General Info: Uses and Effects

Irovel Generic (Irbesartan) contains a combination of Irbesartan and Hydrochlorothiazide. Irbesartan is known as angiotensin II receptor antagonist. It helps to keep the blood vessels from narrowing that reduces blood pressure and enhances blood flow through the body. Hydrochlorothiazide is known as thiazide diuretic that helps to prevent the body from absorbing too much salt which can lead to fluid retention in the body. Irovel is used for the treatment of high blood pressure, popularly known as hypertension. Using the medication also has other effects on some other health conditions. For instance, if the blood pressure is reduced, it prevents heart attacks, kidney problems, and stroke. Irovel Irbesartan may also be used for the treatment of congestive heart failure, as well as for the protection of the kidneys from the damage that can occur due to diabetes health complications. It is important to mention that this drug might be used for other health conditions other than what is mentioned in this guide.

Contraindication: Important to Know

Irovel Irbesartan is contraindicated in patients that are allergic to any ingredients found in the product. Hydrochlorothiazide agent is part of the active make up of the drug. Therefore Irovel Generic is contraindicated in patients dealing with anuria or hypersensitivity to the other sulphonamide derived medication. Do not use Irovel with Aliskiren if you have diabetes. Discuss this with your physician to know how to manage the medications.

If you experience any allergic reaction while taking Irovel, call for medical attention immediately. Some of the symptoms that are associated with these reactions include chest tightness, hives, skin rashes, swelling, and difficulty in breathing or swallowing. This medicine is not suitable for every patient. You should therefore seek medical advice before you use it. Do not share your drug with anyone even if you feel they have the same symptoms as you have.

Instructions on Taking

You should use Irovel Irbesartan according to the prescription of your doctor. Review the label on the medication to get the exact dosage information. You can take the medicine with or without food. It is highly recommended that you take enough fluids while taking Irovel Generic. Note that any liquid taken during the course of the day is counted towards your fluid intake. Irbesartan may increase the frequency of your urination when you first start using it. In order to guide against frequent visit to the bathroom, you should try to use the drug before the hour of 6 in the evening.

If you are currently taking Colestipol or Cholestyramine, it is important to consult your doctor to know if you can take Irovel with these drugs. Even if you feel well, keep using your medication and do not stop. Ensure you take your doses at the appropriate time so that you won't forget it. Do not take a double dose if you miss one. In case you have any question regarding the usage of the medication, speak with your health care provider.

Do not use salt substitute or potassium supplements without informing your doctor. Irovel Irbesartan has the potential to infrequently lower or increase your potassium levels which can rarely lead to serious side effects, such as very slow heartbeats, muscle weakness, or cramping. Note that your dosage is dependent on your medical condition and your response to the treatment. When treating high blood pressure with Irovel, the medication is usually prescribed for a period of 2-4 weeks before the full effect of the drug can be felt. Continue taking the medicine even if you think you feel well. The fact is that high blood pressure usually does not have any symptoms.

Dosage

Each tablet of Irovel Generic contains 150mg of Irbesartan and 12.5mg of Hydrochlorothiazide. The medication should be taken orally; one tablet per day or as prescribed by your doctor. You can take the medication with or without food. Take it with a glass of water and contact your doctor if you are not very clear about the correct dosage of the medication. Usually, the recommended dose is dependent on the health condition, response to treatment, and some other factors. You should not stop using this medicine without the approval of your doctor. Irovel may also be administered with some other anti-hypertensive medications.

Side Effects

Generally, treatment with Irovel Irbesartan has been well tolerated. Many of the side effects experienced while taking the drug are mild and quite transient in their nature and do not require stoppage of usage of the medication. Some of the side effects that have been reported on the usage of the medication include cough, headache, pharyngitis, sinus abnormality, diarrhea, urinary tract infection, rhinitis, nervousness/anxiety, muscle cramp, and rash. These side effects can occur in patients irrespective of their gender, age, and ethnicity. You should contact your doctor if you experience any of the following side effects: chills, fever, orthostatic effects, upper extremity edema, facial edema, cardiac murmur, flushing, myocardial infarction, hypotension, and angina pectoris. Other adverse effects that require urgent medical attention include heart failure, cardio-respiratory arrest, syncope, hypertensive crisis, and arrhythmic/conduction disorder.

You should also inform your doctor if you experience sexual dysfunction, urticaria, libido change, gout, musculoskeletal trauma, muscle cramps, muscle ache, extreme swelling, arthritis, joint stiffness, somnolence, sleep disturbance, musculoskeletal chest pain, cerebro-vascular accident, and tremor. Some common side effects of taking Irovel include upset stomach, lightheaded or dizziness, fainting, heartburn, and excessive fatigue. You should also call for urgent medical help if you experience unusual change in the quantity of your urine, irregular heartbeat, high potassium blood levels, muscle or joint pain, difficulty swallowing or breathing.

Interaction with Other Drugs

When starting a treatment with Irovel Irbesartan, it is important to inform your doctor of any other medication you are using: prescription or non-prescription, vitamins, and supplements. There has been no significant drug interaction of Irovel Generivwith Warfarin, Nifedipine, and Digoxin. Some medications that Irbesartan can interact with include Astemizole, Halofantrine, Terfenadine, Sotalol, and Pimozide. The potassium depleting effect of the medication may also be increased by Corticotrophin, Corticosteroids, Salbutamol, Amphotericin B, Reboxetine, and Carbenoxolone.