What side effects are possible with this medication?
A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal
doses. A side effect may be mild or severe, temporary or permanent, but does
not occur in everyone. Not everyone will experience side effects, and which
side effects a person experiences cannot be anticipated.
The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking
this medication. If you develop any of these side effects (or any other side
effects not listed here) or they change in intensity, speak to your doctor or
pharmacist for advice on managing them and on the risks and benefits of
the medication.
- diarrhea
- heartburn
- tiredness
Click here to learn about serious side effects that can potentially occur with any medication. These examples are provided for information purposes only and are not meant to be exhaustive. Always consult your doctor for sound medical advice specific to your particular medication and treatment.
Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?
Be sure to inform your doctor of all your medical conditions before you
begin taking a medication. Some conditions can affect how you should take this
medication.
Kidney problems: Irbesartan may affect the function of the kidneys,
especially in those who are at risk for (e.g., people with severe heart failure)
or already have kidney problems. Make sure to tell your doctor if you have kidney
problems so that he or she can closely your kidney function.
Low blood pressure: Occasionally, a larger-than-expected decrease in
blood pressure occurs after taking irbesartan. It is more likely to occur if
you take diuretics (water pills), have a reduced salt intake, are on dialysis,
or are experiencing diarrhea or vomiting. Blood pressure should be monitored
more often in these situations. If you experience dizziness while taking this
medication, contact your doctor and have your blood pressure checked.
Pregnancy: Irbesartan should not be used during pregnancy. If you become
pregnant while taking this medication, stop taking irbesartan and tell your
doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known whether irbesartan passes into breast
milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking this medication, it
may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue
breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of irbesartan have not been established
for children. This medication has not been evaluated in children less than 6
years old.
What other drugs could interact with this medication?
An interaction between medications does not always mean that you must stop
taking one of them. The following medications may affect the way irbesartan
works, be affected by irbesartan, or increase the risk of side effects:
- diuretics (water pills, e.g., hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide)
- lithium
- medications that increase the level of potassium in the blood (e.g., spironolactone,
amiloride, triamterene, or salt substitutes that contain potassium)
- other blood pressure medications
- potassium pills or potassium supplements
If you are taking any of these or other medications (including non-prescription,
herbal, and supplement products), speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending
on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to change your therapy
or suggest ways of managing any interactions. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine
from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications,
you should let your prescriber know if you use them.