Avalide: Uses, Dosage, Benefits & Side Effects

Avalide is a prescription medicine used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It has two active ingredients, irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide. These ingredients work differently . The combination of these ingredients can give you stronger blood pressure control when one medicine alone is not enough .

What Is Avalide?

Avalide contains an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), irbesartan, and a thiazide diuretic, hydrochlorothiazide. Irbesartan works by blocking the action of a substance in the body called angiotensin II . Angiotensin II causes blood vessels to tighten . So blood can flow through the vessels more easily.

Hydrochlorothiazide, however, aids the kidneys in removing excess sodium and water from the body. So it can decrease the fluid volume and help to lower blood pressure.

Official information lists the Avalide strengths as 150 mg/12.5 mg and 300 mg/12.5 mg. Titration option of 300 mg/25 mg is also included in the prescribing information. Avalide 125mg is not a standard listed strength; you should always check the exact strength of the product on the package and on your prescription.

Avalide What is It Used For?

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) (Avalide)

Doctors prescribe Avalide mainly to treat high blood pressure. This may be used when blood pressure is not adequately controlled with irbesartan or hydrochlorothiazide used alone. It may also be used as initial combination therapy in patients likely to need more than 1 drug to achieve their blood pressure goal.

High blood pressure is important to control because if hypertension is left untreated it can increase the risk of serious cardiovascular and kidney complications. This is why it is important for patients to take their prescribed treatment consistently and to monitor their blood pressure as recommended by their healthcare professional.

How Avalide Works

Avalide works via two complementary mechanisms. First, irbesartan works by blocking the effects of angiotensin II, a substance in the body that causes blood vessels to tighten. Therefore, blood vessels can be more relaxed.

Second, hydrochlorothiazide makes you pass more sodium and water in your urine. It helps to reduce the extra fluid and lower blood pressure. These together can be more effective than either alone in lowering blood pressure in the right patients.

Avalide (irbesartan/hydrochlorothiazide) Dosage and Administration

The correct dosage of Avalide depends on the patient’s medical condition and response to treatment. In several situations, the usual starting dose is listed in official prescribing information as 150/12.5 mg once daily. Dose may be increased by a healthcare professional based on response. The maximum described in the prescribing information is 300/25 mg once a day.

Avalide may be taken with or without food. It may take some time for the effects on lowering blood pressure to develop after a dose change and maximum effects are usually seen within 2 to 4 weeks.

Do not alter the dose or frequency yourself. Use the prescription your healthcare professional provided instead.

Avalide Side Effects

Avalide, like other medicines, can cause side effects. You may get dizzy and low blood pressure, changes in kidney function and electrolyte disturbances. Hydrochlorothiazide can also lower potassium and cause other metabolic changes.

Get medical help right away if you have any of these very serious side effects: severe dizziness, fainting, unusual weakness, serious allergic reactions (rash, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue), vision problems.

Avalide Precautions

People with kidney problems, dehydration or certain electrolyte abnormalities need special attention when taking Avalide. The prescribing information for Avalide does not recommend its use in severe renal impairment with creatinine clearance less than 30 mL/min.

Avalide also should not be used during pregnancy unless specifically directed to do so by a qualified healthcare provider. Drugs that act directly on the renin-angiotensin system can cause serious foetal harm, especially in the second and third trimesters.

Patients should also tell their healthcare provider about all medicines and supplements they take. Some potassium-containing salt substitutes, potassium supplements and some blood-pressure medicines may need medical supervision.

Avalide Questions and Answers

Is Avalide for high blood pressure?

Certainly. Avalide is used to treat high blood pressure. Avalide contains a combination of irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide.

Is there 125 mg Avalide?

The 125 mg strength is not included in Avalide’s prescribing information. Strengths listed are 150/12.5 mg and 300/12.5 mg. Dosing option described as 300/25 mg. Always check the strength on the prescription and package.

Avalide can be taken with food.

Certainly. According to the official prescribing information, Avalide can be taken with or without food.

Conclusion

Avalide is a combination of irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide that works in two different ways to help control high blood pressure. Thus it can be useful when single drug treatment does not give adequate control. But the right strength and dosage depends on individual medical circumstances. Use Avalide exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do NOT stop taking Avalide without first talking to your doctor.