What irbesartan is for
Irbesartan is a type of medicine called an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB).
It helps to lower your blood pressure, which can help reduce your risk of complications like heart failure and stroke.
Irbesartan is mainly used to manage high blood pressure (hypertension). It's sometimes also used for kidney disease caused by diabetes.
How to take irbesartan
Irbesartan comes as tablets that you swallow.
You'll usually need to take it once a day, at the same time every day. It can be taken with or without food.
Your doctor will tell you how much to take and for how long. Irbesartan treatment for high blood pressure is usually long term. Do not stop taking irbesartan unless your doctor tells you to.
If you get ill with vomiting, diarrhoea or a high temperature (fever) when taking irbesartan, there's a risk you'll get dehydrated. Talk to a pharmacist or doctor for advice, or follow the advice they've already given you.
Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice if you're not sure how to take it or you have any problems taking it.
If you miss a dose of irbesartan
If you forget to take a dose of irbesartan, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for your next dose.
If it's nearly time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose at the usual time.
Do not take 2 doses to make up for a missed dose.
If you take too much irbesartan
Taking too much irbesartan can be dangerous.
Urgent advice: Call NHS 111 if:
- you've taken more than your prescribed dose of irbesartan
If you're told to go to A&E, do not drive. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.
Bring the irbesartan packet or leaflet inside it, any remaining medicine, and any other medicines you take.
Side effects of irbesartan
Like all medicines, irbesartan can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.
Common side effects
Common side effects of irbesartan include:
- headaches
- joint or muscle pain
- feeling sick (nausea) and being sick (vomiting)
- feeling weak and tired (fatigue)
- dizziness, especially if you stand up quickly
Irbesartan will not usually affect your ability to drive, ride a bike or use machinery. But if you feel dizzy after taking it, wait until you no longer have these side effects.
Non-urgent advice: Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if:
- you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away
They may be able to give you advice about how to reduce any side effects. Keep taking your medicine unless you're advised to stop.
Find pharmacySerious side effects
Irbesartan can sometimes cause serious side effects, but they are rare.
Possible serious side effects of irbesartan include:
- an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) – causing symptoms such as a swollen throat or tongue, a raised, itchy rash and difficulty breathing
- a swollen intestine – causing symptoms such as severe tummy pain, feeling sick (nausea), being sick (vomiting) or diarrhoea
Urgent advice: Call NHS 111 if:
- you're taking irbesartan and think you might be having serious side effects
More about side effects
These are not all the side effects of irbesartan.
For a full list, see the leaflet that comes with your medicine or search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website.
You can report any side effects you get on the Yellow Card website
Who can and cannot take irbesartan
Most adults can take irbesartan, but it's not suitable for everyone. For example, it may not be suitable if:
- you've had an allergic reaction or serious side effect from irbesartan or another angiotensin reception blocker (ARB) before
- you have heart or liver problems
- you've had a condition called angioedema in the past, which is where parts of your body swell suddenly
Before taking irbesartan, tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions.
Breastfeeding and irbesartan
Tell your doctor if you're breastfeeding.
Irbesartan is not normally used during breastfeeding. Your doctor will usually recommend taking a different medicine instead.
Pregnancy and irbesartan
Tell your doctor if you're pregnant or planning to get pregnant.
Your doctor will usually recommend taking a different medicine while you're pregnant, but do not stop taking irbesartan unless they tell you to.
Taking irbesartan with other medicines, food and drink
There are some medicines, remedies and supplements that may not mix well with irbesartan.
This includes:
- some other medicines for high blood pressure, such as aliskiren or ACE inhibitors like lisinopril
- some medicines that help to remove excess fluid in your body through your pee (diuretics), such as spironolactone
- supplements containing potassium
- lithium (used to treat some mental health problems)
- NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen
Before taking irbesartan, tell your doctor if you're taking any other medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.
Food, drink and alcohol with irbesartan
Tell your doctor if you regularly eat salt alternatives containing potassium (such as LoSalt) while taking irbesartan.
Try to limit how much alcohol you drink when taking irbesartan because it can increase the risk of side effects like low blood pressure.
Find out more about your medicine
To find out more about your medicine, you can:
- check the leaflet that comes with it
- search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website
- speak to a pharmacist or doctor for advice – if you recently started taking it, you can get help with newly prescribed medicines from a pharmacist as part of the New Medicines Service