Irbesartan
| Drug monograph · NCLEX study reference | |
| Trade names | Avapro |
|---|---|
| Therapeutic class | Antihypertensive |
| Pharmacologic class | ARB |
| Onset / peak / duration | Peak effect 3 to 6 weeks; duration 24 hours. |
| Half-life / level | Half-life 11 to 15 hours; no routine level. |
| Routes | PO (oral) |
| High-alert (ISMP) | No |
| Black box warning | Yes (see Safety) |
| Antidote / reversal | None specific. |
| Pregnancy / lactation | Contraindicated. |
Nursing pharmacology study reference (NCLEX-style monograph). Numeric values are standard teaching ranges for study and must be verified against current manufacturer labeling before clinical use. This is educational content, not prescribing guidance.
Irbesartan (brand name Avapro) — Antihypertensive; ARB.
Identification
- Therapeutic class: Antihypertensive.
- Pharmacologic class: ARB.
Pharmacology
- Mechanism of action: Same AT1 blockade; used in diabetic nephropathy.
- Onset / peak / duration: Peak effect 3 to 6 weeks; duration 24 hours.
- Half-life / therapeutic level: Half-life 11 to 15 hours; no routine level.
Clinical use
- Indications: Hypertension, type 2 diabetic nephropathy.
- Usual dose, route, frequency: 150 to 300 mg PO once daily.
- Maximum dose / adjustments: Max 300 mg/day.
Safety
- Contraindications: Pregnancy, aliskiren in diabetes.
- Black box warning: Fetal toxicity.
- Interactions: Class ARB interactions.
- Pregnancy / lactation: Contraindicated.
- High-alert: No.
Adverse effects
- Common side effects: Dizziness, fatigue.
- Serious effects to report: Angioedema, hyperkalemia, renal impairment.
- Antidote / reversal: None specific.
Nursing process
- Assessment before administration: Blood pressure, potassium, renal function, pregnancy status.
- Interventions during therapy: Monitor renal protection in diabetes.
- Monitor: Blood pressure, potassium, renal function.
- Evaluation / expected outcome: Blood pressure control; renal protection.
Patient teaching
- Patient teaching: Consistent use protects kidneys in diabetes.
- Notify provider if: Swelling, severe dizziness, pregnancy.
- Administration tips: With or without food.