From the Guidelines
Irbesartan is primarily used to treat high blood pressure and protect the kidneys from damage due to diabetes.
Key Uses of Irbesartan
- Hypertension: Irbesartan is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist that helps to lower blood pressure by blocking the action of angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor 1.
- Diabetic Nephropathy: Irbesartan has been shown to slow the progression of kidney disease in patients with type 2 diabetes and nephropathy, reducing the risk of kidney failure and proteinuria 1.
- Cardiovascular Protection: Irbesartan may also have cardiovascular benefits, including reducing the risk of heart failure and hospitalizations for heart failure 1.
Mechanism of Action
Irbesartan works by blocking the action of angiotensin II, which causes blood vessels to constrict and increases blood pressure. By blocking this action, irbesartan helps to relax blood vessels, reduce blood pressure, and decrease the strain on the kidneys 1.
Clinical Evidence
Several studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of irbesartan in treating hypertension and protecting the kidneys from damage due to diabetes. The IDNT study, for example, showed that irbesartan reduced the risk of kidney failure and proteinuria in patients with type 2 diabetes and nephropathy 1. The RENAAL study also demonstrated the benefits of irbesartan in reducing the risk of kidney failure and proteinuria in patients with type 2 diabetes and nephropathy 1.
Dosage and Administration
The dosage of irbesartan varies depending on the patient's condition and response to treatment. Typical dosages range from 150 mg to 300 mg per day, taken orally once daily 1.
Important Considerations
While irbesartan is generally well-tolerated, it can cause side effects such as dizziness, headache, and increased potassium levels. Patients should be monitored regularly for changes in blood pressure, kidney function, and electrolyte levels 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
- 1 Mechanism of Action Angiotensin II is a potent vasoconstrictor formed from angiotensin I in a reaction catalyzed by angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE, kininase II). Angiotensin II is the primary vasoactive hormone of the renin-angiotensin system, and an important component in the pathophysiology of hypertension. It also stimulates aldosterone secretion by the adrenal cortex Irbesartan blocks the vasoconstrictor and aldosterone-secreting effects of angiotensin II by selectively binding to the AT1 angiotensin II receptor found in many tissues (e.g., vascular smooth muscle, adrenal gland).
The use of Irbesartan is to block the vasoconstrictor and aldosterone-secreting effects of angiotensin II by selectively binding to the AT1 angiotensin II receptor, which is involved in the pathophysiology of hypertension 2.
- The main effect of Irbesartan is to inhibit the pressor effect of angiotensin II, which leads to a decrease in blood pressure.
- Irbesartan is used to treat hypertension by antagonizing the effects of angiotensin II on the AT1 receptor.
From the Research
Uses of Irbesartan
- Irbesartan is used in the treatment of hypertension, including patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and nephropathy 3, 4, 5.
- It is also used to slow the progression of renal disease in hypertensive patients with type 2 diabetes 3, 6, 5, 7.
- Irbesartan can be used alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents, such as hydrochlorothiazide 4, 7.
- The combination of irbesartan with hydrochlorothiazide produces additive effects on blood pressure reduction 3, 7.
Therapeutic Effects
- Irbesartan exerts its action mainly via a selective blockade of AT1 receptors, reducing the pressor effect of angiotensin II 4.
- It reduces left ventricular hypertrophy and increases the probability of maintaining sinus rhythm after cardioversion of atrial fibrillation 7.
- Irbesartan has a renoprotective effect, which is at least partly independent of its blood pressure-lowering effect 3, 6, 5.
Administration and Tolerability
- Irbesartan is administered once daily, providing 24-hour control of blood pressure 3, 7.
- It is well tolerated in hypertensive patients, including those with type 2 diabetes and incipient or overt nephropathy 3, 6, 5.
- The overall incidence of adverse events with irbesartan is similar to that with placebo 3.