Irbesartan and Hydrochlorothiazide

IRBESARTAN AND HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE

Manufacturer: Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc.

Score: 148.0

Quick Summary

Irbesartan and Hydrochlorothiazide is a combination medication used to treat high blood pressure. It combines an angiotensin II receptor antagonist (irbesartan) with a thiazide diuretic (hydrochlorothiazide) to help lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels and reducing fluid retention. The medication is available in two strengths: 150/12.5 mg and 300/12.5 mg. It is usually taken once daily, with or without food. The initial dose is typically 150/12.5 mg, which can be increased to 300/12.5 mg and then to 300/25 mg if needed to control blood pressure. Irbesartan and Hydrochlorothiazide can cause fetal harm if taken during pregnancy and should not be used in patients with severe renal impairment or anuria. Common side effects include dizziness, fatigue, and musculoskeletal pain. The medication is not recommended for nursing mothers or pediatric patients, and geriatric patients should be monitored closely due to potential sensitivity to the medication's effects.

Key Clinical Findings and Indications

Treatment of hypertension
May be used as initial therapy or as add-on therapy for patients not adequately controlled on monotherapy
Available in two strengths: 150/12.5 mg and 300/12.5 mg

Important Safety Information

Warning

Can cause fetal harm if taken during pregnancy

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to any component of the medication
Anuria
Hypersensitivity to sulfonamide-derived drugs
Do not coadminister aliskiren with Irbesartan and Hydrochlorothiazide in patients with diabetes

Adverse Reactions

Dizziness
Fatigue
Musculoskeletal pain
Headache
Diarrhea
Nausea
Abnormal liver function tests

Dosing Recommendations

General Guidance

No dose adjustment necessary for patients with hepatic impairment; however, patients with severe renal impairment should not use the medication

Hypertension

Adult Dose

150/12.5 mg once daily, titrate to 300/12.5 mg and then to 300/25 mg if needed

Pediatric Dose

Not recommended for pediatric patients

Special Population Considerations

Pregnancy

Can cause fetal harm if taken during pregnancy
Discontinue use as soon as possible if pregnancy is detected

Nursing Mothers

Not recommended for nursing mothers due to potential risk to the infant

Pediatric Use

Not recommended for pediatric patients due to lack of safety and efficacy data

Geriatric Use

Monitor geriatric patients closely due to potential sensitivity to the medication's effects
No dose adjustment necessary for geriatric patients with normal renal function