Avalide (Irbesartan-Hydrochlorothiazide) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 7, 2012

Avalide

Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs) »

What are angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) and how do they work?

The class of drugs called angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), as the class name suggests, are drugs that block the action of angiotensin. Specifically, ARBs prevent angiotensin II from binding to the angiotensin II receptor on blood vessels and other tissues.

Angiotensin II is a very potent chemical that causes the muscles surrounding blood vessels to contract, thereby narrowing the blood vessels. Narrowing of blood vessels increases the pressure within the blood vessels and may lead to high blood pressure (hypertension). Reducing the binding and activity of angiotensin II leads to widening (dilation) of blood vessels and reduces blood pressure. By lowering blood pressure against which the heart must pump, the amount of work that the heart must do is reduced. ACE inhibitors also reduce blood pressure in the kidneys, slowing the progression of kidney disease due to high b...

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AVALIDE
(irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide)

WARNING

FETAL TOXICITY

When pregnancy is detected, discontinue AVALIDE as soon as possible. [See WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Drugs that act directly on the renin-angiotensin system can cause injury and even death to the developing fetus. [See WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

DRUG DESCRIPTION

AVALIDE (irbesartan-hydrochlorothiazide) Tablets are a combination of an angiotensin II receptor antagonist (AT1 subtype), irbesartan, and a thiazide diuretic, hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ).

Irbesartan is a non-peptide compound, chemically described as a 2-butyl-3-[p-(o-1H-tetrazol-5- ylphenyl)benzyl]-1,3-diazaspiro[4.4]non-1-en-4-one. Its empirical formula is C₂₅H₂₈N₆O, and its structural formula is:

Irbesartan Structural Formula Illustration

Irbesartan is a white to off-white crystalline powder with a molecular weight of 428.5. It is a nonpolar compound with a partition coefficient (octanol/water) of 10.1 at pH of 7.4. Irbesartan is slightly soluble in alcohol and methylene chloride and practically insoluble in water.

Hydrochlorothiazide is 6-chloro-3,4-dihydro-2H-1,2,4-benzothiadiazine-7-sulfonamide 1,1- dioxide. Its empirical formula is C₇H₈ClN₃O₄S₂ and its structural formula is:

Hydrochlorothiazide Structural Formula Illustration

Hydrochlorothiazide is a white, or practically white, crystalline powder with a molecular weight of 297.7. Hydrochlorothiazide is slightly soluble in water and freely soluble in sodium hydroxide solution.

AVALIDE is available for oral administration in film-coated tablets containing either 150 mg or 300 mg of irbesartan combined with 12.5 mg of hydrochlorothiazide. All dosage strengths contain the following inactive ingredients: lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide, ferric oxide red, ferric oxide yellow, polyethylene glycol, titanium dioxide, and carnauba wax.

What are the possible side effects of hydrochlorothiazide and irbesartan (Avalide)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

In rare cases, hydrochlorothiazide and irbesartan can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, nausea or vomiting, and dark colored urine.

Call your doctor at once if you have any other...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Avalide »

What are the precautions when taking irbesartan-hydrochlorothiazide (Avalide)?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to irbesartan or hydrochlorothiazide; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: gout, kidney disease, liver disease, lupus.

This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.

Severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting can increase the risk for lightheadedness or a serious loss of body water (dehydration). Report prolonged...

Read All Potential Precautions of Avalide »

Last reviewed on RxList: 1/26/2012
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.