Experience in adults exposed to doses of up to 900 mg/ day for 8 weeks revealed no toxicity. The most likely manifestations of over dose are expected to be hypotension and tachycardia; bradycardia might also occur from overdose. No specific information is available on the treatment of over dose with Irbesartan Tablets. The patients should be closely monitored, and the treatment should be symptomatic and supportive. Suggested measures include induction of emesis and /or gastric lavage. Activated charcoal may be useful in the treatment of overdosage. Irbesartan is not removed by haemodialysis.
2 years.
Second and third trimester of pregnancy.
The concomitant use of Irbesartan Tablets with aliskiren-containing products is contraindicated in patients with diabetes mellitus or renal impairment (GFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2).
Not applicable.
Tablet core
Lactose monohydrate
Croscarmellose Sodium (E468)
Cellulose microcrystalline (E460)
Hypromellose E5 (E464)
Silica, colloidal anhydrous (E551)
Magnesium stearate (E572)
Film -coating
Hypromellose E5 (E464)
Macrogol 400
Lactose monohydrate
Titanium dioxide (E171)
Film- coated tablet
White to off white, oval, biconvex, film coated tablet debossed 'I 150' on one side and plain on other side.
In placebo-controlled trials in patients with hypertension, the overall incidence of adverse events did not differ between the irbesartan (56.2%) and the placebo groups (56.5%). Discontinuation due to any clinical or laboratory adverse event was less frequent for irbesartan-treated patients (3.3%) than for placebo-treated patients (4.5%). The incidence of adverse events was not related to dose (in the recommended dose range), gender, age, race, or duration of treatment.
In diabetic hypertensive patients with microalbuminuria and normal renal function, orthostatic dizziness and orthostatic hypotension were reported in 0.5% of the patients (i.e., uncommon) but in excess of placebo.
The following table presents the adverse drug reactions that were reported in placebo-controlled trials in which 1,965 hypertensive patients received irbesartan. Terms marked with a star (*) refer to the adverse reactions that were additionally reported in > 2% of diabetic hypertensive patients with chronic renal insufficiency and overt proteinuria and in excess of placebo.
The frequency of adverse reactions listed below is defined using following convention:
Very common (> 1/10); common; (> 1/100, < 1/10); uncommon (> 1/1000, < 1/100); rare (> 1/10,000, < 1/1,000); very rare (< 1/10,000). Within each frequency grouping, undesirable effects are presented in order of decreasing seriousness.
Adverse reactions additionally reported from post-marketing experience are also listed. These adverse reactions are derived from spontaneous reports.
Blood and lymphatic system disorders
Not known: thrombocytopenia
Immune system disorders:
Not known: hypersensitivity reactions such as angioedema, rash, urticaria
Metabolism and nutrition disorders:
Not known: hyperkalaemia
Nervous system disorders:
Common: dizziness, orthostatic dizziness*
Not known: vertigo, headache
Ear and labyrinth disorder:
Not known: tinnitus
Cardiac disorders:
Uncommon: tachycardia
Vascular disorders:
Common: orthostatic hypotension*
Uncommon: flushing
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders:
Uncommon: cough
Gastrointestinal disorders:
Common: nausea/vomiting
Uncommon: diarrhoea, dyspepsia/heartburn
Not known: dysgeusia
Hepatobiliary disorders:
Uncommon: jaundice
Not known: hepatitis, abnormal liver function
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders:
Not known: leukocytoclastic vasculitis
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders:
Common: musculoskeletal pain*
Not known: arthralgia, myalgia (in some cases associated with increased plasma creatine kinase levels), muscle cramps
Renal and urinary disorders:
Not known: impaired renal function including cases of renal failure in patients at risk
Reproductive system and breast disorders:
Uncommon: sexual dysfunction
General disorders and administration site conditions:
Common: fatigue
Uncommon: chest pain
Investigations:
| Very common: | Hyperkalaemia* occurred more often in diabetic patients treated with irbesartan than with placebo. In diabetic hypertensive patients with microalbuminuria and normal renal function, hyperkalaemia (> 5.5 mEq/L) occurred in 29.4% of the patients in the irbesartan 300 mg group and 22 % of the patients in the placebo group. In diabetic hypertensive patients with chronic renal insufficiency and overt proteinuria, hyperkalaemia (> 5.5 mEq/L) occurred in 46.3 % of the patients in the irbesartan group and 26.3 %of the patients in the placebo group. |
| Common: | Significant increase in plasma creatine kinase were commonly observed (1.7%) in irbesartan treated subjects. None of these increases were associated with identifiable clinical musculoskeletal events. In 1.7% of hypertensive patients with advanced diabetic renal disease treated with irbesartan, a decrease in haemoglobin*, which was not clinically significant, has been observed. |
Paediatric population: In a randomized trial of 318 hypertensive children and adolescents aged 6 to 16 years, the following adverse reactions occurred in the 3 -week double-blind phase: headache (7.9%), hypotension (2.2%), dizziness (1.9%), cough (0.9%). In the 26 -week open - label period of this trial the most frequent laboratory abnormalities observed were creatinine increases (6.5%) and elevated CK values in 2% of child recipients.
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via
Yellow Card Scheme
Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard
There was no evidence of abnormal systemic or target organ toxicity at clinically relevant doses. In non -clinical safety studies, high doses of irbesartan (> 250 mg/kg/day in rats and > 100 mg/kg/day in macaques) caused a reduction of red blood cell parameters (Erythrocytes, hemoglobin, haematocrit). At very high doses (> 500 mg/kg/day) degenerative changes in the kidney (Such as interstitial nephritis, tubular distension, basophilic tubules, increased plasma concentrations of urea and creatinine) were induced by irbesartan in the rat and the macaque and are considered secondary to the hypotensive effects of the medicinal product which led to decreased renal perfusion. Furthermore, irbesartan induced hyperplasia / hypertrophy of the juxtaglomerular cells (In rats at > 90 mg/kg/day, in macaques at > 10 mg/kg/day). All of these changes were considered to be caused by the pharmacological action of irbesartan. For therapeutic doses of irbesartan in humans, the hyperplasia/ hypertrophy of the renal juxtaglomerular cells does not appear to have any relevance.
There was no evidence of mutagenicity, clastogenicity or carcinogenicity.
Fertility and reproductive performance were not affected in studies of male and female rats even at oral doses of irbesartan causing some parental toxicity (from 50 to 650 mg/kg/day), including mortality at the highest dose. No significant effects on the number of corpora lutea, implants, or live fetuses were observed. Irbesartan did not affect survival, development, or reproduction of offspring. Studies in animals indicate that the radiolabeled irbesartan is detected in rat and rabbit fetuses. Irbesartan is excreted in the milk of lactating rats.
Animal studies with Irbesartan showed transient toxic effects (Increases renal pelvic cavitation, hydroureter or subcutaneous oedema) in rat foetuses, which were resolved after birth. In rabbits, abortion or early resorption were noted at doses causing significant maternal toxicity, including mortality. No teratogenic effects were observed in the rat or rabbit.
Irbesartan Accord is indicated in adults for the treatment of essential hypertension.
It is also indicated for the treatment of renal disease in adults patients with hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus as part of an antihypertensive medicinal product regimen.
Irbesartan can be used alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents.
Pharmacotherapeutic group: Angiotensin II antagonists, plain.
ATC code C09C A04.
Irbesartan is a potent, orally active, selective angiotensin -II receptor (type AT1) antagonist.
Mechanism of action: Irbesartan is a potent, orally active, selective angiotensin-II receptor (type AT1) antagonist. It is expected to block all actions of angiotensin-II mediated by the AT1 receptor, regardless of the source or route of synthesis of angiotensin-II. The selective antagonism of the angiotensin-II (AT1) receptors results in increases in plasma renin levels and angiotensin-II levels, and a decrease in plasma aldosterone concentration. Serum potassium levels are not significantly affected by irbesartan alone at the recommended doses. Irbesartan does not inhibit ACE (kininase-II), an enzyme which generates angiotensin-II and also degrades bradykinin into inactive metabolites. Irbesartan does not require metabolic activation for its activity.
Clinical efficacy:
Hypertension
Irbesartan lowers blood pressure with minimal change in heart rate. The decrease in blood pressure is dose - related for once a day doses with a tendency towards plateau at doses above 300 mg. Doses of 150-300 mg once daily lower supine or seated blood preasures at trough (i.e 24 hours after dosing) by an average of 8-13/5-8 mm Hg (Systolic/diastolic) greater than those associated with placebo.
Peak reduction of blood pressure is achieved within 3-6 hours after administration and the blood pressure lowering effect is maintained for at least24 hours. At 24 hours the reduction of blood pressure was 60 -70% of the corresponding peak diastolic and systolic responses at the recommended doses. Once daily dosing with 150 mg produced through and mean 24 hours responses similar to twice daily dosing on the same total dose.
The blood pressure lowering effects of Irbesartan Tablets is evident within 1-2 weeks, with the maximal effect occurring by 4-6 weeks after start of therapy. The antihypertensive effects are maintained during long-term therapy. After withdrawal of therapy, blood pressure gradually returns toward baseline. Rebound hypertension has not been observed.
The blood pressure lowering effects of Irbesartan and thiazide -type diuretics are additive. In patients not adequately controlled by irbesartan alone, the addition of a low dose of hydrochlorothiazide (12.5 mg) to Irbesartan once daily results in a further placebo-adjusted blood pressure reduction at trough of 7-10/3-6 mm Hg (systolic/ diastolic)
The efficacy of Irbesartan Tablets is not influenced by age or gender. As is the case with other medicinal products that affect the renin-angiotensin system, black hypertensive patients have notably less response to Irbesartan monotherapy. When Irbesartan is administered concomitantly with a low dose of hydrochlorothiazide (e.g. 12.5 mg daily), the anti hypertensive response in black patients approaches that of white patients.
There is no clinically important effect on serum uric acid or urinary uric acid secretion.
Paediatric population
Reduction of blood pressure with 0.5 mg/kg (low), 1.5 mg/kg (medium), and 4.5 mg/kg (high), target titrated doses of Irbesartan was evaluated in 318 hypertensive or at risk (diabetic, family history of hypertension) children and adolescents aged 6 to 16 years over a three week period. At the end of the three weeks the mean reduction from baseline in the primary efficacy variable, trough seated systolic blood pressure (SeSBP) was 11.7 mmHg (Low dose), 9.3 mm Hg (Medium dose), 13.2 mm Hg (High dose).No significant difference was apparent between these doses. Adjusted mean change of trough seated diastolic blood pressure (SeDBP) was as follows: 3.8 mm hg (Low dose), 3.2 mm hg (Medium dose), 5.6 mm Hg (high dose). Over a subsequent two week period where patients were re-randomized to either active medicinal product or placebo, patients on placebo had increases of 2.4 and 2.0 mm Hg in SeSBP and SeDBP compared to + 0.1 and -0.3 mm Hg changes respectively in those on all doses of Irbesartan
Hypertension and type 2 diabetes with renal disease.
The “ Irbesartan Diabetic Nephropathy Trial (IDNT)†shows that Irbesartan decreases the progression of renal disease in patients with chronic renal insufficiency and overt proteinuria. IDNT was a double blind, controlled, morbidity and mortality trial comparing Irbesartan Tablets, amlodipine and placebo. In 1,715 hypertensive patients with type 2 diabetes, proteinuria > 900 mg/day and serum creatinine ranging from 1.0-3.0 mg /dl, the long -term effects (mean 2.6 years) of Irbesartan Tablets on the progression of renal disease and all cause mortality were examined. Patients were titrated from 75 mg to a maintenance dose of 300 mg Irbesartan Tablets, from 2.5 mg to 10 mg amlodipine, or placebo as tolerated. Patients in all treatment groups typically received between 2 and 4 antihypertensive agents (e.g, diuretics, beta blockers, alpha blockers) to reach a predefined blood pressure goal of ≤135/85mmHg or a 10 mm Hg reduction in systolic pressure if, baseline was >160mmHg.Sixty percent (60%) of patients in the placebo group reached this target blood pressure where as this figure was 76% and 78 % in the irbesartan and amlodipine groups respectively. Irbesartan significantly reduced the relative risk in the primary combined end point of doubling serum creatinine, end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or all - cause mortality. Approximately 33% of patients in the irbesartan group reached the primary renal composite end point compared to 39 % and 41% in the placebo and amlodipine groups [(20% relative risk reduction versus placebo (p = 0.024) and 23% relative risk reduction compared to amlodipine (p = 0.006)] When the individual components of the primary end point were analysed, no effect in all cause mortality was observed, while a positive trend in the reduction in ESRD and a significant reduction in doubling of serum creatinine were observed.
Subgroups consisting of gender, race, age, duration of diabetes, baseline blood pressure, serum creatinine, and albumin excretion rate were assessed for treatment effect. In the female and black subgroups which represented 32% and 26% of the overall study population respectively, a renal benefit was not evident, although the confidence intervals do not exclude it. As for the secondary endpoint of fatal and non -fatal cardiovascular events, there was no difference among the three groups in the overall population, although an increased incidence of non -fatal MI was seen for women and a decreased incidence of non -fatal MI was seen in males in the irbesartan group versus the placebo-based regimen. An increased incidence of non -fatal MI and stroke was seen in females in the Irbesartan -based regimen versus the amlodipine -based regimen, while hospitalization due to heart failure was reduced in the overall population. However, no proper explanation for these findings in women has been identified.
The study of the “ Effects of Irbesartan on Microalbuminuria in hypertensive patients with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (IRMA 2)†shows that Irbesartan 300 mg delays progression to overt proteinuria in patients with microalbuminuria, IRMA 2 was a placebo-controlled double blind morbidity study in 590 patients with type 2 diabetes, microalbuminuria (30-300 mg/day) and normal renal function (Serum creatinine) ≤ 1.5 mg/dl in males and <1.1 mg/dl in females). The study examined the long -term effects (2 years) of Irbesartan Tablets on the progression to clinical (overt) proteinuria (urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER) > 300 mg/day, and an increase in UAER of at least 30% from base line). The predefined blood pressure goal was ≤ 135/85 mm Hg. Additional antihypertensive agents (excluding ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor antagonists and dihydropyidine calcium blockers) were added as needed to help achieve the blood pressure goal. While similar blood pressure was achieved in all treatment groups, fewer subjects in the irbesartan 300 mg group (5.2%) than in the placebo (14.9%) or in the irbesartan 150 mg group (9.7%) reached the end point of overt proteinuria, demonstrating a 70% relative risk reduction versus placebo (p= 0.0004) for the higher dose. An accompanying improvement in the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was not observed during the first three months of treatment. The slowing in the progression to clinical proteinuria was evident as early as three months and continued over the 2 year period. Regression to normoalbuminuria (< 30 mg/day) was more frequent in the Irbesartan 300 mg Tablets group (34%) than in the placebo group (21%).
Two large randomised, controlled trials (ONTARGET (ONgoing Telmisartan Alone and in combination with Ramipril Global Endpoint Trial) and VA NEPHRON-D (The Veterans Affairs Nephropathy in Diabetes)) have examined the use of the combination of an ACE-inhibitor with an angiotensin II receptor blocker. ONTARGET was a study conducted in patients with a history of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease, or type 2 diabetes mellitus accompanied by evidence of end-organ damage. VA NEPHRON-D was a study in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and diabetic nephropathy. These studies have shown no significant beneficial effect on renal and/or cardiovascular outcomes and mortality, while an increased risk of hyperkalaemia, acute kidney injury and/or hypotension as compared to monotherapy was observed. Given their similar pharmacodynamic properties, these results are also relevant for other ACE-inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers. ACE-inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers should therefore not be used concomitantly in patients with diabetic nephropathy.
ALTITUDE (Aliskiren Trial in Type 2 Diabetes Using Cardiovascular and Renal Disease Endpoints) was a study designed to test the benefit of adding aliskiren to a standard therapy of an ACE-inhibitor or an angiotensin II receptor blocker in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, or both. The study was terminated early because of an increased risk of adverse outcomes. Cardiovascular death and stroke were both numerically more frequent in the aliskiren group than in the placebo group and adverse events and serious adverse events of interest (hyperkalaemia, hypotension and renal dysfunction) were more frequently reported in the aliskiren group than in the placebo group.
After oral administration, Irbesartan is well absorbed: studies of absolute bioavailability gave values of approximately 60 -80 %. Concomitant food in take does not significantly influence the bioavailablity of Irbesartan. Plasma protein binding is approximately 96%, with negligible binding to cellular blood components. The volume of distribution is 53-93 liters. Following oral or intravenous administration of 14C Irbesartan, 80-85% of the circulating plasma radioactivity is attributable to unchanged irbesartan. Irbesartan is metabolized by the liver via glucuronide (approximately 6%). In vitro studies indicate that Irbesartan is primarily oxidised by the cytochrome P450 enzyme CYP2C9; isoenzyme CYP3A4 has negligible effect.
Irbesartan exhibits linear and dose proportional pharmacokinetic over the dose range of 10 to 600 mg. A less than proportional increase in oral absorption at doses beyond 600 mg (Twice the maximal recommended dose) was observed; The mechanism for this is unknown. Peak plasma concentrations are attained at 1.5 - 2 hours after oral administration. The total body and renal clearance are 157-176 and 3-3.5 ml/min, respectively. The teriminal elimination half - life of Irbesartan is 11-15 hours. Steady state plasma concentrations are attained within 3 days after initiation of a once - daily-dosing regimen. Limited accumulation of irbesartan (< 20%) is observed in plasma upon repeated once - daily dosing. In a study, somewhat higher plasma concentrations of Irbesartan were observed in female hypertensive patients. However, there was no difference in the half - life and accumulation of irbesartan. No dosage adjustment is necessary in female patients. Irbesartan AUC and C max values were also somewhat greater in elderly subjects (>65 years) than those of young subjects (18-40 years). However the teriminal half life was not significantly altered. No dosage adjustment is necessary in elderly patients.
Irbesartan and it's metabolites are eliminated by both biliary and renal pathways.
After either oral or IV administration of 14C Irbesartan, about 20 % of the radioactivity is recovered in the urine, and the remainder in the faeces. Less than 2 % of the dose is excreted in the urine as unchanged Irbesartan.
Paediatric population
The pharmacokinetics of Irbesartan were evaluated in 23 hypertensive children after the administration of single and multiple daily doses of Irbesartan (2 mg/kg) up to a maximum daily dose of 150 mg for four weeks. Of those 23 children, 21 were evaluable for comparison of pharmacokinetics with adults (Twelve children over 12 years, nine childrens between 6 and 12 years). Results showed that C max, AUC and clearance rates were comparable to those observed in adult patients receiving 150 mg Irbesartan daily. A limited accumulation of Irbesartan (18%) in plasma was observed upon repeated once daily dosing.
Renal impairment: In patients with renal impairment or those undergoing haemodialysis, the pharmacokinetic parameters of Irbesartan are not significantly altered. Irbesartan is not removed by haemodialysis.
Hepatic impairment: In patients with mild to moderate cirrhosis, the pharmacokinetic parameters of irbesartan are not significantly altered. Studies have not been performed in patients with severe hepatic impairment.
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Accord Healthcare Limited.
Sage house, 319 Pinner road,
North Harrow, Middlesex HA1 4HF
United Kingdom
This medicinal product does not require any special storage conditions.
PVC/PVDC/Aluminium blisters. Pack sizes of 8, 14, 28, 30, 56, 64, 90, 98 film-coated tablets.
Not all pack sizes may be marketed
PL 20075/0353
Pregnancy :
The use of AIIRAs is not recommended during the first trimester of pregnancy.
The use of AIIRAs is contraindicated during the second and third trimester of pregnancy
Epidemiological evidence regarding the risk of teratogencity following exposure to ACE inhibitors during the first trimester of pregnancy has not been conclusive; however a small increase in risk cannot be excluded. Whilst there is no controlled epidemiological data on the risk with Angiotensin II Receptor Antagonists (AIIRAs), similar risks may exist for this class of drugs. Unless continued AIIRAs therapy is considered essential, patients planning pregnancy should be changed to alternative anti-hypertensive treatments which have an established safety profile for use in pregnancy. When pregnancy is diagnosed, treatment with AIIRAs should be stopped immediately, and, if appropriate, alternative therapy should be started.
Exposure to AIIRA therapy during the second and third trimesters is known to induce human fetotoxicity (decreased renal function, oligohydramnios, skull ossification retardation) and neonatal toxicity (renal failure, hypotension, hyperkalaemia)..
Should exposure to AIIRAs have occurred from the second trimester of pregnancy, ultrasound check of renal function and skull is recommended.
4)
Breast-feeding:
Because no information is available regarding the use of Irbesartan Tablets during breast-feeding, Irbesartan Tablets is not recommended and alternative treatments with better established safety profiles during breast-feeding are preferable, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.
It is unknown whether irbesartan or its metabolites are excreted in human milk.
Available pharmacodynamic/toxicological data in rats have shown excretion of irbesartan or its metabolites in milk (for details see 5.3)
Fertility :
Irbesartan had no effect upon fertility of treated rats and their offspring up to the dose levels inducing the first signs of parental toxicity
Each film - coated tablet contains 150 mg Irbesartan.
Excipient: 50.72 mg of lactose monohydrate per tablet.
Intravascular volume depletion: symptomatic hypotension, especially after the first dose, may occur in patients who are volume and/or sodium depleted by vigorous diuretic therapy, dietary salt restriction, diarrhoea or vomiting. Such conditions should be corrected before the administration of Irbesartan Tablets.
Renovascular hypertension: There is an increased risk of severe hypotension and renal insufficiency when patients with bilateral renal artery stenosis or stenosis of the artery to a single functioning kidney are treated with medicinal products that affect the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. While this is not documented with Irbesartan Tablets, a similar effect should be anticipated with angiotensin -II receptor antagonists.
Renal impairment and Kidney transplantation: When Irbesartan Tablets is used in patients with impaired renal function, a periodic monitoring of potassium levels and creatinine serum levels in case of poor kidney function is recommended. There is no experience regarding the administration of Irbesartan Tablets in patients with a recent kidney transplantation.
Hypertensive patients with type 2 diabetes and renal disease: the effects of irbesartan both on renal and cardiovascular events were not uniform across all subgroups, in an analysis carried out in the study with patients with advanced renal disease. In particular, they appeared less favourable in women and non-white subjects.
Hyperkalaemia: As with other medicinal products that affect the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, hyperkalaemia may occur during the treatment with Irbesartan Tablets, especially in the presence of renal impairment, overt proteinuria due to diabetic renal disease, and /or heart failure. Close monitoring of serum potassium in patients at risk is recommended.
Lithium: the combination of lithium and Irbesartan is not recommended.
Aortic and mitral valve stenosis, obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: As with other vasodilators, special caution is indicated in patients suffering from aortic or mitral stenosis, or obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Primary aldosteronism: Patients with primary aldosteronism generally will not respond to anti-hypertensive drugs acting through inhibition of the renin-angiotensin systems. Therefore, the use of Irbesartan Tablets is not recommended.
General: In patients whose vascular tone and renal function depend predominantly on the activity of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (e.g. patients with severe congestive heart failure or underlying renal disease, including renal artery stenosis), treatment with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin -II receptor antagonists that affect this system has been associated with acute hypotension, azotaemia, oliguria, or rarely acute renal failure. As with any anti -hypertensive agent, excessive blood pressure decrease in patients with ischaemic cardiopathy or ischaemic cardiovascular disease could result in a myocardial infarction or stroke.
As observed for angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, irbesartan and the other angiotensin antagonists are apparently less effective in lowering blood pressure in black people than in non -blacks, possibly because of higher prevalence of low - renin states in the black hypertensive population
Pregnancy : Angiotensin II Receptor Antagonists (AIIRA's) should not be initiated during pregnancy. Unless continued AIIRAs therapy is considered essential, patients planning pregnancy should be changed to alternative anti-hypertensive treatments which have an established safety profile for use in pregnancy. When pregnancy is diagnosed, treatment with AIIRAs should be stopped immediatly, and, if appropriate, alternative therapy should be started
Paediatric population: Irbesartan has been studied in paediatric populations aged 6 to 16 years old but the current data are insufficient to support an extension of the use in children under 16 years of age until further data become available
Dual blockade of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS)
There is evidence that the concomitant use of ACE-inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers or aliskiren increases the risk of hypotension, hyperkalaemia and decreased renal function (including acute renal failure). Dual blockade of RAAS through the combined use of ACE-inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers or aliskiren is therefore not recommended.
If dual blockade therapy is considered absolutely necessary, this should only occur under specialist supervision and subject to frequent close monitoring of renal function, electrolytes and blood pressure.
ACE-inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers should not be used concomitantly in patients with diabetic nephropathy.
Lactose: This medicinal product contains lactose. Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, the Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose - galactose malabsorption should not take this medicinal product.
No studies on the effects on the ability to drive and use machines have been performed. Based on it's pharmacodynamic properties, Irbesartan is unlikely to affect this ability. When driving vehicles or operating machines, it should be taken in to account that dizziness or weariness may occur during treatment.
Posology
Irbesartan can be used alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents.
The usual recommended initial and maintenance dose is 150 mg once daily, with or with out food. Irbesartan Tablets at a dose of 150 mg once daily generally provides a better 24 hour blood pressure control than 75 mg. However, initiation of therapy with 75 mg could be considered, particularly in haemodialysed patients and in the elderly over 75 years.
In patients insufficiently controlled with 150 mg once daily. The dose of Irbesartan Tablets can be increased to 300 mg, or other anti-hypertensive agents can be added. In particular, the addition of a diuretic such as hydrochlorothiazide has been shown to have an additive effect with Irbesartan Tablets..
In hypertensive type 2 diabetic patients, therapy should be initiated at 150 mg irbesartan once daily and titrated up to 300 mg once daily as the preferred maintenance dose for treatment of renal disease.
The demonstration of renal benefit of Irbesartan Tablets in hypertensive type 2 diabetic patients is based on studies where Irbesartan was used in addition to other- anti hypertensive agents, as needed, to reach target blood pressure.
Special Populations
Renal impairment: no dosage adjustment is necessary in patients with impaired renal function. A lower starting dose (75 mg) should be considered for patients undergoing haemodialysis.
Intravascular volume depletion : Volume and/ or sodium depletion should be corrected prior to administration of Irbesartan Tablets.
Hepatic impairment: no dosage adjustment is necessary in patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment. There is no clinical experience in patients with severe hepatic impairment.
Elderly patients: Although consideration should be given to initiating therapy with 75 mg in patients over 75 years of age, dosage adjustment is not usually necessary for the elderly.
Paediatric population: the safety and efficacy of irbesartan in children aged 0 to 18 has not been established.1, and 5.2 but no recommendation on a posology can be made.
Method of Administration
For oral use
Any unused product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.
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Diuretics and other antihypertensive agents: Other antihypertensive agents may increase the hypotensive effects of Irbesartan; however Irbesartan has been safely administered with other antihypertensive agents, such as beta-blockers, long acting calcium channel blockers, and thiazide diuretics. Prior treatment with high dose diuretics may result in volume depletion and a risk of hypotension when initiating therapy with Irbesartan Tablets..
Potassium supplements and potassium -sparing diuretics: based on experience with the use of other medicinal products that affect the rennin-angiotensin system, concomitant use of potassium -sparing diuretics, potassium supplements, salt substitutes containing potassium or other medicinal products that may increase serum potassium levels (e.g. heparin) may lead to increase in serum potassium and is, therefore, not recommended
Lithium : reversible increases in serum lithium concentrations and toxicity have been reported during concomitant administration of lithium with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors. Similar effects have been very rarely reported with a Irbesartan so far. Therefore, this combination is not recommended. If the combination proves necessary, careful monitoring of serum lithium levels is recommended.
Non -steroidal anti - inflammatory drugs: When angiotensin II antagonists are administered simultaneously with non -steroidal anti - inflammatory drugs (i.e Selective COX -2 inhibitors, acetylsalicylic acid >3 g/day) and non-selective NSAIDs), attenuation of the antihypertensive effect may occur.
As with ACE inhibitors, concomitant use of angiotensin II antagonists and NSAID's may lead to an increased risk of worsening of renal function, including possible acute renal failure, and an increase in serum potassium, especially in patients with poor pre -existing renal function. The combination should be administered with caution, especially in the elderly. Patients should be adequately hydrated and consideration should be given to monitoring renal function after initiation of concomitant therapy, and periodically thereafter.
Additional information on Irbesartan interactions: In clinical studies, the pharmacokinetic of Irbesartan is not affected by hydrochlorothiazide. Irbesartan is mainly metabolized by CYP2C9 and to a lesser extent by glucuronidation. No significant pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic interactions were observed when Irbesartan was coadministered with warfarin, a medicinal products metabollised by CYP2C9. The effects of CYP2C9 inducers such as rifampicin on the pharmacokinetic of Irbesartan have not been evaluated. The pharmacokinetic of digoxin was not altered by coadministration of irbesartan.
Clinical trial data has shown that dual blockade of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone-system (RAAS) through the combined use of ACE-inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers or aliskiren is associated with a higher frequency of adverse events such as hypotension, hyperkalaemia and decreased renal function (including acute renal failure) compared to the use of a single RAAS-acting agent.
