Irbesartan Tablets

What kind of medication is it? – Irbesartan is a medicine which is widely used for the treatment of high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. It is what is known as a selective angiotensin II subtype 1 receptor antagonist. This class of medication works by blocking angiotensin II AT1 receptors which bind with the hormone angiotensin II. Once these receptors have been blocked, the blood vessels widen in a process known as vasodilation which in turn helps to lower blood pressure.

How does it work? – Irbesartan is the active ingredient in the drug and is responsible for preventing angiotensin II from binding to the angiotensin II AT1 receptors. Angiotensin II works on the central nervous system and helps to regulate renal function and renal nerve activity. As a direct result, angiotensin II has a key role in the regulation of blood pressure. Irbesartan is available in tablet form only and you must have a prescription to use it.

Yes, you can buy Irbesartan online – however, you will need to have been taking it for at least three months and be happy to continue using it to treat your high blood pressure.

How to order – if you have been using Irbesartan for at least three months and would like to continue to use it you can order it from us. Here’s how:

• Visit us online using your computer, tablet or smartphone
• Select Irbesartan as your preferred method of treatment
• Fill in our online medical questionnaire
• Register and sign up to pay for your order
• One of our doctors will review your questionnaire answers
• If your doctor thinks treatment is suitable they will approve your order
• Once approved, your medication will be sent to your preferred address using free standard delivery (or express for a small charge)

Starting treatment – if you are considering Irbesartan as a treatment method, then you will need to visit your own doctor to get an initial prescription. Once you have been using Irbesartan for three months and you are happy that your blood pressure is well controlled with it, then you will be able to use our service to order your medication in the future.

How to take Irbesartan tablets – Irbesartan is available in oral tablet form. You will only take Irbesartan once per day and your doctor may suggest you take your first dose before you go to bed. The reason for this is Irbesartan can make you feel dizzy when you first take it. Once you have taken the first dose you will be able to take it at any time of the day. However, you should aim to take it at the same time every day.

Getting check ups – it is used to treat high blood pressure rather than prevent it. You will normally take the medication long-term, if not for the rest of your life. Once you have been taking Irbesartan for a few weeks, your doctor will check your blood pressure and ask if you have experienced any side effects. They may also request a blood test to see how well your kidneys are working and check your blood potassium levels. The information they gather from the tests will help them to decide whether they need to change your dose.

When you might need a different dosage – if you are still experiencing high blood pressure, then the dose you take may be increased. Equally, if your blood pressure becomes too low or you’re experiencing side effects, then your doctor may decide to lower your dose of Irbesartan.

It is if your doctor has prescribed it to you – as Irbesartan is only available on prescription, your doctor should have already approved its use. Therefore, you should be a suitable candidate for Irbesartan treatment. However, if you are considering switching from another medication to Irbesartan or vice-versa, then you need to speak to your doctor first.

Is is a common, effective treatment – Irbesartan is a well-established angiotensin II receptor blocker and is used all over the world as a treatment for high blood pressure. You may have been prescribed Irbesartan if you’ve already tried other blood pressure medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors such as ramipril and lisinopril. These may have caused side effects or a dry cough which may have meant you had to stop taking them.

Irbesartan is not for everyone – Irbesartan is usually prescribed to adults over the age of 18, but it isn’t suitable for everyone. For example, you may not be able to take Irbesartan if:

• You have ever had an allergic reaction to Irbesartan or any other medication in the past
• You are diabetic
• You have or have recently experienced diarrhoea and vomiting
• Have been on a low salt diet
• You have a heart or kidney problem
• You have had a kidney transplant
• You have low blood pressure
• Are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or are breastfeeding

Irbesartan can react with other drugs – there are some medicines which can interact with Irbesartan, causing side effects. You should let your doctor know if you are taking:

• Any other blood pressure medication
• Painkillers
• Aspirin
• Heparin
• Lithium
• Diuretics
• Potassium supplements
• Spironolactone

You should also let your doctor know if you are taking any herbal remedies or supplements.

Yes there are – common side effects of Irbesartan are listed in the 'side effects of Irbesartan' section to the right.

How to manage dizziness:

• Try getting up from a seated position very slowly
• If you suddenly feel dizzy lay down to stop you feeling faint and then stay seated until it passes
• Don’t drive
• Don’t use tools
• Don’t use machinery

How to manage nausea:

• Take your tablets with or after food
• Try to avoid rich or spicy food

How to manage vomiting and diarrhoea:

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
• If you are experiencing vomiting and diarrhoea because of a stomach bug, consult your doctor because you may need to stop taking Irbesartan until you feel better

How to manage headaches:

• Stay hydrated
• Avoid alcohol
• Speak to your pharmacist about a suitable painkiller
• If your headaches last longer than a week or are severe speak to your doctor

How to manage muscle and joint pain:

• If you have unexplainable muscle or joint pain, speak to your doctor
• You may require a blood test to find out what’s causing the pain

Serious side effects – some more serious side effects which can be caused by Irbesartan are:

• Yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes (jaundice)
• Feeling faint
• Pale skin
• Purple spots on your skin
• A sore throat
• Fever
• Signs of bleeding
• Feeling weak
• Irregular heartbeat
• Pins and needles
• Muscle cramps

However, it is important to remember that not everyone will experience side effects. If you experience any of the common side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist if they aren’t going away or are affecting your day-to-day life. If you experience any of the more serious side effects, you should seek medical attention immediately.

You should seek emergency help if you or someone you know:

• Has trouble breathing
• Collapses
• Stops breathing
• Feels clammy or looks pale
• Gets tightness in the chest or throat
• Starts to have swelling in the mouth, face, lips, tongue or throat