Avapro® (Irbesartan) Tablets for High Blood Pressure

Irbesartan is a prescription angiotensin II receptor blocker used to treat high blood pressure and to help protect the kidneys in adults with type 2 diabetes and hypertension. It is the active ingredient in Avapro®. CanadianInsulin supplies medicine from Canada and ships to the US, providing Canadian pricing with US delivery from Canada on irbesartan 300 mg. For those paying without insurance, this page summarizes uses, dosing, safety, and access.

What Avapro® Is and How It Works

Avapro® contains irbesartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). It selectively blocks the AT1 receptor, reducing vasoconstriction and aldosterone effects. This lowers blood pressure and, in certain adults with type 2 diabetes and hypertension, helps reduce protein in the urine and slow kidney damage progression. The medicine can be used alone or with other blood pressure agents, including thiazide diuretics.

Every CanadianInsulin order is prescription-checked with your clinic and dispensed by a licensed Canadian pharmacy.

Label-directed uses include treatment of hypertension and nephropathy in adults with type 2 diabetes and hypertension. This page focuses on on‑label information consistent with US and Canadian resources.

Who Avapro® Is For

Irbesartan is indicated for adults with essential hypertension. It is also indicated to treat diabetic nephropathy in adults with type 2 diabetes and hypertension, especially when proteinuria is present. People with low blood volume or low sodium may require careful initiation. Those with severe renal artery stenosis, significant hyperkalemia risk, or hepatic impairment need clinician guidance.

Irbesartan is not recommended during pregnancy. Use in pediatric patients is not an approved indication in many regions. For related topics on this condition, see High Blood Pressure.

Dosage and Usage

Irbesartan is taken once daily, with or without food. A typical starting dose for hypertension is 150 mg once daily. Depending on response, many adults use 300 mg once daily, which is the usual maximum recommended dose. Some patients with volume depletion, on diuretics, or on hemodialysis may start at 75 mg once daily. For diabetic nephropathy in type 2 diabetes with hypertension, 300 mg once daily is commonly targeted when tolerated. Follow the prescribing clinician’s plan and the official label.

Tablets are swallowed whole with water. Try to take the dose at the same time each day. If prescribed as part of a regimen with a thiazide diuretic, clinicians may choose separate tablets or a fixed-dose combination based on goals, tolerability, and blood pressure targets.

Examples referenced on labels include irbesartan 300 mg tablets for those needing higher dose control. Labeling also describes use with diuretics when appropriate. Do not change dose on your own. Consult the prescriber for any adjustment, including when adding a diuretic or addressing side effects.

Strengths and Forms

Availability may vary by pharmacy. Common presentations include:

• Irbesartan tablets: 75 mg, 150 mg, 300 mg
• Irbesartan tablets USP 300 mg
• Fixed-dose combinations with hydrochlorothiazide: 150/12.5 mg, 300/12.5 mg, 300/25 mg

Brand references include Avapro 300 mg for monotherapy and combination products historically marketed as Avalide 300/12.5 mg or Avapro HCT 300/12.5. Prescribers may also specify Irbesartan HCTZ 300/12.5 mg or Irbesartan HCTZ 300/25 mg based on blood pressure goals. If a fixed-dose combination is prescribed, see Irbesartan Htc for details.

Missed Dose and Timing

If a dose is missed, take it when remembered the same day. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule. Do not take extra tablets to make up for a missed dose. Consistent daily timing supports steady blood pressure control.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store tablets at room temperature, generally 20 to 25°C (68 to 77°F), in a dry place. Keep the bottle tightly closed and protected from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom where humidity is high. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

When traveling, keep your tablets in carry-on luggage with the labeled pharmacy container. Pack an extra supply in case of delays. A simple pill organizer can help maintain the daily schedule. Irbesartan is a stable tablet and does not require cold-chain handling. CanadianInsulin uses prompt, express shipping for orders.

Benefits

Irbesartan lowers blood pressure, which helps reduce the risk of stroke and heart complications over time. In adults with type 2 diabetes and hypertension, it can help reduce proteinuria and slow kidney function decline when used as directed. Once-daily dosing supports long-term adherence, and the medicine can be combined with a thiazide diuretic when additional control is needed.

ARBs like irbesartan act on the renin-angiotensin system without affecting bradykinin metabolism. This design is one reason cough is less common with ARBs than with some ACE inhibitors. Clinicians often select an ARB when a patient has not tolerated an ACE inhibitor.

Side Effects and Safety

• Dizziness or lightheadedness, especially after the first doses
• Fatigue
• Nausea or stomach discomfort
• Diarrhea
• Upper respiratory symptoms
• Muscle or joint pain
• Mild increases in blood urea nitrogen or creatinine
• Increased potassium (hyperkalemia)

Serious but less common risks include severe hypotension, kidney function changes, angioedema, and significant hyperkalemia. A boxed warning on fetal toxicity applies to drugs that act on the renin-angiotensin system. Discontinue as soon as pregnancy is detected. Patients with renal artery stenosis or advanced kidney disease require close monitoring. This medicine may interact with other agents that affect kidney function or potassium.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Key interactions include:

• Aliskiren: avoid combination in diabetes due to increased risk of adverse events
• ACE inhibitors: dual renin-angiotensin system blockade can increase risk; not routinely recommended
• Lithium: increased lithium levels and toxicity risk; monitoring is required if used together
• Potassium-sparing diuretics, potassium supplements, or salt substitutes: may raise potassium
• NSAIDs: can reduce antihypertensive effect and impact kidney function, especially in dehydration or renal impairment
• Diuretics: volume depletion can increase hypotension risk on initiation

Discuss all prescription medicines, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements with the prescriber. For background on ACE inhibitors often compared with ARBs, see the editorial on Benazepril Uses. Alcohol intake should be moderated because it may enhance blood pressure lowering and dizziness.

What to Expect Over Time

Antihypertensive effects usually appear within 1 to 2 weeks, with full effect often seen by 4 to 6 weeks. Kidney protection benefits in type 2 diabetes and hypertension are assessed over longer periods with lab monitoring and urine protein checks. Consistent dosing, lifestyle measures recommended by clinicians, and timely follow-up visits support long-term outcomes.

Some treatment plans for heart and kidney risk now include additional classes when indicated. For example, SGLT2 inhibitors can be part of comprehensive heart failure and kidney strategies. Learn more in SGLT2 Inhibitors.

Compare With Alternatives

Clinically comparable ARBs include losartan and valsartan. An ACE inhibitor is sometimes selected when an ARB is not suitable. Selection depends on blood pressure targets, comorbidities, prior tolerance, and clinician preference.

Options offered on this site include Cozaar® (losartan) and Diovan® (valsartan). Telmisartan is another ARB option in clinical practice. Medicine choice and dosing should be individualized based on response and safety.

Pricing and Access

CanadianInsulin lists current irbesartan 300 mg price details alongside other strengths. Ordering from Canada can lower irbesartan 300 mg cost compared with some local cash options. Many patients look for an irbesartan 300 mg tablet price that reflects Canadian pricing with US shipping. This service ships to the US and supports US delivery from Canada on irbesartan 300 mg and other strengths.

If paying out of pocket, compare the irbesartan 300 mg cash price shown on the product page with other sources. Avapro 300 mg price references may help frame brand versus nonbrand considerations discussed with the prescriber. Encrypted checkout protects payment and account data. For seasonal offers, see our promotions.

Availability and Substitutions

Stock and strength availability can vary. If a specific strength is not available, a prescriber may recommend a suitable alternative strength or a different medicine in the same class. Pharmacists and clinicians may decide on a temporary substitution if appropriate and clinically safe.

Patient Suitability and Cost Saving Tips

Irbesartan may be less suitable for those with a history of angioedema, significant hypotension, severe kidney dysfunction without monitoring, or hyperkalemia risk. It should not be used during pregnancy. Breastfeeding guidance depends on clinical judgment and regional labeling.

To reduce total cost, consider multi-month quantities when appropriate. A 90-day supply can lower per-tablet cost in many programs. Align refills with other long-term medicines to reduce separate shipping fees. Set up refill reminders so you do not run out during travel. If a clinician changes the plan to a combination such as Irbesartan HCTZ 300/12.5 mg or 300/25 mg, one co-pay or one shipment can sometimes replace two.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Is irbesartan appropriate for adult hypertension or diabetic kidney protection in this case?
• What starting dose is recommended, and when might 300 mg be considered?
• Should a thiazide diuretic be added or a fixed-dose combination used?
• How often should kidney function and potassium be checked?
• What symptoms require a call, such as severe dizziness or swelling?
• Are there medicines, supplements, or salt substitutes to avoid?
• What lifestyle steps best support this blood pressure plan?

Authoritative Sources

Sanofi Avapro Prescribing Information

FDA Avapro Approval History

DailyMed Irbesartan Search

Start an Irbesartan request today for US delivery from Canada.