Irbesartan
Irbesartan
Chemical compound
Irbesartan, sold under the brand name Avapro among others, is a medication used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and diabetic kidney disease.[4] It is a reasonable initial treatment for high blood pressure.[4] It is taken by mouth.[4] Versions are available as the combination irbesartan/hydrochlorothiazide.[4][5]
Common side effects include dizziness, diarrhea, feeling tired, muscle pain, and heartburn.[4][6] Serious side effects may include kidney problems, low blood pressure, and angioedema.[4] Use in pregnancy may harm the baby and use when breastfeeding is not recommended.[7] It is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist and works by blocking the effects of angiotensin II.[4]
Irbesartan was patented in 1990, and approved for medical use in 1997.[8] It is available as a generic medication.[6] In 2021, it was the 172nd most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 3 million prescriptions.[9][10]