Brand Names: Avalide

Generic Name: hydrochlorothiazide and irbesartan (Pronunciation: HYE droe KLOR oh THYE a zide and ir be SAR tan)

• What is hydrochlorothiazide and irbesartan (Avalide)?
• What are the possible side effects of hydrochlorothiazide and irbesartan (Avalide)?
• What is the most important information I should know about hydrochlorothiazide and irbesartan (Avalide)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking hydrochlorothiazide and irbesartan (Avalide)?
• How should I take hydrochlorothiazide and irbesartan (Avalide)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Avalide)?
• What happens if I overdose (Avalide)?
• What should I avoid while taking hydrochlorothiazide and irbesartan (Avalide)?
• What other drugs will affect hydrochlorothiazide and irbesartan (Avalide)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is hydrochlorothiazide and irbesartan (Avalide)?

Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill) that helps prevent your body from absorbing too much salt, which can cause fluid retention.

Irbesartan is in a group of drugs called angiotensin II receptor antagonists. Irbesartan keeps blood vessels from narrowing, which lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow.

The combination of hydrochlorothiazide and irbesartan is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).

Hydrochlorothiazide and irbesartan may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Avalide 12.5 mg-150 mg

oblong, peach, imprinted with 2775, LOGO HEART

Avalide 12.5 mg-300 mg

oblong, peach, imprinted with 2776, LOGO HEART

Avalide 300-25 mg

oval, pink, imprinted with LOGO HEART, 2788

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 serious side effects, such as:

• feeling like you might pass out;
• chest pain, feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;
• fever;
• swelling, rapid weight gain;
• urinating more or less than usual, or not at all;
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
• dry mouth, increased thirst, drowsiness, restless feeling, confusion, increased urination, fast heart rate, feeling light-headed, fainting, or seizure (convulsions).

Less serious side effects may include:

• stomach pain, heartburn;
• muscle pain;
• dizziness, drowsiness;
• headache;
• runny or stuffy nose, sore throat; or
• dry cough.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about hydrochlorothiazide and irbesartan (Avalide)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to irbesartan or hydrochlorothiazide (Carozide, Diaqua, Ezide HCTZ, HydroDiuril, Microzide, and others), or if you are unable to urinate.

Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. Hydrochlorothiazide and irbesartan may cause injury and even death to the unborn baby if you take it during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Use an effective form of birth control. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It can lower your blood pressure and may increase some of the side effects of hydrochlorothiazide and irbesartan.

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.