Avalide ( irbesartan + hydrochlorothiazide )

CAUTION:
Do not take irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide, call your doctor without delay. Irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide may harm the fetus.

O  General Information and Indications:

Avalide, the combination of irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide, is used to treat high blood pressure. Irbesartan is in a class of medications called angiotensin II antagonists. It works by blocking the action of certain natural chemicals that tighten the blood vessels, making blood flow more smoothly. Hydrochlorothiazide is in a class of medications called diuretics ('water pills'). It works by causing the the kidneys to get rid of unneeded water and salt from the body into the urine.

O  Information For Users:

The combination of irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day with or without food. Follow the directions on your prescription label, ask your doctor or pharmacist If you have any questions. Take irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your health care provider.

Irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide controls high blood pressure but does not cure it. It may take 2 to 4 weeks before you feel the full benefit of irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide. Continue taking irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide even if you feel well. Do not discontinue taking irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide without informing your doctor.

O  Special precautions:

o Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have allergy to irbesartan, hydrochlorothiazide, sulfa drugs, or any other medications.
o Inform your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medication, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn); cholestyramine (Questran); colestipol (Colestid); lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid); medications for diabetes; narcotic pain relievers; oral steroids such as dexamethasone (Decadron, Dexone), methylprednisolone (Medrol), and prednisone (Deltasone); other medications for high blood pressure; phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton); and tolbutamide (Orinase). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
o Inform your doctor if you are on dialysis and if you have or have ever had asthma, lupus (SLE), diabetes, heart failure, gout, or kidney or liver disease.
o Inform your doctor if you are breast-feeding.
o you should know that irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
o ask your doctor about the safe use of alcoholic beverages while you are taking irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide. Alcohol can make the side effects from irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide worse.
o you should know that irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting when you get up too quickly from a lying position. This is more common when you first start taking irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide. To avoid this problem, get out of bed slowly, resting your feet on the floor for a few minutes before standing up.
o you should know that diarrhea, vomiting, not drinking enough fluids, and sweating a lot can cause a drop in blood pressure, which may cause lightheadedness and fainting.

Talk to your doctor before using salt substitutes containing potassium. If your doctor prescribes a low-salt or low-sodium diet or an exercise program, follow these directions carefully.

O  Possible Adverse Effects:

Irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide may cause adverse effects. Inform your doctor if any of the following symptoms are severe or do not go away:

o dizziness
o extreme tiredness
o upset stomach
o vomiting
o stomach pain
o heartburn
o chest pain
o flu-like symptoms

Some adverse effects could be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor without delay:

o dry mouth
o thirst
o weakness
o lack of energy
o restlessness
o confusion
o seizures
o muscle pain or cramps
o infrequent urination
o rapid heartbeat
o lightheadedness
o fainting