Indications 

Avalide is a prescription medication used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).  

Avalide may also be used in patients who have insufficient blood pressure control on monotherapy and as initial therapy for patients who are anticipated to require multiple medications to reach their blood pressure targets. 

Avalide contains two active ingredients: irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide. Irbesartan, an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB), relaxes blood vessels to enhance blood flow. At the same time, hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic, increases urine production to aid in eliminating excess salt and water from the body. 

Uses and Dosage 

Before taking Avalide and with each prescription refill, carefully read its medication guide and information leaflet. Do not hesitate to ask your physician or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns. 

Avalide dosage is based on the patient’s medical condition and response to the treatment.  

The typical initial dose of Avalide is 150/12.5 mg once a day as prescribed by the doctor, without regard to food intake. Dosage escalation to a maximum of one 300/25 mg tablet daily may be necessary after 1-2 weeks of treatment for optimal blood pressure management. 

Take Avalide regularly, exactly as prescribed, around the same time(s) daily. Do not take more or less of it or take it more frequently than instructed by your doctor. 

Continue taking this medication even if you feel fine; high blood pressure typically does not cause noticeable symptoms. 

Side Effects 

Listed below are the side effects associated with the use of Avalide. If any of them persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. 

Common Side Effects 

• Dizziness 
• Muscle or joint pain 
• Feeling tired 

Serious Side Effects 

• Eye pain 
• Vision problems 
• A light-headed feeling with the potential of passing out 
• Little or no urination 
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) 
• Easy bruising 
• Unusual bleeding 
• Signs of an electrolyte imbalance: 
  • Increased thirst or urination 
  • Confusion 
  • Vomiting 
  • Constipation 
  • Muscle pain or weakness 
  • Leg cramps 
  • Bone pain 
  • Lack of energy 
  • Irregular heartbeats 
  • Tingly feeling 

Contact your doctor right away if any of the serious side effects listed above are experienced. 

Avalide can rarely induce muscle tissue breakdown, which can culminate in kidney failure. Contact your physician immediately if you experience inexplicable muscle tenderness, pain, or weakness, accompanied by fever, fatigue, and dark urine. 

Allergic Reactions 

A severe allergic reaction to Avalide is uncommon; however, seek medical assistance immediately if you experience any symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as: 

• Rash 
• Swelling or itching (especially of the face/tongue/throat) 
• Difficulty breathing 
• Severe dizziness 

This list does not contain all the potential side effects of Avalide. Apprise your doctor if other side effects not listed above are experienced. 

Cautions 

Before taking Avalide, inform your doctor and pharmacist if you have any known hypersensitivities, especially to irbesartan, hydrochlorothiazide, other medicines, or to any ingredients present in Avalide tablets. 

To ensure Avalide is safe for you, disclose to your physician your medical background, specifically regarding any history of: 

• Gout 
• Kidney or liver disease 
• Lupus 
• Dehydration 
• High blood potassium levels 
• Skin cancer 

Inform your doctor about all your medicines, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, dietary supplements, and herbal products. This will help reduce the chance of drug interactions that could affect how well Avalide works or increase the risk of side effects. 

Some of the products that may interact with Avalide include:  

• Aliskiren 
• Dofetilide 
• Lithium, 
• Medications that could elevate blood potassium levels, such as: 
  • Sparsentan 
  • ACE inhibitors like benazepril/lisinopril 
  • Drospirenone-containing birth control pills 

Be sure to mention to your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking cough-and-cold products, diet aids, or NSAIDs like ibuprofen/naproxen. Certain ingredients in these products may exacerbate heart failure or increase blood pressure. Ask your pharmacist for guidance on using them safely. 

Avalide should be taken at least 4 hours before or 4 to 6 hours after taking bile acid-binding resins such as cholestyramine or colestipol. 

Consult your doctor or pharmacist before using potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium, as intake of Avalide may affect your potassium levels. 

Avalide can affect some lab tests, including parathyroid function, leading to incorrect results. Inform all your doctors and lab personnel that you are taking this medication. 

Report prolonged diarrhea or vomiting to your doctor to avoid lightheadedness or dehydration, as they can increase the risk. Drinking plenty of fluids, unless otherwise directed by your doctor, can help prevent dehydration. 

Monitor your blood sugar regularly if you have diabetes, as the use of Avalide may affect it. Inform your doctor of the results and follow their advice to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise routine, or diet. 

Avalide may increase your sensitivity to the sun and risk for skin cancer, particularly with prolonged use. Limit sun exposure, avoid tanning beds and sunlamps, use sunscreen, and wear protective clothing. If you experience sunburn, skin blisters/redness, or notice new or changed moles/skin lesions, inform your doctor immediately. 

Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to conceive before taking Avalide. Taking this medication during pregnancy can cause harm to the fetus. Contact your doctor immediately to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this medication if you become pregnant. 

The potential transfer of irbesartan to breast milk is currently unknown, whereas hydrochlorothiazide is known to be excreted in breast milk but is unlikely to cause harm to a nursing baby. Consult your doctor before taking this medication if you are nursing an infant.