Avapro
Generic Name: irbesartan
Brand Name: Avapro
Indications
Avapro is indicated for the treatment of hypertension and for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy with an elevated serum creatinine and proteinuria (> 300 mg/day) in patients with type 2 diabetes and hypertension.
Dosage and Administration
Avapro is available for oral administration in unscored tablets containing 75 mg, 150 mg, or 300 mg of irbesartan.
Hypertension
Normal dosage: recommended is an initial dose of 150 mg Avapro once daily. Patients requiring further reduction in blood pressure should be titrated to 300 mg once daily
Nephropathy
Normal dosage: recommended dose is 300 mg once daily.
Overdose?
Over dosage can lead to hypotension and tachycardia; bradycardia
Drug Description
Irbesartan is a non-peptide compound, chemically described as a 2-butyl-3-[p-(o-1H-tetrazol-5-ylphenyl)benzyl]-1,3-diazaspiro[4.4]non-1-en-4-one.
Its empirical formula is C25H28N6O, and the structural formula:
Irbesartan is a white to off-white crystalline powder with a molecular weight of 428.5. It is a nonpolar compound with a partition coefficient (octanol/water) of 10.1 at pH of 7.4. Irbesartan is slightly soluble in alcohol and methylene chloride and practically insoluble in water.
Side Effects
Some common side effects are abdominal pain, anxiety/nervousness, chest pain, dizziness, edema, headache, influenza, musculoskeletal pain, pharyngitis, nausea/vomiting, rash, rhinitis, sinus abnormality, urinary tract infection, hypertension
Precautions
- When pregnancy is detected, AVAPRO should be discontinued as soon as possible.
- Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. May cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. Also use caution when rising from a sitting or lying position.
- Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may further lower blood pressure and increase drowsiness and dizziness during treatment.
- Do not use salt substitutes or take potassium supplements without first talking to your doctor. This medication can affect potassium levels in the body.
Drug Interactions
- Potassium supplement such as K-Dur, Klor-Con, and others
- Potassium-sparing diuretic (water pill) such as amiloride (Midamor), spironolactone (Aldactone), or triamterene (Dyrenium, Dyazide, Maxzide)