Irbesartan (Cont.)

Effects of Irbesartan

A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers -- for example, 120/80. The top number is known as the systolic blood pressure, and the bottom number is the diastolic blood pressure. During clinical studies in people taking irbesartan, systolic blood pressure decreased on average by 8 to 12 mmHg (millimeters of mercury) and diastolic blood pressure decreased by 5 to 8 mmHg on average. Certain factors, such as dosage, affected how much the blood pressure dropped.
 
By lowering blood pressure, irbesartan can decrease the risks that are often seen with long-term high blood pressure (see Effects of High Blood Pressure). The drug has also been shown to slow down the progression of diabetic nephropathy.
 

When and How Do I Take Irbesartan?

Some general considerations for when and how to take irbesartan include:
 
  • Irbesartan comes in tablet form that is taken once a day.
  • Irbesartan may be taken with or without food.
  • Do not break, chew, or crush the irbesartan tablets.
  • Irbesartan should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level of the medicine in your blood.
  • For irbesartan to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. Irbesartan will not work if you stop taking it.
     

Irbesartan Dosing

The dose of irbesartan that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • The medical condition being treated
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may be currently taking
  • How you respond to irbesartan.
     
As with any medication, do not adjust your irbesartan dose, unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Irbesartan Dosing for more information about dosing guidelines.)
 
(Irbesartan Continued: Page 3)
Pages:

Previous 1   2   3   4   5 Next

Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;