Avapro® (Irbesartan)
Compared with: Blackmores Conceive Well Gold 28 Tablets + 28 Capsules
Avapro (Irbesartan) 150 mg, 300 mg tablets is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) indicated for the treatment of hypertension and for renal protection in type 2 diabetic nephropathy with microalbuminuria. By selectively antagonising AT₁ receptors, Avapro reduces vasoconstriction and aldosterone secretion, lowering blood pressure and slowing progression of diabetic kidney disease.
Irbesartan – available as 150 mg and 300 mg oral tablets

Other Popular and Common Names
IRB; IRBESARTAN

Angiotensin II Receptor Antagonist (ARB)

Karvea® (alternate brand)
Irbesartan selectively blocks the angiotensin II type 1 (AT₁) receptor, preventing angiotensin II–mediated vasoconstriction, sodium retention, and aldosterone release. This leads to reduced systemic vascular resistance, decreased blood pressure, and reduced glomerular hypertension—protecting renal function in diabetic nephropathy.
Essential Hypertension: Monotherapy or in combination to achieve target blood pressure.

Diabetic Nephropathy: In type 2 diabetes with hypertension and microalbuminuria to delay progression of nephropathy.

Indication Adult Dose Frequency Notes
Hypertension 150 mg once daily Once daily May increase to 300 mg based on response
Diabetic Nephropathy 300 mg once daily Once daily Use with appropriate antihypertensive regimen; monitor renal function

Administration: Swallow tablets whole with water; may be taken with or without food.

Missed Dose: Take as soon as remembered within 12 hours; otherwise, skip and resume next day—do not double.
Formulation: Film‑coated oral tablet

Strengths: 150 mg, 300 mg

Route: Oral

Legal Status: Prescription Only Medicine
Pregnancy: Category D – Contraindicated in second and third trimesters due to risk of fetal toxicity (hypocalvaria, renal failure).

Breastfeeding: Use alternative therapy; irbesartan is excreted in breast milk.

Renal Impairment: Initiate at lower dose if creatinine clearance <30 mL/min; monitor serum creatinine and potassium.

Elderly: No specific dose adjustment; monitor blood pressure and renal function.
Dizziness, fatigue

Upper respiratory infection symptoms

Diarrhea

Serious (rare):

Hyperkalemia

Hypotension (especially volume‐depleted patients)

Acute renal failure

Angioedema (rare)
Renovascular Hypertension: Use with caution; risk of renal artery stenosis–induced renal failure.

Volume Depletion: Correct hypovolemia before initiation to avoid symptomatic hypotension.

Hyperkalemia: Monitor serum potassium, especially with potassium‐sparing diuretics or supplements.

Hypersensitivity: Discontinue if angioedema occurs.
Therapeutic Class: Antihypertensive

Pharmacologic Class: Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB)

Legal Category: Prescription Only
Potassium‐Sparing Diuretics / Supplements: Additive hyperkalemia risk—monitor potassium.

NSAIDs: May attenuate antihypertensive effect and increase renal impairment risk.

Lithium: Irbesartan may increase lithium levels—monitor serum lithium.

Other Antihypertensives: Additive blood pressure–lowering effects; monitor for hypotension.
The IDNT trial showed that irbesartan 300 mg reduced progression to doubling of serum creatinine, end‑stage renal disease, or death by 20 % versus placebo in type 2 diabetic nephropathy (Brenner et al., NEJM 2001).

Hypertension studies demonstrate dose‑dependent reductions in systolic/diastolic pressure by 8–10 mm Hg at 150 mg and 10–12 mm Hg at 300 mg versus baseline.

FAQs – Avapro® (Irbesartan)
Q1. How long until Avapro lowers blood pressure?
A: Onset within 1 hour; peak effect at 3–6 hours; full effect at 2–4 weeks.

Q2. Can Avapro be taken with food?
A: Yes; food does not significantly affect absorption.

Q3. What monitoring is required?
A: Check blood pressure, serum creatinine, and potassium at baseline, after dose changes, and periodically.

Q4. Can Avapro be used in children?
A: Not approved for pediatric hypertension.

Q5. What if I miss a dose?
A: Take within 12 hours; if beyond, skip and resume normal schedule.

Q6. Can I stop Avapro abruptly?
A: It can be stopped, but monitor for rebound hypertension; consult your physician before discontinuation.

Q7. Is combination therapy needed?
A: Many patients require additional agents (diuretics, calcium channel blockers) to achieve targets.
Avapro, Irbesartan, ARB Antihypertensive, Diabetic Nephropathy Treatment, Blood Pressure Control, EZ Chemist, Hypertension Therapy, IDNT Trial Support, Renal Protection, 150 mg Irbesartan