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Avalide (irbesartan, hydrochlorothiazide) is a combination medication used to treat high blood pressure in patients for whom a single medication is not sufficient. It is taken once per day, with or without food as desired.

This product is suitable for patients age 18 and up; effects in younger patients have not been studied.

How Avalide Works

Avalide is meant to help reduce blood pressure. High blood pressure, if untreated, can lead to a range of cardiovascular issues, up to heart failure, kidney failure, heart attack, and stroke. High blood pressure is often symptom-free until a major medical event occurs, so it's important for patients to continue taking Avalide---or other anti-hypertension treatments---even if feeling fine.

Avalide has two active ingredients, which are:

• Irbesartan is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist which, among other things, widens blood vessels. This allows for increased blood flow and reduces the heart's workload.
• Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) is a thiazide diuretic, which eliminates salt and water from the body through urine. This reduces overall blood volume and lowers blood pressure.

Both of the above ingredients are available on their own and are good at fighting high blood pressure in their own right. Their combined effect---relaxing blood vessels and reducing overall blood volume---lower blood pressure, improve oxygen flow to the heart, and make it so the heart doesn't have to work as hard. These are all very beneficial effects in an individual who has hypertension.

Treating Hypertension

There are generally three scenarios in which a patient may start taking Avalide:

• The patient is already taking irbesartan and HCTZ separately and wishes to combine them in a single tablet.
• The patient is already taking either irbesartan or HCTZ but needs another medication to fully control blood pressure.
• The patient isn't taking anything for blood pressure but will likely need two medications to control it.

Which leads to dosage and administration. Avalide is available in three strengths; 150/12.5 mg, 300/12.5 mg, and 300/25 mg irbesartan/hydrochlorothiazide. Which tablet is taken depends on why a patient is taking Avalide.

If individual components were both taken separately:

• Take the same amounts in Avalide, or as close as possible.
• Dosage adjustments are unlikely to be needed.

If taking one component and adding another:

• Take Avalide in the same strength as the ingredient already being taken and the lowest dose of the new ingredient.
• Dosage adjustments may be required after two to four weeks.

If starting hypertension therapy for the first time:

• Start with 150/12.5 mg irbesartan/hydrochlorothiazide.
• After two to four weeks, dosage may be increased to 300/12.5 mg or 300/25 mg, if needed according to patient response.

It takes two to four weeks of regular treatment for full benefit to be seen, hence the wait time before adjusting dosage. Tablets are taken just once per day and should be swallowed whole, with or without food according to personal preference.

Warnings & Side Effects

Avalide will lower blood pressure, which may cause patients to feel somewhat tired, weak, and be dizzy when rising from a sitting or laying position. As long as they're not severe these symptoms are normal and should stop occurring in the first few weeks of treatment.

Doctor attention is warranted if experiencing severe tiredness, fainting, and muscle or joint pain.

Rarely more serious side effects develop which call for immediate medical attention:

• Difficulty or inability to urinate
• Eye pain or vision changes
• Confusion
• Muscle twitching or cramping
• Skin rash, peeling, or blistering
• Rapid or uneven heartbeat
• Severe nausea or vomiting

Avalide can interact with a range of other medications. Of most concern are:

• Aliskiren
• Lithium
• Colestipol
• Carbamazepine
• Cholestyramine
• NSAIDs
• Diabetes medications
• Steroids

Always double-check with a doctor or pharmacist before mixing medications while taking Avalide.

This product is known to cause birth defects and should not be taken by pregnant women. Effects on nursing infants is less clear; discuss risks with a doctor.