Indications
Avalide is a combination medication that contains irbesartan (an angiotensin receptor blocker) and hydrochlorothiazide (a thiazide diuretic). It is primarily used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). Avalide works by relaxing blood vessels, which helps to lower blood pressure, while hydrochlorothiazide works by increasing the amount of salt and water that the kidneys remove from the blood, which also helps to lower blood pressure.
Uses and Dosage
Avalide is available in tablet form to be taken orally, as directed by your doctor. It's typically taken once daily, either with or without food. If the medication causes frequent urination, taking it at least 4 hours before bedtime can help prevent disruptions to sleep. If you're taking cholesterol-lowering medications, such as bile acid-binding resins like cholestyramine or colestipol, take Avalide at least 4-6 hours before or after those medications.
The dosage is determined based on your response to treatment and medical conditions. Take Avalide regularly as prescribed, even if you feel well since most people with high blood pressure do not experience symptoms.
The recommanded starting dose is 150 mg/12.5 mg (irbesartan/hydrochlorothiazide) by mouth once daily. Your provider might raise your dose after 1 to 2 weeks depending on your blood pressure to a maximum dose of 300 mg/25 mg (irbesartan/hydrochlorothiazide) per day.
Side Effect
Common Side Effects of Avalide (Irbesartan/HCTZ):
- Blurry vision
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Dry cough
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Heartburn
- Increased thirst
- Irregular heartbeat
- Joint pain
- Muscle pain
- Rhinitis
- Sore throat
- Stomach pain
- Weakness
Rare but Serious Side Effects of Avalide (Irbesartan/HCTZ):
- Decreased vision
- Eye pain
- Fainting
- Infrequent urination
- Jaundice
- Muscle weakness
- Slow heartbeat
- Tingling feelings
Form and Strength
Avalide (Irbesartan/HCTZ) is available in the following forms and strength:
Avalide: Tablet
- 300/25mg
- 300/12.5mg
- 150/12.5mg
Irbesartan/HCTZ: Tablet
- 300/25mg
- 300/12.5mg
- 150/12.5mg
Caution
- The drug affects the renin-angiotensin system, and therefore should be discontinued as soon as possible when pregnancy is detected.
- The list of possible drug interactions with Avalide is not exhaustive, so caution should be taken when taking other medications in conjunction with Avalide.
- Avalide can cause injury and death to your unborn baby, so stop this medication right away if you find out that you're pregnant. It can affect the kidneys of the unborn baby and make them not work as well, especially in the middle and last stage of pregnancy.
- It can cause eye problems such as sudden nearsightedness (myopia) and a type of glaucoma called angle-closure glaucoma. The risk of getting these side effects is higher if you have an allergic reaction to sulfonamide or penicillin.
- Avalide (irbesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) can cause damage to your kidneys, especially people with severe heart failure or existing kidney problems. Because of the potential for kidney damage, your provider might monitor you periodically throughout your treatment.
- valide can rarely cause dangerously low blood pressure, it poses a possible risk for people who have a high fluid or electrolyte loss, such as those taking high dose of diuretics or on dialysis. Patients at risk should inform their provider to address the problem before starting Avalide.
- Allergic reactions can happen to anyone, people with a history asthma or allergic reactions to hydrochlorothiazide are at a higher risk of getting an allergic reaction to Avalide (irbesartan / hydrochlorothiazide).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can Avalide cause weight gain?
Avalide may cause weight gain in some patients. If you experience a sudden increase in weight, contact your doctor.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Avalide?
If you miss a dose of Avalide, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Can I take Avalide with food or on an empty stomach?
Avalide can be taken with or without food, but it should be taken at the same time each day.
Are there any long-term risks associated with taking Avalide?
There may be long-term risks associated with taking Avalide, especially in patients with certain medical conditions. Talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have.
Can I stop taking Avalide if my blood pressure is under control?
Do not stop taking Avalide without first consulting your doctor. Stopping the medication suddenly could cause your blood pressure to rise and lead to other serious health problems.
Resources
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/020758s058lbl.pdf
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-17211/avalide-oral/details
- https://www.rxlist.com/avalide-drug.htm
- https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=0d91895e-c869-4b33-9b83-d55c1ad6317e
- https://www.drugs.com/avalide.html
- https://www.goodrx.com/irbesartan-hctz/what-is
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