irbesartan / hydrochlorothiazide
Avalide (irbesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) is a combination medication that's used to treat high blood pressure in adults. It's made up of two first-choice medications: irbesartan (an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB)) and hydrochlorothiazide (a thiazide diuretic). It comes as tablets that are taken by mouth once per day. Avalide (irbesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) is available as a lower-cost generic. Common side effects include dizziness, fatigue, and muscle pain. You also might need to limit sun exposure since the hydrochlorothiazide component can make it easier for you to experience a sunburn.
What is Avalide (irbesartan / hydrochlorothiazide)?
What is Avalide (irbesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) used for?
- High blood pressure in adults
How Avalide (irbesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) works
Avalide (irbesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) is an ARB / thiazide diuretic combination of two medications that work together to lower blood pressure.
- Irbesartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). It works by blocking angiotensin II, a hormone that's naturally found in the body. This helps relax your blood vessels so blood can flow through more easily.
- Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill). It works in your kidneys to remove extra water and certain electrolytes (like sodium and potassium).
Drug facts
Side effects of Avalide (irbesartan / hydrochlorothiazide)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Dizziness (8%)
- Tiredness (6%)
- Muscle pain (6%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Flu
- Swelling
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Chest pain
- Fast heart rate
Avalide (irbesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Severe allergic reaction: trouble breathing, rash; swelling of the face, arms or legs, lips, tongue, or throat
- Dangerously low blood pressure: dizziness, lightheadedness, pale skin, feeling faint
- Liver problems: yellowing of the skin or eyes, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, confusion
- Serious kidney problems: urinating less often than usual, swelling in your feet, ankles, or hands, unexplained weight gain
More on Avalide (irbesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) side effects
The following Avalide (irbesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Less common
Bloody or cloudy urine
confusion
difficult with breathing
difficult, burning, or painful urination
fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
frequent urge to urinate
lower back or side pain
nausea or vomiting
numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips
stomach pain
swelling
weakness or heaviness of the legs
Rare
Blurred vision
dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
loss of appetite
muscle pain or cramps
seizures
sweating
unusual tiredness or weakness
Incidence not known
Dark-colored urine
hives or welts, itching, skin rash
large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
muscle spasms or stiffness
persistent non-healing sore
pink growth
reddish patch or irritated area
shiny bump
upper right abdominal or stomach pain
white, yellow or waxy scar-like area
yellow eyes and skin
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
Headache
sunburn
Less common
Acid or sour stomach
blistering, peeling, loosening of the skin
chills
congestion
dryness or soreness of the throat
joint pain
red irritated eyes
red skin lesions, often with a purple center
sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
stomach discomfort or upset
tender, swollen glands in the neck
trouble sleeping
trouble swallowing
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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Pros and cons of Avalide (irbesartan / hydrochlorothiazide)
Pros
- Contains two first-choice options for lowering blood pressure
- More convenient to take a combination pill containing two medications
- Taken by mouth once per day
- Can be taken together with other blood pressure medications, if needed
Cons
- Not safe to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Not recommended for people with severe kidney problems
- Can cause you to urinate more
- Can't customize the dose of each individual ingredient
Pharmacist tips for Avalide (irbesartan / hydrochlorothiazide)
- Mark your calendar with your appointments to see your prescriber and to get any blood work done when you take Avalide (irbesartan / hydrochlorothiazide). Your care team will order tests (e.g., electrolytes, kidney function, blood pressure) during treatment and might change your dose based on your results.
- You can take Avalide (irbesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) with or without food at any time of day. If it hurts your stomach, taking it with food might help.
- You might want to check your blood pressure at home, keep a record of your readings, and bring this log to your medical appointments. This helps your prescriber better understand how well Avalide (irbesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) is working for you and they can recommend any dose changes if needed.
- Avalide (irbesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) can cause dizziness, especially when you first start taking it or when your dose goes up. These symptoms should lessen as you continue taking the medication. Stand up slowly from sitting or lying positions to prevent falls. Let your prescriber know if you feel faint, lightheaded, or confused.
- Take Avalide (irbesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) exactly as prescribed. Don't change your dose or stop taking the medication suddenly without talking to your prescriber first. Doing so can cause your blood pressure to rise quickly. You might need to lower your dose slowly over time before you can completely stop taking it.
- It's best to avoid or limit how much alcohol you drink because it can cause a drop in your blood pressure. This can lead to dizziness and falls.
- Avalide (irbesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) can interact with many other medications, such as lithium (Lithobid) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (e.g., ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)). Make sure to tell your care team about all the medications you're taking before and during treatment with Avalide (irbesartan / hydrochlorothiazide).
- Don't take any potassium supplements, salts containing potassium, or other medications that raise potassium levels unless directed by your prescriber. If you're not sure if your medications, supplements, or salts contain potassium, ask your prescriber or pharmacist.
- If you're taking a bile acid sequestrant like cholestyramine (Prevalite) or colestipol (Colestid), take Avalide (irbesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) at least 4 hours before or 4 hours after the bile acid sequestrant.
- Avalide (irbesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) can make you more sensitive to sunlight, so you might sunburn more easily. You might want to apply sunscreen and wear protective clothing when going out.
- If you're pregnant, thinking of getting pregnant, or breastfeeding and are taking Avalide (irbesartan / hydrochlorothiazide), contact your prescriber right away. Your prescriber will likely recommend a different medication that's safe during pregnancy.
Common questions about Avalide (irbesartan / hydrochlorothiazide)
Not usually. Weight gain isn't a typical side effect of Avalide (irbesartan / hydrochlorothiazide). Let your primary care provider or cardiologist know if you experience unusual or unexpected weight gain while taking this medication.
You can take Avalide (irbesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) any time of the day. But you might want to take it in the morning or early afternoon because the hydrochlorothiazide component of the medication can make you urinate more often. What's more important is taking Avalide (irbesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) consistently around the same time each day, so the level of this medication stays steady in your body. If you have any questions about when's the best time to take Avalide (irbesartan / hydrochlorothiazide), talk with your prescriber.
Since Avalide (irbesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) is made up of two medications, each medication stays in your system for a different amount of time. It takes about 2 to 3 days for irbesartan and about 1 to 3 days for hydrochlorothiazide to leave your body after a dose. This time frame is estimated based on the half-life of these medications. The half-life can be longer in people with kidney problems because Avalide (irbesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) is removed by the kidneys. Talk with your healthcare team if you have any specific concerns related to how long this medication stays in your body.
You might notice a change in your blood pressure within hours of taking Avalide (irbesartan / hydrochlorothiazide). But it can take about 2 to 4 weeks to see the full blood pressure-lowering effect from this medication. Keep in mind that it can take some time before your prescriber finds a dose that works best for you, and they might need to adjust your dose depending on your blood pressure reading. It's also possible that your prescriber might add another blood pressure medication on top of Avalide (irbesartan / hydrochlorothiazide). Make sure to be patient, continue taking this medication and follow up with your prescriber regularly.
No, Avalide (irbesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) shouldn't make you sleepy or keep you awake at night. But, Avalide (irbesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) contains hydrochlorothiazide, a water pill that might make you urinate more. So if you take your dose too late in the day, you might need to wake up throughout the night to go to the bathroom. So you might want to take your dose in the morning.
Don't cut Avalide (irbesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) tablets in half unless your healthcare team says it's safe to do so. Avalide (irbesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) is a combination medication and the tablets don't have a score line (line in the middle of the tablet to cut). It's generally not recommended to cut a combination medication, like Avalide (irbesartan / hydrochlorothiazide), because the two halves of the cut pill might not contain the same amount of both medications. Also, it's difficult to cut a non-scored tablet evenly (even if you're using a pill splitter), which can cause you to take the wrong dose.
No, Avalide doesn't contain a beta blocker. Instead, it's a combination of two medications: irbesartan (an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB)) and hydrochlorothiazide (a thiazide diuretic). While beta blockers, ARBs, and diuretics all work to lower blood pressure, they do so in different ways. Ask your healthcare team if you've more questions on the different types of blood pressure medications.
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Risks and warnings for Avalide (irbesartan / hydrochlorothiazide)
Avalide (irbesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Not for use during pregnancy
Avalide (irbesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) can cause severe and sometimes life-threatening harm to unborn babies, so it shouldn't be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking Avalide (irbesartan / hydrochlorothiazide), stop and let your prescriber know right away. They will likely recommend safer options to treat your blood pressure.
Low blood pressure
- Risk factors: Not enough fluid in your body | Having diarrhea or vomiting for a long time | Low salt levels in your body | Taking higher doses of diuretic medications| Dialysis
Sometimes, taking Avalide (irbesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) can cause your blood pressure to drop too much. This can cause you to feel dizzy, tired, or lightheaded. This side effect is more common when you first start Avalide (irbesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) or when the dose goes up. Make sure to stay well-hydrated. If your blood pressure drops too much and you feel dizzy, sit down slowly while holding onto something and let your care team know. If you fall and hit your head, get medical help right away.
Allergic reaction
- Risk factors: Asthma | History of allergies
Although allergic reactions can happen to anyone, people with a history of asthma or allergies are at a higher risk of getting an allergic reaction to Avalide (irbesartan / hydrochlorothiazide). Get emergency medical help if you get any symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as rash, hives, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, or swelling of the face, lips, or throat.
Lupus
In some rare cases, Avalide (irbesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) can cause worsening of or new lupus. Let your prescriber know if you notice a rash across your cheeks and nose or feel very tired.
Changes in electrolyte, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels
Avalide (irbesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) can affect the level of certain electrolytes in your body like sodium, potassium, and magnesium. Your prescriber might regularly order blood tests to make sure your electrolyte levels remain safe. Let your care team know if you experience a fast heart beat, weakness, low energy, muscle pain or cramps, less urination than usual, nausea, or vomiting. These can be signs of electrolyte changes in your body.
In addition, Avalide (irbesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) can change your blood sugar and change your cholesterol levels. Your prescriber might also check your blood sugar and cholesterol levels regularly while you're taking this medication.
Kidney damage
- Risk factors: Severe congestive heart failure | Kidney problems | Not enough fluid in your body | Taking other medications that can cause kidney damage
Sometimes, Avalide (irbesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) can cause your kidneys to not work as well. The risk is higher for people who have certain types of kidney problems, such as severe congestive heart failure. Your prescriber might order lab tests every so often to make sure your kidneys are healthy and working properly. Let them know if you're having problems urinating, as this could be a sign that your kidneys aren't working as well.
Vision problems
- Risk factors: Sulfa or penicillin allergies
Though rare, some people experience vision changes within hours or weeks after starting Avalide (irbesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) because of the hydrochlorothiazide part of the medication. Tell your prescriber right away about any vision changes or eye pain and stop taking Avalide (irbesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) as soon as possible. In some cases, surgery might be required to avoid permanent vision loss.
Lupus
In some rare cases, Avalide (irbesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) can cause worsening of or new lupus. Let your prescriber know if you notice a rash across your cheeks and nose or feel very tired.
Avalide (irbesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) dosage
Tablet| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 150mg/12.5mg | 90 tablets | $26.07 | $0.29 |
| 300mg/12.5mg | 30 tablets | $15.87 | $0.53 |
Typical dosage for Avalide (irbesartan / hydrochlorothiazide)
The typical starting dose is 150 mg/12.5 mg (irbesartan/hydrochlorothiazide) by mouth once daily. The maximum dose is 300 mg/25 mg (irbesartan/hydrochlorothiazide) per day.
Your prescriber will adjust your dose based on how well Avalide (irbesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) is working to control your blood pressure and if you're having side effects.
Interactions between Avalide (irbesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) and other drugs
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Aceclofenac
- Acemetacin
- Acetyldigoxin
- Amphetamine
- Amtolmetin Guacil
- Arsenic Trioxide
- Aspirin
- Benazepril
- Benzphetamine
- Bromfenac
- Bufexamac
- Captopril
- Celecoxib
- Ceritinib
- Choline Salicylate
- Clonixin
- Deslanoside
- Desmopressin
- Dexibuprofen
- Dexketoprofen
- Dextroamphetamine
- Diclofenac
- Diflunisal
- Digitalis
- Digitoxin
- Digoxin
- Dipyrone
- Droperidol
- Droxicam
- Enalapril
- Enalaprilat
- Entacapone
- Etodolac
- Etofenamate
- Etoricoxib
- Felbinac
- Fenoprofen
- Fepradinol
- Feprazone
- Flecainide
- Floctafenine
- Fluconazole
- Flufenamic Acid
- Flurbiprofen
- Fosinopril
- Ibuprofen
- Indomethacin
- Ketanserin
- Ketoprofen
- Ketorolac
- Levomethadyl
- Lisdexamfetamine
- Lisinopril
- Lithium
- Lornoxicam
- Loxoprofen
- Lumiracoxib
- Meclofenamate
- Mefenamic Acid
- Meloxicam
- Methamphetamine
- Methotrexate
- Metildigoxin
- Moexipril
- Morniflumate
- Nabumetone
- Naproxen
- Nepafenac
- Niflumic Acid
- Nimesulide
- Nimesulide Beta Cyclodextrin
- Ouabain
- Oxaprozin
- Oxyphenbutazone
- Parecoxib
- Perindopril
- Phenylbutazone
- Piketoprofen
- Piroxicam
- Porfimer
- Potassium Phosphate
- Proglumetacin
- Propyphenazone
- Proquazone
- Proscillaridin
- Quinapril
- Ramipril
- Rofecoxib
- Salicylic Acid
- Salsalate
- Sodium Salicylate
- Sotalol
- Sulindac
- Tenoxicam
- Tiaprofenic Acid
- Tolfenamic Acid
- Tolmetin
- Trandolapril
- Trimethoprim
- Valdecoxib
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Aminolevulinic Acid
- Bepridil
- Bromfenac
- Bufexamac
- Carbamazepine
- Celecoxib
- Cholestyramine
- Choline Salicylate
- Clonixin
- Dexibuprofen
- Dexketoprofen
- Diclofenac
- Diflunisal
- Dipyrone
- Droxicam
- Etodolac
- Etofenamate
- Etoricoxib
- Felbinac
- Fenoprofen
- Fepradinol
- Feprazone
- Floctafenine
- Flufenamic Acid
- Flurbiprofen
- Ginkgo
- Gossypol
- Ibuprofen
- Indomethacin
- Ketoprofen
- Ketorolac
- Licorice
- Lornoxicam
- Loxoprofen
- Lumiracoxib
- Meclofenamate
- Mefenamic Acid
- Meloxicam
- Morniflumate
- Nabumetone
- Naproxen
- Nepafenac
- Niflumic Acid
- Nimesulide
- Nimesulide Beta Cyclodextrin
- Oxaprozin
- Oxyphenbutazone
- Parecoxib
- Phenylbutazone
- Piketoprofen
- Piroxicam
- Proglumetacin
- Propionic Acid
- Propyphenazone
- Proquazone
- Rofecoxib
- Salicylic Acid
- Salsalate
- Sodium Salicylate
- Sulindac
- Tenoxicam
- Tiaprofenic Acid
- Tolfenamic Acid
- Tolmetin
- Topiramate
- Valdecoxib
How much does Avalide (irbesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) cost?
Avalide (irbesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Avalide (irbesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) will not be safe for you to take.
- Taking it along with aliskiren (Tekturna) in people with diabetes
- Not producing urine
- Allergy to sulfa medications
- Allergy to ARBs
What are alternatives to Avalide (irbesartan / hydrochlorothiazide)?
News about Avalide (irbesartan / hydrochlorothiazide)
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