Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. What is Avapro?
3. What is Avapro Used to Treat?
4. Do You Need a Prescription for Avapro?
5. How Does Avapro Work?
6. Common Side Effects of Avapro
7. What Should You Not Take with Avapro?
8. Conclusion

Introduction

Avapro (irbesartan) is a prescription medication used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and diabetic nephropathy (kidney damage caused by diabetes). It is a type of angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) that works by blocking certain hormones that tighten the blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more freely and the heart to pump more efficiently. Avapro is available in tablet form and is taken once a day, usually with or without food. This article will provide an overview of Avapro, including what it is used to treat, whether or not you need a prescription for it, how it works, what the common side effects are, and what you should not take with it.

What is Avapro?

Avapro is a prescription medication used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and diabetic nephropathy (kidney damage caused by diabetes). It is a type of angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) that works by blocking certain hormones that tighten the blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more freely and the heart to pump more efficiently. Avapro is available in tablet form and is taken once a day, usually with or without food.

What is Avapro Used to Treat?

Avapro is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and diabetic nephropathy (kidney damage caused by diabetes). It is also used to reduce the risk of stroke in people with high blood pressure and an enlarged heart.

Do You Need a Prescription for Avapro?

Yes, you need a prescription from your doctor to obtain Avapro.

How Does Avapro Work?

Avapro works by blocking certain hormones that tighten the blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more freely and the heart to pump more efficiently. It is a type of angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) that works by blocking the action of angiotensin II, a hormone that causes blood vessels to narrow. By blocking this hormone, Avapro helps to relax the blood vessels, which reduces blood pressure and improves blood flow.

Common Side Effects of Avapro

The most common side effects of Avapro include dizziness, headache, fatigue, nausea, and diarrhea. Other side effects may include rash, itching, and swelling. If you experience any of these side effects, contact your doctor immediately.

What Should You Not Take with Avapro?

You should not take Avapro with other blood pressure medications, such as diuretics, ACE inhibitors, or angiotensin II receptor blockers. You should also not take Avapro with potassium supplements, potassium-sparing diuretics, or salt substitutes that contain potassium.

Conclusion

Avapro is a prescription medication used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and diabetic nephropathy (kidney damage caused by diabetes). It is a type of angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) that works by blocking certain hormones that tighten the blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more freely and the heart to pump more efficiently. Avapro is available in tablet form and is taken once a day, usually with or without food. You need a prescription from your doctor to obtain Avapro. Common side effects of Avapro include dizziness, headache, fatigue, nausea, and diarrhea. You should not take Avapro with other blood pressure medications, such as diuretics, ACE inhibitors, or angiotensin II receptor blockers. You should also not take Avapro with potassium supplements, potassium-sparing diuretics, or salt substitutes that contain potassium.

Sources:

1. Mayo Clinic. (2020). Irbesartan (Oral Route). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/irbesartan-oral-route/description/drg-20069073

2. U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2020). Irbesartan: MedlinePlus Drug Information. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a605022.html