What is this medication for?
Irbesartan belongs to a family of medicines known as angiotensin II receptor
blockers. It is used to treat high blood pressure and works by relaxing
blood vessels. This relaxation causes blood pressure to decrease.
Irbesartan is also used to slow the progression of kidney problems that can
occur in people who have diabetes and high blood pressure.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those
listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all
of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor
or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do
not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms
as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their
doctor has not prescribed it. Do not stop taking this medication without
consulting your doctor.
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
For high blood pressure in adults and children 13 to 16 years old, the usual
starting dose of irbesartan is 150 mg daily with or without food (but taken
in the same manner each day). If needed, the doctor may decide to increase the
dose to 300 mg once a day. If you are dehydrated, taking diuretics (water pills) or receiving dialysis,
your doctor may prescribe a lower starting dose.
For high blood pressure in children 6 to 12 years old, the usual starting dose
of irbesartan is 75 mg daily with or without food (but taken in the same
manner each day). If needed, the doctor may decide to increase the dose to 150 mg
once a day.
To slow the progression of kidney problems for adults with diabetes and high
blood pressure, the target dose of irbesartan is 300 mg daily with or without
food (but taken in the same manner each day).
Store this medication at room temperature and keep it out of the reach of children.
If you miss a dose but remember it within 12 hours, take it as soon as possible
and then go back to your regular dose. If it is more than 12 hours later than
your usual dose, skip that dose and carry on as usual with your next dose. Do
not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as
body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor
has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change
the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.