The following information is a summary about Hydrochlorothiazide. It is not intended to replace a doctor's instructions.
Why is this Avalide medication prescribed?
The combination of irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide (Avalide) is used to treat high blood pressure. Avalide/Irbesartan is in a class of medications called angiotensin II antagonists. Avalide works by blocking the action of certain natural chemicals that tighten the blood vessels, making blood flow more smoothly. Avalide/Hydrochlorothiazide is in a class of medications called diuretics ('water pills'). Avalide works by causing the the kidneys to get rid of unneeded water and salt from the body into the urine.
How should this Avalide medicine be used?
The combination of Avalide/irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide comes as a tablet to take by mouth. Avalide is usually taken once a day with or without food. Follow the Avalide directions on your Avalide prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or Avalide pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Avalide/irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of Avalide or take Avalide more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Avalide/Irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide controls high blood pressure but does not cure it. It may take 2 to 4 weeks before you feel the full benefit of Avalide/irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide. Continue to take Avalide/irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Avalide/irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide without talking to your doctor.
What special Avalide precautions should I follow?
Before taking Avalide/irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide,
tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Avalide/irbesartan, hydrochlorothiazide, sulfa drugs, or any other medications.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medication, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn); cholestyramine (Questran); colestipol (Colestid); lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid); medications for diabetes; narcotic pain relievers; oral steroids such as dexamethasone (Decadron, Dexone), methylprednisolone (Medrol), and prednisone (Deltasone); other medications for high blood pressure; phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton); and tolbutamide (Orinase). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your Avalide medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
tell your doctor if you are on dialysis and if you have or have ever had asthma, lupus (SLE), diabetes, heart failure, gout, or kidney or liver disease.
tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.
you should know that Avalide/irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this Avalide medication affects you.
ask your doctor about the safe use of alcoholic beverages while you are taking Avalide/irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide. Alcohol can make the side effects from Avalide/irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide worse.
you should know that Avalide/irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting when you get up too quickly from a lying position. This is more common when you first start taking Avalide/irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide. To avoid this problem, get out of bed slowly, resting your feet on the floor for a few minutes before standing up.
you should know that diarrhea, vomiting, not drinking enough fluids, and sweating a lot can cause a drop in blood pressure, which may cause lightheadedness and fainting.
What special Avalide dietary instructions should I follow?
Talk to your doctor before using salt substitutes containing potassium. If your doctor prescribes a low-salt or low-sodium diet or an exercise program, follow these directions carefully.
Avalide Side Effects
Avalide/Irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these Avalide symptoms are severe or do not go away:
dizziness
extreme tiredness
upset stomach
vomiting
stomach pain
heartburn
chest pain
flu-like symptoms
Some Avalide side effects can be serious. The following Avalide symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:
dry mouth
thirst
weakness
lack of energy
restlessness
confusion
seizures
muscle pain or cramps
infrequent urination
rapid heartbeat
lightheadedness
fainting
Avalide/Irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this Avalide medication.
In case of Avalide emergency/overdose
In case of Avalide overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
What other Avalide information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests before and during treatment to check your response to Avalide.
Do not let anyone else take your Avalide medication. Ask your Avalide pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your Avalide prescription.
What storage conditions are needed for Avalide?
Keep Avalide in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store Avalide at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any Avalide medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your Avalide medication.
What should I do if I forget a Avalide dose?
Take the missed Avalide dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next Avalide dose, skip the missed Avalide dose and continue your regular Avalide dosing schedule. Do not take a double Avalide dose to make up for a missed one.
Other uses for this Avalide medicine
This Avalide medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more Avalide information.
