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Home > Drug Category > Blood Pressure Medication (Angiotensin Receptor Blocker) > Avalide and Equivalent

Avalide Information

Avalide (Irbesartan/HCTZ) is used to treat high blood pressure. Lowering blood pressure reduces the risk of complications like heart attack, stroke, and kidney problems. Avalide is a combination of two medicines - Irbesartan and HCTZ (Hydrochlorothiazide). Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) like Irbesartan work by relaxing blood vessels so blood can flow more easily. Diuretics like HCTZ work by causing you to make more urine, which helps your body get rid of extra salt and water.

Avalide Side Effects

The most common side effects of Avalide may include dizziness, headache, and upset stomach. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects, such as:
• Eye pain;
• Fainting;
• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, breathing difficulties, itching or swelling of the face, tongue, or throat;
• Signs of electrolyte imbalance, such as dry mouth, muscle cramps, confusion, irregular heartbeat

Avalide Precautions

Do not use Avalide if you are allergic to Irbesartan, HCTZ, or other ingredients in this medication. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, including if you have an allergy to sulfa drugs, asthma, congestive heart failure, diabetes, glaucoma, gout, high cholesterol, high level of potassium in the blood, kidney disease, liver disease, lupus, problems urinating, skin cancer, think you may be pregnant, or plan to become pregnant, are breastfeeding, or are planning to breastfeed. Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be a drug interaction between Avalide and other medications, such as Aliskiren, lithium, birth control pills containing drospirenone, carbamazepine, ibuprofen, lisinopril, etc. Do not use Avalide if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant without informing your doctor. Irbesartan/HCTZ will harm an unborn baby. This drug can cause injury or death to a fetus if taken in the second or third trimester. It is important to prevent pregnancy while taking this medication. Consult your doctor for more details and to discuss the use of reliable forms of birth control while taking this medication. Do not use Avalide while breastfeeding without talking to your doctor. It is unknown if Irbesartan passes into breastmilk. HCTZ passes into breast milk but is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Do not give this drug to children without talking to your doctor.

Use your medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Avalide comes in tablets. Take this drug by mouth. You can take it with or without food. If this medication causes you to urinate more often, it is best to take it at least 4 hours before your bedtime to prevent having to get up to urinate. Take Irbesartan/HCTZ at least 4 hours before or at least 4 to 6 hours after taking cholesterol-lowering medications. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. Keep taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. Avalide may cause dizziness. Avoid driving or doing other tasks that require alertness until you know how the drug affects you. Rise slowly from a sitting or lying position to lower your chances of dizziness. This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. It may also increase your risk for skin cancer, especially if you take it for a long time. Limit your time in the sun. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Avoid drinking alcohol when using this drug. Alcohol may increase your risk of side effects. Store Avalide at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep all medicines out of reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Avalide?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Avalide.