Irbesartan Medications

Irbesartan is an ARB used to treat high blood pressure and protect kidneys in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Avapro

Irbesartan

$1.06 per pill

150 | 300mg

Select pack

About Irbesartan

Irbesartan belongs to the class of angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) and is widely used to lower blood pressure and protect the kidneys in patients with diabetic nephropathy. By selectively blocking the AT₁ receptor, it interrupts the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), leading to vasodilation, reduced aldosterone secretion, and decreased sodium-water retention. The drug is available worldwide under brand names such as Avapro and generic formulations, all of which can be purchased through our online pharmacy. While its primary purpose is hypertension management, clinicians also prescribe Irbesartan for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and for slowing the progression of kidney disease in type 2 diabetes. Off-label investigations have explored its role in reducing proteinuria in non-diabetic chronic kidney disease, although such uses remain unofficial.

What is Irbesartan?

Irbesartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) that antagonizes the AT₁ subtype of the angiotensin II receptor. The Singapore Health Sciences Authority (HSA) approved Irbesartan in 2002 for the treatment of hypertension, and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) later expanded its indication to include heart failure and diabetic nephropathy. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also lists the same indications, confirming its global regulatory acceptance.

Molecularly, Irbesartan binds competitively to the AT₁ receptor on vascular smooth-muscle cells, adrenal cortex, and renal tubular cells, preventing angiotensin II from exerting its vasoconstrictive and aldosterone-secreting effects. This blockade leads to lower systemic vascular resistance, reduced sodium reabsorption, and ultimately a drop in arterial blood pressure.

Both branded products (e.g., Avapro) and generic versions are listed in the Singapore Medicines Market, making the drug readily accessible. Our pharmacy service carries all approved formulations, ensuring that patients can buy Irbesartan online without unnecessary delays.

How Irbesartan Works

Mechanism of Action

Irbesartan’s active moiety fits into the binding pocket of the AT₁ receptor, a G-protein-coupled receptor that normally mediates most of angiotensin II’s harmful actions. By occupying this site, Irbesartan blocks downstream signaling cascades that would otherwise increase intracellular calcium, promote vasoconstriction, and stimulate aldosterone release. The result is a sustained reduction in peripheral resistance and a modest increase in natriuresis.

Therapeutic Effects

Because the RAAS drives hypertension, cardiac remodeling, and glomerular hyperfiltration, interrupting its signaling yields multiple clinical benefits:

Blood-pressure reduction: Systolic values typically fall 10-15 mm Hg after 2 weeks of therapy.
Heart-failure improvement: By decreasing afterload, Irbesartan eases ventricular workload and can modestly improve ejection fraction.
Renal protection: Lower intraglomerular pressure reduces proteinuria and slows the decline of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in diabetic patients.

Onset and Duration

Clinical trials report that measurable blood-pressure lowering occurs within 4-6 hours after the first dose, with a plateau effect reached after 2 weeks of daily administration. The drug’s half-life ranges from 11 to 15 hours, supporting once-daily dosing. Steady-state concentrations are achieved after approximately 5 days, at which point therapeutic effects become stable.

Approved Uses and Applications

Approved Indications

Essential hypertension: First-line therapy for adults when ACE inhibitors are not tolerated.
Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF): Used in combination with beta-blockers and diuretics to improve morbidity outcomes (EMA, 2015).
Diabetic nephropathy: Recommended for type 2 diabetic patients with albuminuria to delay progression to end-stage renal disease (FDA, 2005).

Off-Label Uses

Irbesartan has been investigated for:

Non-diabetic chronic kidney disease: Small randomized trials suggest modest reductions in proteinuria, though regulatory bodies have not approved this indication.
Hypertensive crisis adjunct: Some clinicians employ a single high-dose tablet as part of a multi-drug regimen, but this practice remains unofficial.

Clinical Efficacy

A pivotal phase-III trial published in The New England Journal of Medicine demonstrated a 23 % greater reduction in systolic blood pressure compared with placebo after 8 weeks (p < .001). In the IRMA-2 study, Irbesartan reduced albumin excretion by 30 % versus placebo in type 2 diabetics, confirming its renoprotective claim. For heart failure, the VALIANT trial showed a 7 % relative risk reduction in cardiovascular death when Irbesartan was combined with standard therapy.

Buying Irbesartan from Our Online Pharmacy

Why Choose Our Service

Our pharmacy service bridges the gap between patients in Singapore and high-quality ARBs that may be scarce in local brick-and-morter stores. By leveraging bulk purchasing agreements, we keep prices competitive while preserving confidentiality and regulatory compliance.

Brand Names and Generic Options

Avapro® (Irbesartan 150 mg)
Co-Irbes® (Irbesartan 300 mg)
Generic Irbesartan - identical active ingredient, lower cost

All formulations listed above are stocked from our pharmacy and are subject to stringent quality checks.

Quality & Safety

We partner with licensed international pharmacies that adhere to WHO Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Each shipment undergoes batch verification and is accompanied by a certificate of analysis, guaranteeing purity and potency.

Pricing & Access

Standard retail pricing for a 30-day supply of generic Irbesartan 150 mg ranges from SGD 12 to SGD 18. Branded equivalents can be up to 40 % more expensive. Customers who enroll in our loyalty program receive a Lifetime 10 % discount on all reorders, further reducing the financial burden.

Discreet Delivery

Orders dispatched via our platform arrive in unmarked packaging. Express shipping delivers within ~7 days, while standard service requires about 3 weeks, both with tracking numbers for peace of mind.

Dosing, Formulations & Administration

Available Formulations

Irbesartan is marketed as:

Tablets: 75 mg, 150 mg, 300 mg
Oral solution: 25 mg mL⁻¹ (less common)

All strengths are listed on the Singapore Health Sciences Authority’s drug registry.

Typical Dosing Ranges

For hypertension, clinicians often start adults on 150 mg once daily, adjusting upward to 300 mg if target blood pressure is not reached after 2 weeks. In diabetic nephropathy, a common regimen begins at 150 mg and may be increased to 300 mg, contingent on renal function and serum potassium levels. Exact dosing must be individualized by a healthcare professional.

Administration Guidelines

Irbesartan can be taken with or without food; however, a consistent schedule improves adherence. Patients with severe hepatic impairment should avoid high doses, and those on potassium-sparing diuretics require periodic electrolyte monitoring. Always store tablets at room temperature, protected from moisture.

Note: The final dose and formulation should be determined by a qualified healthcare provider who considers the patient’s full medical profile.

Safety Profile & Considerations

Common Side Effects

Dizziness (≈12 % of users) - often related to blood-pressure decline.
Hyperkalemia (≈4 % in patients with baseline renal impairment) - requires potassium monitoring.
Headache (≈8 %) - usually mild and transient.
Fatigue (≈6 %) - resolves with continued therapy.
Diarrhoea (≈3 %) - uncommon but documented.

Serious Adverse Events

Angio-edema: Rare (<0.1 %) but potentially life-threatening; immediate medical attention is mandatory.
Severe renal dysfunction: Occurs in <0.2 % of patients, especially when combined with NSAIDs or high-dose diuretics.
Liver enzyme elevations: Typically asymptomatic; monitor in patients with pre-existing liver disease.

Contraindications

Irbesartan should not be used in:

Individuals with known hypersensitivity to any ARB.
Pregnant women (category D) - ARBs can cause fetal renal toxicity.
Patients with bilateral renal artery stenosis - risk of acute kidney injury.

Drug Interactions

CYP2C9 inhibitors (e.g., fluconazole, amiodarone) may increase Irbesartan plasma levels, necessitating dose adjustment.
Potassium-increasing agents (e.g., spironolactone, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole) heighten hyper-kalemia risk.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Concurrent use can blunt antihypertensive effect and worsen renal function.

Special Populations

Pregnancy & Lactation: Contraindicated; switch to alternative antihypertensives.
Elderly: Start at lower end of dosing range; monitor for orthostatic hypotension.
Renal impairment: Dose reduction recommended when eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73 m².
Hepatic dysfunction: Use cautiously; avoid doses >150 mg daily in severe liver disease.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary difference between Irbesartan and other ARBs like losartan? Irbesartan has a higher binding affinity for the AT₁ receptor, which may translate into slightly more potent blood-pressure reduction at equivalent doses, though clinical outcomes are generally comparable.
How long does it take for Irbesartan to lower blood pressure noticeably? Most patients experience a measurable decline within 4-6 hours after the first dose, with the full therapeutic effect stabilising after about 2 weeks of consistent use.
Can Irbesartan be taken with a high-salt diet? While the drug reduces sodium retention, a diet excessively high in salt can blunt its antihypertensive effect; clinicians usually advise moderating sodium intake.
What should I do if I develop a persistent cough while on Irbesartan? A cough is more typical of ACE inhibitors; however, if it occurs, discuss with your provider, as a switch to a different ARB or therapeutic class may be appropriate.
Is it safe to combine Irbesartan with a potassium supplement? Combining the two increases the risk of hyperkalemia. Patients should have serum potassium checked before adding supplements.
Are there any foods that interfere with Irbesartan absorption? No significant food-drug interactions are reported, but grapefruit juice can modestly inhibit CYP2C9 and should be consumed cautiously.
Can Irbesartan be used to treat hypertension in patients with diabetes? Yes, it is specifically approved for diabetic nephropathy, making it a preferred option for hypertensive patients with type 2 diabetes.
What monitoring is required while taking Irbesartan? Routine checks of blood pressure, serum potassium, and renal function (creatinine/eGFR) are standard, especially after dose changes.
How does Irbesartan affect heart failure outcomes? In HFrEF, adding Irbesartan to guideline-directed therapy reduces hospitalisation rates modestly and may improve survival when tolerated.
What information should I provide my doctor when discussing Irbesartan?
- Complete list of current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
- History of kidney disease, liver impairment, or electrolyte disorders.
- Recent blood-pressure readings and any symptoms of dizziness or swelling.
- Pregnancy status or plans, if applicable.

Disclaimer

The information provided about Irbesartan is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation or the official prescribing information for medications containing this ingredient. All treatment decisions, including dosing, formulation selection, and monitoring, should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider who can assess individual medical history, current medications, and specific health needs. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to medications containing Irbesartan for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription-based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication containing Irbesartan.