Irbesartan is a common medication used to treat high blood pressure, which is also called hypertension. It can also prevent future risk of heart attacks, strokes, and kidney problems. Irbesartan is a prescription medication, as it contains the active ingredient irbesartan, which is an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB). ARBs lower your blood pressure, as they relax your blood vessels.

What is irbesartan used for?

Irbesartan is usually used to treat high blood pressure. It can also be used to protect kidneys in patients who have high blood pressure, impaired kidney function, and type 2 diabetes.

Irbesartan contains the active ingredient irbesartan, which is an ARB, or angiotensin-II receptor antagonist. Angiotensin-II is a substance made naturally in your body which makes your blood vessels get tighter, by attaching themselves to receptors. This can cause your blood pressure to increase. Irbesartan blocks these receptors and relaxes your blood vessels, which causes your blood pressure to lower.

How long does it take irbesartan to lower blood pressure?

Irbesartan can start to work in around 3 to 6 hours after taking it. However, it can take between 4 and 6 weeks to reach its full effect.

How long does irbesartan stay in your system?

Irbesartan usually stays in your system for around 11 to 15 hours, which is why it is taken once a day.

Is irbesartan an ace inhibitor?

No, ACE inhibitors are a different type of medication used to treat high blood pressure.

Is irbesartan a beta blocker?

No, beta blockers work differently to ARBs to reduce blood pressure.

Irbesartan should be swallowed with a glass of water. Take your tablet whole, with or without food. Irbesartan should be taken at the same time every day. It is best to take it in the morning, so you get the best effect throughout the day.

What is the best time to take irbesartan?

The best time to take irbesartan is in the morning, at the same time every day. This is so you can get the best effect during the day.

What should I do if I miss a tablet?

If you forget your tablet, take your next dose when it is due. Do not take a double dose, as this can cause side effects.

Irbesartan tablets come in 3 different doses, which are 75mg, 150mg, and 300mg. The usual dose is one 150mg tablet, once a day. This can be increased to 300mg if needed. If you are over 75 years old or receiving dialysis, you may be started on 75mg tablets until your body gets used to the treatment.

Irbesartan 75 mg

This dose is usually prescribed as a starting dose if you are over 75 years old or are receiving dialysis. Your dose may stay at the level or will increase if your doctor has told you it is safe to do so and is needed to control your blood pressure.

Irbesartan 150 mg

This is the usual starting dose for patients with high blood pressure. Irbesartan 150mg tablets can be taken once a day, for as long as needed.

Irbesartan 300 mg

If 150mg tablets are not working, irbesartan 300mg tablets may be prescribed. The usual dose is 300mg, once a day. Your doctor will tell you if you need your dose increased. You cannot take more than one 300mg tablet a day.

You can buy Irbesartan online from a trusted provider like Superdrug Online Doctor, or you can purchase it from a pharmacy with a prescription from your GP. Irbesartan contains the active ingredient irbesartan, which is a medication. This means it cannot be purchased over the counter without a prescription.

Can I buy irbesartan online?

Yes, you buy irbesartan online through regulated sellers such as Superdrug Online Doctor. All you have to do is complete a short medical questionnaire for one of our doctors to review. If irbesartan is the right treatment for you, our doctors will prescribe it. Irbesartan can then be bought from our service, with free delivery or the option to Click & Collect.

How much does irbesartan cost?

You can get a 3 month supply (84 tablets) of irbesartan from Superdrug Online Doctor from £19, or a six month supply (168 tablets) from £25.

Can I get irbesartan on the NHS?

Yes, you can get irbesartan on the NHS. You will need to arrange an appointment with your doctor, so you can have a health assessment and get a prescription.

Can I get irbesartan over the counter?

No, you cannot get irbesartan over the counter from a pharmacy. Irbesartan is a prescription-only medicine, so you will need to get a prescription from a doctor first.

Irbesartan can have some side effects but not everybody will get them. These include:

• a serious allergic reaction, with symptoms such as dizziness, swelling in the lips, and difficulty breathing
• a problem with your kidneys, with symptoms such as peeing more often, dark coloured pee (urine), or straining when peeing
• vasculitis, which is a rash with purple spots, caused by swelling in your small blood vessels
• liver problems, with symptoms such as stomach pain, nausea and vomiting (feeling or being sick), and yellowing of the skin (jaundice)

If you get any of these side effects, you must go to A&E or call 999 straight away. A very common side effect includes an increase in potassium if you also have type 2 diabetes with kidney disease.

Common side effects include:

• nausea and vomiting (feeling or being sick)
• dizziness
• tiredness
• a change in blood test results

If you also have type 2 diabetes with kidney disease, you may also get:

• dizziness and low blood pressure after getting up from sitting or lying down
• pain in your joints or muscles

Uncommon side effects include:

• flushing
• cough
• an increase in your heart rate
• diarrhoea
• heartburn or indigestion
• sexual dysfunction
• pain in your chest

Irbesartan has some side effects that have not been studied enough to know how often they can happen. These include:

• headaches
• muscle cramps
• bleeding or bruising more easily
• feeling like you are spinning
• a change in taste
• ringing in your ears

If you get any of the above side effects, they should go away once your body gets used to the treatment. If they do not go away, or begin to bother you a lot, or are serious, speak with your doctor.

Irbesartan is not suitable for everyone. Do not take irbesartan tablets if you:

• are pregnant or breastfeeding
• are allergic to irbesartan
• have impaired kidney function or diabetes and are being treated with another high blood pressure medication called aliskiren
• are not an adult

There are some medications and conditions that mean irbesartan may not be suitable for you. Speak with your doctor first if you:

• are taking any other high blood pressure medication
• have primary aldosteronism, a condition which increases the amount of aldosterone you produce
• already take irbesartan for diabetic kidney disease
• have a narrowing in your heart blood vessels
• have heart problems, such as heart failure or angina
• have kidney problems
• take diuretics (water tablets)
• are on a low salt diet
• have excessive diarrhoea or vomiting (being sick)
• use painkillers called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen
• have an intolerance to some sugars, as irbesartan contains lactose

Some medications are safe to take with irbesartan, but your doctor should check your bloods more regularly. These include:

• lithium medications, which are used to treat mental health problems
• potassium supplements
• salt substitutes which contain potassium
• any medicine that can increase the level of potassium in your blood, such as heparin

Irbesartan and Viagra

Irbesartan and Viagra can both lower your blood pressure. If you take them together, this could cause your blood pressure to drop too low and cause side effects such as dizziness or fainting. Speak to your doctor if you get erectile dysfunction whilst taking irbesartan, as they can speak to you about suitable treatment.

Irbesartan and ibuprofen

Ibuprofen can make irbesartan less effective. If you want to take ibuprofen, speak to your doctor first, as they may want to change your dose.

What painkillers can I take with irbesartan?

Irbesartan is safe to take with paracetamol, but you should speak with your doctor before taking any other painkillers, especially ibuprofen or aspirin.

Irbesartan and alcohol

Alcohol can increase the effect of irbesartan. You can drink alcohol whilst taking irbesartan, unless it makes you feel dizzy or lightheaded. If it does, it is best to limit or not drink alcohol. When you are first prescribed irbesartan, or your dose is increased, it is best to avoid alcohol until your body is used to the medication.

Irbesartan is usually given as a second choice treatment, if your first blood pressure medication gave you a cough. There are alternatives if you cannot take irbesartan or it does not work for you. These include:

• other angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), such as Candesartan
• calcium channel blockers, such as Felodipine
• ACE inhibitors, such as Perindopril
• diuretics (“water tablets”), such as Bendroflumethiazide
• beta blockers, such as Atenolol

Many patients take more than one of these medications to lower their blood pressure.

What if irbesartan does not work?

If irbesartan does not work, your doctor might increase your dose or offer you another medication from the list above, to take with irbesartan. They may also offer you an alternative treatment. If you feel like irbesartan is not working and you have been taking it for more than 6 weeks, speak to your doctor.