Avapro
Irbesartan
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Avapro
Avapro belongs to the group of so called angiotensin II receptor antagonists, which is mainly used for treatment of high blood pressure, diabetes-type-two-related kidney problems (diabetic nephropathy) and some other conditions not specified in the guide.
Angiotensin II contributes to the production of aldosterone by stimulating the adrenal cortex. In turn, aldosterol inhibits the production and release of sodium into the blood system, yet stimulates the excretion of potassium. As it blocks the binding of angiotensin II to the AT1 receptor, it exerts vasodilatory influence on blood vessels and levels out blood pressure.
Therapeutic Uses of Avapro
Avapro prevents the constriction of blood vessels, normalizes blood circulation and reduces the likelihood of hypertension-related cardiovascular disorders. It relieves symptoms of hypertension shortly after it is administered.
Direction of use of Avapro
Avapro is available in tablets and is administered orally.
You can take it either with or without food. In order to prevent gastric irritation, tablets should be washed down with milk or water.
Irbesartan has a specific mechanism of action and therefore must be administered under the direction of a qualified physician. Please, inform your doctor about chronic diseases, if any, you have or have had before. Make sure you get a prescription. It is mandatory that you strictly follow your doctor’s recommendations and do not cut down on the drug without his/her advice, even if you feel ok. If you have any side effects or the drug does not work as you have expected it to, stop using Avapro and consult the doctor.
While using Avapro, check your blood pressure and see your doctor on a regular basis. Hypertension may have no symptoms and last a lifetime. In this case, you may have to adjust your life mode accordingly.
Dose of Avapro, if Missed
Avapro is available in 75, 150 and 300 mg tablets. Dosage is determined according to the severity of case and your general condition.
Please, be sure to abide by dosage requirements. This makes all the difference in the world when it comes to treating chronic blood pressure disorders. Set the time as required. If you have missed a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip it. Do not take a double dose. Overdose can be extremely harmful or fatal.
How to Store Avapro
Avapro must be stored away from children. Keep Avapro in a dry and cool place. Do not expose it to direct sunlight. Do not keep Avapro in the kitchen or bathroom, because these rooms have unstable humidity levels. If your doctor has permitted you to stop using the medication, put it in a secured place. Do not take expired Avapro tablets. If your medicine has expired, contact your local pharmacist or waste disposal company and have the drug discarded professionally.
More Information about Avapro
Like most anti-hypertension drugs, Avapro interacts with other drugs and has contraindications. Please, submit a list of drugs you have been using. These are the key factors when it comes to determining dosage and administration.
Because Avapro stimulates the production of potassium in the body, potassium supplements must be avoided. If you think you cannot cut down on such supplements completely, consult your doctor.
Avapro may interact with sedatives, tranquilizers and antidepressants. Also, it interacts with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, based on ibuprofen, celecoxib, indomethacin, diclofenac, meloxicam, etc.
If used with alcohol, irbesartan can cause your blood pressure to fall dramatically and mild side effects to become more intense.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Avapro
If you are prone to allergies, make sure you are not allergic to irbesartan. If you are, do not use this drug. In this case, your doctor should prescribe you another medicine.
Warn your doctor if you have heart diseases and kidney/liver problems.
Avapro must be avoided during pregnancy. If used during the second or third trimester of pregnancy, the drug can harm or even kill the unborn baby. If you have been using Avapro and you have found out you are pregnant, inform your doctor.
Avapro is not good for breast-feeding women either. It passes into milk and is toxic for new-born children. If you are breast-feeding, please, do not use Avapro.
Avoid standing up suddenly after sitting still or lying. This may cause blood pressure to jump and render you dizzy.
Possible Adverse Effects
In sensitive people, Avapro can cause serious side effects. These include swelling of the face and lips. In some cases, the swelling may spread to tongue and throat and cause breathing difficulties. Some people have a dysfunction of skeletal muscle tissue, which causes muscular tenderness, pain, weakness, fatigue, etc. This may cause kidney failure. If you have urination difficulties, call your doctor immediately.
Also, you need emergency help if you have faintness, dizziness, heartburn, gastric pain, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, etc. If you have any of these signs, call your doctor immediately.