Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic (water pill). Irbesartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (sometimes called an ARB blocker).
Hydrochlorothiazide and irbesartan is a combination medicine used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).
Hydrochlorothiazide and irbesartan may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
You should not use hydrochlorothiazide and irbesartan if you are unable to urinate, or if you are allergic to sulfa drugs.
Do not use if you are pregnant. Stop using the medicine and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
If you have diabetes, do not use hydrochlorothiazide and irbesartan together with any medication that contains aliskiren (a blood pressure medicine).
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to irbesartan or hydrochlorothiazide, or:
If you have diabetes, do not use hydrochlorothiazide and irbesartan together with any medication that contains aliskiren (a blood pressure medicine).
You may also need to avoid taking hydrochlorothiazide and irbesartan with aliskiren if you have kidney disease.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
Do not use if you are pregnant. Stop using the medicine and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Irbesartan can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your second or third trimester.
You should not breastfeed while using this medicine.
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
You may take hydrochlorothiazide and irbesartan with or without food.
Call your doctor if you have ongoing vomiting or diarrhea, or if you are sweating more than usual. You can easily become dehydrated while taking this medication, which can lead to severely low blood pressure or a serious electrolyte imbalance.
Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. Your blood and urine may also be tested if you have been vomiting or are dehydrated.
If you need surgery or medical tests, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using hydrochlorothiazide and irbesartan.
It may take up to 4 weeks for this medication to control your blood pressure. Keep using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms may include fast or slow heartbeat, feeling light-headed, or fainting.
Hydrochlorothiazide may increase your risk of skin cancer. Avoid sunlight or tanning beds. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors. Your doctor may want you to have skin examinations on a regular basis.
Drinking alcohol can further lower your blood pressure and may cause side effects.
Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes, unless your doctor has told you to.
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
In rare cases, hydrochlorothiazide and irbesartan can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, and dark colored urine.
Also call your doctor at once if you have:
Common side effects may include:
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.