Avapro Side Effects

Generic name: irbesartan

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 9, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Avapro Side Effects associated with irbesartan. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Avapro.

Applies to irbesartan: oral tablet.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check the progress of you or your child at regular visits to make sure that this medicine is working properly. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using this medicine, tell your doctor right away.

Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting may occur, especially when you get up from a lying or sitting position. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or not alert. If you feel dizzy, lie down so you do not faint. Then sit for a few moments before standing to prevent the dizziness from returning.

Check with your doctor right away if you become sick while taking this medicine, especially with severe or continuing nausea and vomiting or diarrhea. These conditions may cause you to lose too much water and may lead to low blood pressure. You can also loose water by sweating, so drink plenty of water during exercise or in hot weather.

Ask your doctor before you use medicines, supplements, or salt substitutes that contain potassium.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This especially includes over-the-counter (nonprescription) medicines for appetite control, asthma, colds, cough, hay fever, or sinus problems, since they may tend to increase your blood pressure.

Serious side effects of Avapro

Along with its needed effects, irbesartan (the active ingredient contained in Avapro) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking irbesartan:

Other side effects of Avapro

Some side effects of irbesartan may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to irbesartan: oral tablet.

General adverse events

The most common adverse reactions were hyperkalemia, orthostatic dizziness, orthostatic hypotension, headache, and dizziness.^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Orthostatic hypotension, tachycardia
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Flushing, subjective rhythm disturbance, ECG abnormality, cardiac murmur, cardiac rhythm disturbance, atrial rhythm disturbance, bradycardia, hypotension
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Conduction disorder, myocardial infarction, hot flashes
• Frequency not reported: Hypertension^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Rash
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Pruritus, facial erythema, hyperhidrosis
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Dermatitis, acne, scalp-hair abnormality
• Frequency not reported: Angioedema, urticaria, leukocytoclastic vasculitis
• Postmarketing reports: Psoriasis, photosensitivity^[Ref]

Angioedema included swelling of the face, lips, pharynx, and/or tongue.^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, dyspepsia or heartburn, abdominal pain
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Constipation, flatulence, dry mouth, abdomen distention
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Abnormal stool, oral lesion, dysphagia, esophagitis^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Common (1% to 10%): Urinary tract infection
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Sexual dysfunction, urination abnormality^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Decreased hemoglobin
• Postmarketing reports: Thrombocytopenia, thrombocytopenic purpura, anemia^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Jaundice
• Frequency not reported: Hepatitis, abnormal liver function
• Postmarketing reports: Elevated liver function tests^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Frequency not reported: Hypersensitivity reactions
• Postmarketing reports: Anaphylactic reaction, anaphylactic shock^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Influenza^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Very common (10% or more): Hyperkalemia (up to 46.3%)
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Weight gain
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Gout, decreased appetite, increased appetite
• Postmarketing reports: Hypoglycemia in diabetic patients^[Ref]

Hyperkalemia (5.5 mEq/L or greater) occurred in 29.4% of hypertensive diabetic patients with microalbuminuria and normal renal function and in 46.3% of hypertensive diabetic patients with chronic renal insufficiency and overt proteinuria.^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Common (1% to 10%): Musculoskeletal pain, musculoskeletal trauma, plasma creatine kinase increased
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Muscle cramp
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Arthritis, muscle ache, myalgia, extremity weakness, lower extremity stiffness
• Frequency not reported: Arthralgia, musculoskeletal chest pain
• Postmarketing reports: Rhabdomyolysis^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Headache (up to 12.3%), dizziness (up to 10.2%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Orthostatic dizziness
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Numbness, somnolence, vertigo, paresthesia
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Syncope, tremor, coordination disturbance, taste disturbance
• Frequency not reported: Tinnitus, dysgeusia^[Ref]

Ocular

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Vision disturbance
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Eye disturbance, eyelid abnormality, visual field abnormality^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Fatigue, chest pain, edema
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Weakness, malaise, upper extremity edema, extremity swelling, hearing abnormality
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Breast disorder, cold sensation, warmth sensation, pain, head or neck edema, medication bad taste
• Frequency not reported: Facial edema
• Postmarketing reports: Asthenia^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Common (1% to 10%): Anxiety or nervousness
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Libido change, sleep disturbance, depression, emotion labile or disturbance
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Stress related disorder, disturbing dreams^[Ref]

Renal

• Common (1% to 10%): Increased creatinine
• Frequency not reported: Impaired renal function, renal failure
• Postmarketing reports: Increased creatine phosphokinase^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Upper respiratory tract infection, sinus abnormality, cough, pharyngitis, rhinitis
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Epistaxis, dyspnea^[Ref]

See also:

Further information

Avapro side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer