easily. Candesartan can be combined with hydrochlorothiazide; you can review that option at Candesartan Hctz. For those needing a stronger diuretic pair, azilsartan plus chlorthalidone is available; see Edarbyclor®.

ACE inhibitors such as enalapril are another first-line class but may cause cough or angioedema more often. Thiazide diuretics (for example hydrochlorothiazide) and calcium channel blockers (for example amlodipine) are common add-ons. Clonidine, a central alpha-2 agonist, is reserved for specific cases because of sedation and rebound risks if stopped abruptly.

Combination Therapy

Many adults need two medicines for steady control. Irbesartan pairs well with thiazide diuretics and calcium channel blockers. The fixed-dose combination with hydrochlorothiazide is known as Avalide®. Examples include irbesartan hydrochlorothiazide 150 mg 12 5 mg and irbesartan hctz 300 12.5 mg tablets. A separate tablet of hydrochlorothiazide can also be used if a flexible dose is needed. Avoid dual renin–angiotensin system blockade (for example adding an ACE inhibitor) due to higher risk of kidney issues and high potassium. Review all supplements, especially potassium or salt substitutes, with your care team.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Irbesartan is a good option for many adults with hypertension, including those with type 2 diabetes and protein in the urine. It may not be suitable with pregnancy, a history of angioedema on an ARB, severe kidney artery narrowing, or very advanced kidney disease without close supervision. Doses may need changes with dehydration or large diuretic shifts. Discuss plans for surgery or contrast dyes with your prescriber.

To learn more about the condition, visit our condition pages for High Blood Pressure and Hypertension. For lifestyle reading that supports heart health, see 10 Interesting Facts About Your Heart and How To Break A Weight Loss Plateau And Stay Motivated.

Smart ways to manage irbesartan cost:

• Choose the irbesartan generic when appropriate; it is bioequivalent to the irbesartan brand.
• Ask whether a 90-day supply could reduce your per-month price.
• Compare the irbesartan 300mg tablets against two lower strengths if your prescriber allows flexibility.
• If you switch to the combo, compare Avalide strengths and prices before filling.
• Turn on free reorder reminders so you refill on time and avoid urgent local fills.

You can order directly on YouDrugstore, and our team can help with account setup and checkout questions. Pharmacists are available to address medication questions through our pharmacy services.

Authoritative Sources

For detailed prescribing information, see the FDA listings for irbesartan on DailyMed irbesartan search and the Health Canada Drug Product Database entry for irbesartan.

You can order online today from YouDrugstore. We ship to the US with prompt, express, cold-chain shipping and careful packaging.

This content is for general information only. It does not replace advice from your own prescriber or pharmacist. Always follow your prescribed directions and the advice of your healthcare professionals.