Irbesartan
Irbesartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker used for high blood pressure. It is also used in some people with type 2 diabetes and protein in the urine when a prescriber judges it helps protect kidneys. It relaxes blood vessels and reduces effects of hormones that raise pressure.
This medicine is part of the Blood pressure, cholesterol & related category.
Generic name: irbesartan
Quick answers
Short replies to searches people often run before speaking to a clinician. For the overview of what the medicine is used for, see the short summary under the page title above.
What is it for?
Irbesartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker used for high blood pressure.
How long does it take to work?
Blood pressure can fall over days to weeks after starting or changing dose; attend follow-up checks your GP arranges.
What are common side effects?
Dizziness, especially when standing quickly, tiredness, or mild gut upset can occur.
Can you take paracetamol or ibuprofen with it?
NSAIDs, potassium supplements, and salt substitutes can raise potassium or worsen kidney function with ARBs.
More about what Irbesartan is used for
Irbesartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker used for high blood pressure. It is also used in some people with type 2 diabetes and protein in the urine when a prescriber judges it helps protect kidneys.
It relaxes blood vessels and reduces effects of hormones that raise pressure.
How does Irbesartan work, and how long does it take to work?
It blocks angiotensin II from acting on receptors, leading to lower blood pressure and reduced strain on the heart and kidneys in appropriate patients.
Full effect may take a few weeks; attend follow-up blood tests.
How and when should you take Irbesartan?
Usually once daily with or without food. Swallow tablets with water.
Do not stop without advice if you have heart failure or proteinuric kidney disease on a planned regimen.
What are the common side effects of Irbesartan?
Dizziness, especially when standing quickly, tiredness, or mild gut upset can occur.
Potassium may rise — your GP monitors this.
Serious side effects of Irbesartan — when to get urgent help
Seek urgent help for facial or throat swelling, severe allergic reaction, or fainting. Stop and seek advice if pregnancy is possible — ARBs can harm a developing baby.
What if you miss a dose of Irbesartan?
Take when remembered unless the next dose is soon; do not double.
Who should not take Irbesartan?
Pregnancy, add-on aliskiren in diabetes with kidney problems, and bilateral renal artery stenosis are important cautions.
Severe kidney impairment needs dose review.
Can you take paracetamol or ibuprofen with Irbesartan? — other interactions
NSAIDs, potassium supplements, and salt substitutes can raise potassium or worsen kidney function with ARBs.
Lithium levels may increase — tell your prescriber.
Irbesartan in pregnancy and breastfeeding
Do not use in pregnancy. Breastfeeding advice is individual.
Blood tests and monitoring on Irbesartan
Kidney function and potassium checks are common after starting or changing dose.
What might your GP prescribe instead of Irbesartan?
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Frequently asked questions about Irbesartan
People also ask — common Google searches
- What is Irbesartan used for?
- Irbesartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker used for high blood pressure. It is also used in some people with type 2 diabetes and protein in the urine when a prescriber judges it helps protect kidneys. It relaxes blood vessels and reduces effects of hormones that raise pressure.
- How long does Irbesartan take to work?
- Blood pressure can fall over days to weeks after starting or changing dose; attend follow-up checks your GP arranges. Always follow your prescriber’s follow-up plan.
- Can you take Irbesartan with paracetamol or ibuprofen?
- NSAIDs, potassium supplements, and salt substitutes can raise potassium or worsen kidney function with ARBs.
- What are the side effects of Irbesartan?
- Dizziness, especially when standing quickly, tiredness, or mild gut upset can occur. Potassium may rise — your GP monitors this. See the sections below for more detail, including serious side effects and when to seek urgent help.
- Is irbesartan good for kidneys?
- In selected people with diabetes and kidney involvement, prescribers sometimes choose an ARB for protective effect alongside blood pressure control — this is an individual decision with monitoring.
- Can I take ibuprofen with irbesartan?
- Occasional use may be discussed with your pharmacist, but regular NSAIDs can be risky for kidneys and blood pressure with ARBs. Ask before long-term use.
Need personalised advice?
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Often used with
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