Irbesartan and Hydrochlorothiazide Overview

(ir be SAR tan & hye droe klor oh THYE a zide)

Avalide®

Avalide®

Co-Aprovel

Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker; Diuretic, Thiazide

• Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant. Use during pregnancy can cause birth defects. If you become pregnant or plan on getting pregnant while taking this medicine, call healthcare provider right away.

• This medicine does not mix well with some medicines. Serious reactions may occur. Check all medicines with healthcare provider.

• If you have an allergy to irbesartan, hydrochlorothiazide, or any other part of this medicine.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

• If you have a sulfonamide ("sulfa") allergy, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have blockage in the kidneys' arteries or other kidney disease.

• If you are pregnant or may be pregnant.

• If you are breast-feeding.

• Irbesartan lowers blood pressure by decreasing production of a strong chemical in the body.

• Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) lowers blood pressure and gets rid of extra salt and water in the body through the kidneys.

• Take this medicine at a similar time of day.

• Take this medicine early in the day to avoid sleep problems.

• Take this medicine with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.

• Follow diet plan and exercise program as recommended by healthcare provider.

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.

• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.

• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

• Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

• If you are diabetic, you will need to monitor blood sugars closely.

• Check blood pressure and heart rate regularly. Talk with healthcare provider.

• Check blood work (potassium). Talk with healthcare provider.

• Dry mouth may cause an increase in cavities. Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.

• Follow up with healthcare provider.

• Store at room temperature.

• Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.

• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.

• Most medicines can be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.

• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).

• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or in Canada to Health Canada's Canada Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.

• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.

Created: 2006-10-13 13:20:33.0

Modified: 2010-03-25 11:52:13.0

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