What Is Irbesartan Used For?

What is irbesartan used for? Irbesartan is used for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy and high blood pressure in adults. Although the drug cannot cure these conditions, it is effective in controlling high blood pressure and slowing down the progression of diabetic nephropathy. Irbesartan is not used for children, nor do common off-label uses exist.

 

What Is Irbesartan Used For? -- An Overview

 Irbesartan (Avapro®) is a prescription medication that has been licensed to treat several conditions related to the heart and blood vessels. Common irbesartan uses include:
 
Irbesartan and High Blood Pressure
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. High blood pressure is defined as an average blood pressure higher than 140/90 with multiple blood pressure readings.
 
Based on clinical studies, irbesartan has been shown to significantly lower systolic and diastolic blood pressures. The higher the dose of irbesartan, the greater the drop in blood pressure tends to be. By lowering blood pressure, irbesartan can decrease the risks that often occur with long-term high blood pressure (see Effects of High Blood Pressure). However, irbesartan is not a cure for high blood pressure.
 
Irbesartan and Diabetic Nephropathy
Diabetic nephropathy is a condition in which the kidneys become damaged due to the effects of diabetes. Over time, diabetic nephropathy can progress to kidney failure, a serious condition in which the kidneys fail to rid the body of wastes. In clinical studies, irbesartan has been shown to slow down the progression of diabetic nephropathy.
 
(Click Diabetes and Kidney Disease for more information on the impact diabetes has on the kidneys.)
 
(What Is Irbesartan Used For? Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;