Irbesartan and Hydrochlorothiazide

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Brand name(s): Avalide

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to irbesartan, hydrochlorothiazide, sulfa drugs, or any other medications.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medication, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn); cholestyramine (Questran); colestipol (Colestid); lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid); medications for diabetes; narcotic pain relievers; oral steroids such as dexamethasone (Decadron, Dexone), methylprednisolone (Medrol), and prednisone (Deltasone); other medications for high blood pressure; phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton); and tolbutamide (Orinase). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• tell your doctor if you are on dialysis and if you have or have ever had asthma, lupus (SLE), diabetes, heart failure, gout, or kidney or liver disease.
• tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.
• you should know that irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
• ask your doctor about the safe use of alcoholic beverages while you are taking irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide. Alcohol can make the side effects from irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide worse.
• you should know that irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting when you get up too quickly from a lying position. This is more common when you first start taking irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide. To avoid this problem, get out of bed slowly, resting your feet on the floor for a few minutes before standing up.
• you should know that diarrhea, vomiting, not drinking enough fluids, and sweating a lot can cause a drop in blood pressure, which may cause lightheadedness and fainting.

Last Revised: 04/01/2003

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