Irbesartan + Hydrochlorothiazide

Irbesartan + Hydrochlorothiazide — Uses and Benefits

This combination medicine is mainly prescribed to control high blood pressure that is not adequately managed by a single medicine.

WHAT THIS MEDICINE IS USED FOR

• Treating high blood pressure (hypertension)
• Used when blood pressure is not controlled by irbesartan or hydrochlorothiazide alone
• Helps reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, and kidney problems linked to long-term high blood pressure

HOW IT WORKS

• Irbesartan blocks the action of a chemical called angiotensin II, which relaxes blood vessels and lowers blood pressure
• Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic that helps the kidneys remove excess salt and water from the body, further reducing blood pressure
• The combined effect gives better blood pressure control than either medicine used alone

WHAT IT IS NOT USED FOR

• Not used for immediate relief of a sudden, severe rise in blood pressure (hypertensive emergency)
• Not a treatment for heart failure symptoms occurring on its own
• Not used for infections or pain relief
• Not recommended for use during pregnancy

How to Use Irbesartan + Hydrochlorothiazide

HOW TO TAKE IT

• Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually once a day
• Can be taken with or without food, at the same time each day
• Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water; do not crush or chew unless your doctor says it is fine
• Continue taking it regularly even if you feel well, as it controls but does not cure high blood pressure
• Do not stop taking it suddenly without talking to your doctor

IF YOU MISS A DOSE

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember
• If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue your normal schedule
• Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed one

STORAGE

• Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture
• Keep in the original pack until it is time to take the medicine
• Keep out of reach and sight of children
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack

Irbesartan + Hydrochlorothiazide — Side Effects

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Dizziness
• Tiredness or weakness
• Headache
• Increased urination
• Nausea

LESS COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Muscle cramps
• Low blood pressure symptoms like light-headedness on standing
• Diarrhoea or upset stomach
• Changes in blood potassium or sodium levels (seen on blood tests)
• Joint or back pain

SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS — STOP AND SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY

• Swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat, or difficulty breathing (allergic reaction)
• Signs of very low blood pressure, such as fainting
• Signs of kidney problems, such as reduced urination or swelling in legs
• Severe muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, or confusion (signs of electrolyte imbalance)
• Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Severe skin rash or blistering

This is not a complete list. Report any unusual or persistent symptom to your doctor or pharmacist.

Irbesartan + Hydrochlorothiazide — Safety Information and Precautions

This is a prescription-only medicine in India and should only be used under a doctor's guidance.

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU

• Are pregnant or planning pregnancy
• Are allergic to irbesartan, hydrochlorothiazide, or other sulfonamide-derived medicines
• Have severe kidney disease or are unable to pass urine
• Have severe liver disease

TELL YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING IF YOU

• Have kidney or liver problems
• Have diabetes
• Have gout or high uric acid levels
• Are breastfeeding
• Have had recent heavy vomiting or diarrhoea (risk of dehydration)
• Are on a salt-restricted diet or take potassium supplements

MEDICINES THAT CAN INTERACT

• Other blood pressure medicines, including ACE inhibitors
• Potassium supplements or potassium-sparing diuretics
• Lithium
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen
• Certain diabetes medicines

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I take this medicine with alcohol?

Alcohol can increase the blood-pressure-lowering effect and cause dizziness, so it is best to limit alcohol intake.

Will this medicine make me urinate more?

Yes, hydrochlorothiazide increases urination, especially in the initial days of treatment.

How long do I need to take this medicine?

• High blood pressure usually needs long-term treatment, so continue taking it as long as your doctor advises, even if you feel fine.
• Doctor ya pharmacist se salah lein.