Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.
Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Irbesartan is an oral medication that is
used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and
diabetic nephropathy or
kidney disease. It belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin receptor
blockers (ARBs) which also includes valsartan (Diovan), losartan (Cozaar), and
candesartan (Atacand). Angiotensin, formed in the blood by the action of
angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), is a powerful chemical that attaches to angiotensin receptors found in many tissues but primarily on smooth muscle cells
of blood vessels. Angiotensin's attachment to the receptors causes the blood
vessels to narrow (vasoconstrict), which leads to an increase in blood pressure
(hypertension ). Irbesartan blocks the angiotensin receptor. By blocking the
action of angiotensin, irbesartan dilates blood vessels and reduces blood
pressure. The FDA approved irbesartan in September 1997.
GENERIC AVAILABLE: No
PRESCRIPTION: Yes
PREPARATIONS: Tablets: 75 mg, 150 mg and 300 mg.
STORAGE: Tablets should be stored at room temperature, 15-30 C (59-86
F).
PRESCRIBED FOR: Irbesartan is used to treat high blood pressure. It
may be used alone or in combination with other drugs. Irbesartan also is used
for treating nephropathy (kidney failure) in
patients with type 2 diabetes.
DOSING: The recommended dose of irbesartan for treating hypertension
is 75 to 300 mg once daily. Most hypertensive patients are started on 150 mg
daily. Diabetic nephropathy is treated with 300 mg daily.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Combining irbesartan with potassium-sparing
diuretics (for example., spironolactone
[Aldactone], triamterene, amiloride),
potassium supplements, or salt substitutes containing potassium may lead to
hyperkalemia (elevated potassium in the blood) and toxicity from potassium.
Combining irbesartan or other ARBs with
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
in patients who are elderly, fluid-depleted (including those on diuretic
therapy), or with poor kidney function may result in reduced kidney function,
including kidney failure. These effects usually are reversible. There have been
reports that aspirin and other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (Advil, Children's
Advil/Motrin, Medipren, Motrin, Nuprin, PediaCare Fever, etc.), indomethacin (Indocin,
Indocin-SR), and naproxen (Anaprox, Naprelan, Naprosyn, Aleve) may reduce the
effects of ARBs.
PREGNANCY: All ARBs should not be used during
pregnancy. When used in
the second or third trimester of pregnancy, irbesartan and similar drugs may
cause injury and even death to the fetus. Irbesartan should not be used during
pregnancy. When pregnancy is detected, irbesartan should be stopped as soon as
possible.
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a repeatedly
elevated blood pressure exceeding 140 over 90 mmHg -- a systolic pressure above
140 with a diastolic pressure above 90. There are two causes of high blood pressure, primary and secondary. Primary high blood pressure is much more common that secondary and its basic causes or underlying defects are not always known. It is known that a diet high in salt increases the risk for high blood pressure, as well as high cholesterol. Genetic factors are also a primary cause. Secondary high blood pressure is generally caused by another condition such as renal hypertension, tumors, and other conditions. Treatment for high blood pressure is generally lifestyle changes and if necessary, diet.
High blood pressure (hypertension) means high pressure (tension) in the arteries. Treatment for high blood pressure include lifestyle modifications (alcohol, smoking, coffee, salt, diet, exercise), drugs and medications such as ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, beta blockers, diuretics, calcium channel blockers (CCBs), alpha blockers, clonidine, minoxidil, and Exforge.
High blood pressure or hypertension means high pressure (tension) in the arteries. Arteries are vessels that carry blood from the pumping heart to all the tissues and organs of the body. High blood pressure does not mean excessive emotional tension, although emotional tension and stress can temporarily increase blood pressure. Normal blood pressure is below 120/80; blood pressure between 120/80 and 139/89 is called "pre-hypertension", and a blood pressure of 140/90 or above is considered high.
The top number, which is the systolic blood pressure, corresponds to the pressure in the arteries as the heart contracts and pumps blood into the arteries. The bottom number, the diastolic pressure, represents the pressure in the arteries as the heart relaxes after the contraction. The diastolic pressure reflects the lowest pressure to which the arteries are exposed.
An elevation of the systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure incre...
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