Irbesartan, sold under the brand name Aprovel among others, is a medication used to treat hypertension, heart failure, and diabetic kidney disease.[ It is a reasonable initial treatment for high blood pressure.][ It is taken by mouth.][ Versions are available as the combination irbesartan/hydrochlorothiazide.]
Mechanism of action
Irbesartan is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist and works by blocking the effects of angiotensin II.
Medical uses
Irbesartan is used for the treatment of hypertension. It may also delay progression of diabetic nephropathy and is also indicated for the reduction of renal disease progression in patients with type 2 diabetes,
Combination with diuretic
Irbesartan is also available in a fixed-dose combination formulation with hydrochlorothiazide, a thiazide diuretic, to achieve an additive antihypertensive effect.
Side effects
Common side effects include dizziness, diarrhea, feeling tired, muscle pain, and heartburn.[ Serious side effects may include kidney problems, low blood pressure, and angioedema.][ Use in pregnancy may harm the baby and use when breastfeeding is not recommended.]
History
Irbesartan was developed by Sanofi Research (part of Sanofi-Aventis). It is jointly marketed by Sanofi-Aventis and Bristol-Myers Squibb under the Aprovel, Karvea, and Avapro.
It was patented in 1990, and approved for medical use in 1997.
Recalls
In 2018, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported that some versions of the angiotensin II receptor blocker medicines (including valsartan, losartan, irbesartan and other "-sartan" drugs) contain nitrosamine impurities.
The FDA issued revised guidelines about nitrosamine impurities in September 2024.
