Why is this drug prescribed?

Avapro tablets contain the active ingredient irbesartan, which is a type of drug called an angiotensin II receptor antagonist. It works by preventing the action of a hormone in the body called angiotensin II. Angiotensin II normally acts on special receptors in the body, with two main results. Firstly, it causes the peripheral blood vessels to narrow, and secondly, it stimulates the production of another hormone called aldosterone. Aldosterone causes salt and water to be retained by the kidneys, which increases the volume of fluid in the blood vessels. Irbesartan blocks the receptors that angiotensin II acts on, and so prevents its actions. The main result of this is that the peripheral blood vessels are allowed to widen, which means that there is more space and less resistance in these blood vessels. This lowers the pressure inside the blood vessels. Blocking the actions of angiotensin II also reduces the action of aldosterone on the kidneys. The result of this is an increase in the amount of fluid removed from the blood by the kidneys. This decreases the amount of fluid in the blood vessels, which also lessens the resistance and pressure in the blood vessels. The combined overall effect of these changes is to lower the blood pressure.

Treatments

* High blood pressure with no known cause * Kidney disease in people with type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure

What side effects can this drug cause?

* Dizziness * Nausea and vomiting * Fatigue * A drop in blood pressure that occurs when going from lying down to sitting or standing, which results in dizziness and lightheadedness * Pain in muscles or bones * Diarrhoea * Indigestion * Increased heart rate * Flushing * Cough * High blood potassium level * Chest pain * Sexual problems * Allergic reactions such as itchy, blistering skin rash or swelling of the lips, tongue and throat * Decreased kidney function * Headache * Sensation of ringing or other noise in the ears * Muscle cramps * Abnormal liver function