Brand Name: Aprovel

Generic Name: Irbesartan

Indications: For the treatment of hypertension & treatment of renal disease in patients with
hypertension and type II diabetes mellitus, as part of an antihypertensive drug
regimen.
Drug Classification: Antihypertensive
Mechanism of Action: Inhibits the vasoconstricting and aldosterone-secreting effects of
angiotensin II by selectively blocking
binding of angiotensin Ii to receptor sites in many tissues.
Therapeutic Effect: Lowers blood pressure.
Dosage: 150 mg daily. May be increased to 300 mg or combined with other antihypertensive
agents if patient is not sufficiently controlled. In hemodialyzed patients &
elderly>75 yr 75 mg daily
Special Precaution: Intravascular volume depletion, renovascular hypertension, renal
impairment, kidney transplantation, hyperkalemia, aortic & mitral valve stenosis,
obstructive hypertrophic, cardiomyopathy, ischemic cardiopathy, ischemic
CV disease, primary aldosteronism & patients whose vascular tone & renal function
depend predominantly on the activity of the rennin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.
Pregnancy Risk Category: C (D in 2nd and 3rd trimesters)
Adverse Reaction:
CNS: fatigue, anxiety, dizziness, headache., CV: chest pain, edema, tachycardia.
EENT: pharyngitis, rhinitis, sinus abnormality. GI: UTI. Metabolic: hyperkalemia.
Musculoskeletal: musculoskeletal trauma or pain. Respiratory: URTI. Skin: rashes.
Contraindications: Pregnancy and lactation
Form: Tablets: 75 mg, 150 mg, and 300 mg.
Nursing Responsibilities:
 Monitor patient’s BP regularly.
 Monitor patient’s electrolytes.
 Assess patient’s and family’s knowledge of drug therapy.
 Give with a diuretic if drug is needed to control blood pressure.
 Place in supine position and give an IV infusion of NSS if patient becomes
hypotensive.
 Tell patient that drug may be taken once daily with or without food.
 Instruct client to avoid driving and hazardous activities until CNS effects of drug are
known.