Irbesartan
Irbesartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) used to treat high blood pressure and help protect the kidneys in patients with type 2 diabetes. It relaxes blood vessels, making it easier for the heart to pump blood and reducing the risk of strokes and heart attacks.
Irbesartan is a blood pressure medication that also protects kidneys in diabetic patients by blocking angiotensin II receptors.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- C09CA04
- RxNorm
- 83818
- Generic
- Irbesartan
- Class
- atc-c09
- Brands
- Avapro, Avalide
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 150-300mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 75-150mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 75mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
second third trimesterdiscontinue therapy
do not use during pregnancy - contraindicated due to risk of fetal renal failure, oligohydramnios, and death
discontinue immediately if pregnancy detected
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits significantly outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
n/adiscontinue or do not initiate
not recommended during breastfeeding - discontinue nursing or discontinue drug
monitor infant for hypotension
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
n/astart at lower end of dose range
use with caution; initiate therapy at lower dose and titrate slowly
monitor renal function and blood pressure closely
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
under 18 yearsnot recommended
not recommended for use in children and adolescents under 18 years due to insufficient safety and efficacy data
monitor growth, renal function, and electrolytes
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
severe cr cl less than 30reduce dose, monitor closely
use with caution; consider lower starting dose and monitor renal function and serum potassium
monitor serum creatinine and potassium regularly
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild moderate cr cl 30 80no initial adjustment needed
no initial dose adjustment required; titrate based on response
periodic monitoring of renal function
hepatic_impairment
mild moderateno adjustment needed
no dosage adjustment required for mild to moderate hepatic impairment
standard monitoring
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
FDA approval year for Irbesartan (Avapro)
Drug class
Drug class information for Irbesartan
Common uses
Primary therapeutic indications for Irbesartan
Mechanism of action
Primary pharmacological mechanism
Treats essential hypertension (high blood pressure) in adults and can slow kidney damage in patients with type 2 diabetes and hypertension who have protein in their urine (proteinuria).
Blocks angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptors, preventing the hormone angiotensin II from narrowing blood vessels. This causes blood vessels to relax and widen, lowering blood pressure and reducing strain on the heart.
May cause dizziness or fainting, especially when starting treatment or increasing dose. Avoid potassium supplements and salt substitutes containing potassium unless directed by a doctor. Not recommended during pregnancy, particularly in the second and third trimesters. Should not be used with aliskiren in diabetic patients.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy