Home › Drugs › Irbesartan And Hydrochlorothiazide

Irbesartan And Hydrochlorothiazide

FDA Drug Information • Also known as: Avalide, Irbesartan And Hydrochlorothiazide

Brand Names
Avalide, Irbesartan And Hydrochlorothiazide
Dosage Form
TABLET, FILM COATED
Product Type
DRUG FOR FURTHER PROCESSING

⚠ Boxed Warning (Black Box)

WARNING: FETAL TOXICITY

  • When pregnancy is detected, discontinue irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets as soon as possible [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ) and Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 )].
  • Drugs that act directly on the renin-angiotensin system can cause injury and death to the developing fetus [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ) and Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 )]. WARNING: FETAL TOXICITY See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning .
  • When pregnancy is detected, discontinue irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets as soon as possible. ( 5.1 , 8.1 )
  • Drugs that act directly on the renin-angiotensin system can cause injury and death to the developing fetus. ( 5.1 , 8.1 )

    • Description

    11 DESCRIPTION Irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets USP are a combination of an angiotensin II receptor antagonist (AT 1 subtype), irbesartan, and a thiazide diuretic, hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ). Irbesartan USP is a non-peptide compound, chemically described as a 2-butyl-3-[p-(o-1H-tetrazol-5-ylphenyl)benzyl]-1,3-diazaspiro[4.4]non-1-en-4-one. Its empirical formula is C 25 H 28 N 6 O, and its structural formula is: Irbesartan is a white to off-white crystalline powder with a molecular weight of 428.5. It is a nonpolar compound with a partition coefficient (octanol/water) of 10.1 at pH of 7.4. Irbesartan is slightly soluble in alcohol and methylene chloride and practically insoluble in water. Hydrochlorothiazide USP is 6-chloro-3,4-dihydro-2H-1,2,4-benzothiadiazine-7-sulfonamide 1,1-dioxide. Its empirical formula is C 7 H 8 ClN 3 O 4 S 2 and its structural formula is: Hydrochlorothiazide is a white, or practically white, crystalline powder with a molecular weight of 297.7. Hydrochlorothiazide is slightly soluble in water and freely soluble in sodium hydroxide solution. Irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets, USP are available for oral administration in film-coated tablets containing either 150 mg or 300 mg of irbesartan combined with 12.5 mg of hydrochlorothiazide. All dosage strengths contain the following inactive ingredients: carboxymethylcellulose calcium, sodium starch glycolate, talc, povidone, colloidal silicon dioxide, and magnesium stearate. The 300/12.5 and 150/12.5 mg peach film-coated tablets contain ferric oxide red, ferric oxide yellow, hypromellose-2910, PEG-3000, titanium dioxide and lactose monohydrate. irbesartan hctz

    What Is Irbesartan And Hydrochlorothiazide Used For?

    1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets are indicated for the treatment of hypertension. Irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets may be used in patients whose blood pressure is not adequately controlled on monotherapy. Irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets may also be used as initial therapy in patients who are likely to need multiple drugs to achieve their blood pressure goals. The choice of irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets as initial therapy for hypertension should be based on an assessment of potential benefits and risks. Patients with stage 2 (moderate or severe) hypertension are at relatively high risk for cardiovascular events (such as strokes, heart attacks, and heart failure), kidney failure, and vision problems, so prompt treatment is clinically relevant. The decision to use a combination as initial therapy should be individualized and may be shaped by considerations such as the baseline blood pressure, the target goal, and the incremental likelihood of achieving goal with a combination compared with monotherapy. Data from Studies V and VI [see Clinical Studies ( 14.2 ) ] provide estimates of the probability of reaching a blood pressure goal with irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets compared to irbesartan or hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) monotherapy. The relationship between baseline blood pressure and achievement of a SeSBP <140 or <130 mmHg or SeDBP <90 or <80 mmHg in patients treated with irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets compared to patients treated with irbesartan or HCTZ monotherapy are shown in Figures 1a through 2b. Figure 1a: Probability of Achieving SBP <140 mmHg in Patients from Initial Therapy Studies V (Week 8) and VI (Week 7)* Figure 1b: Probability of Achieving SBP <130 mmHg in Patients from Initial Therapy Studies V (Week 8) and VI (Week 7)* Figure 2a: Probability of Achieving DBP <90 mmHg in Patients from Initial Therapy Studies V (Week 8) and VI (Week 7)* Figure 2b: Probability of Achieving DBP <80 mmHg in Patients from Initial Therapy Studies V (Week 8) and VI (Week 7)* *For all probability curves, patients without blood pressure measurements at Week 7 (Study VI) and Week 8 (Study V) were counted as not reaching goal (intent-to-treat analysis). The above graphs provide a rough approximation of the likelihood of reaching a targeted blood pressure goal (e.g., Week 8 sitting systolic blood pressure ≤140 mmHg) for the treatment groups. The curve of each treatment group in each study was estimated by logistic regression modeling from all available data of that treatment group. The estimated likelihood at the right tail of each curve is less reliable due to small numbers of subjects with high baseline blood pressures. For example, a patient with a blood pressure of 180/105 mmHg has about a 25% likelihood of achieving a goal of <140 mmHg (systolic) and 50% likelihood of achieving <90 mmHg (diastolic) on irbesartan alone (and lower still likelihoods on HCTZ alone). The...

    Dosage and Administration

    2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION General Considerations

  • Maximum effects within 2 to 4 weeks after dose change. ( 2.1 )
  • Renal impairment: Not recommended for patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <30 mL/min). ( 2.1 , 5.8 ) Hypertension
  • Initiate with 150/12.5 mg. Titrate to 300/12.5 mg then 300/25 mg if needed. ( 2.2 )
  • Replacement therapy: May be substituted for titrated components. ( 2.3 ) 2.1 General Considerations The side effects of irbesartan are generally rare and apparently independent of dose; those of hydrochlorothiazide are a mixture of dose-dependent (primarily hypokalemia) and dose-independent phenomena (e.g., pancreatitis), the former much more common than the latter. [ See Adverse Reactions ( 6 ) .] Maximum antihypertensive effects are attained within 2 to 4 weeks after a change in dose. Irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets may be administered with or without food. Irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets may be administered with other antihypertensive agents. Renal Impairment The usual regimens of therapy with irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets may be followed as long as the patient's creatinine clearance is >30 mL/min. In patients with more severe renal impairment, loop diuretics are preferred to thiazides, so irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets are not recommended. Hepatic Impairment No dosage adjustment is necessary in patients with hepatic impairment. 2.2 Add-On Therapy In patients not controlled on monotherapy with irbesartan or hydrochlorothiazide, the recommended doses of irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets, in order of increasing mean effect, are (irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide) 150/12.5 mg, 300/12.5 mg, and 300/25 mg. The largest incremental effect will likely be in the transition from monotherapy to 150/12.5 mg. [See Clinical Studies ( 14.2 ) .] 2.3 Replacement Therapy Irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets may be substituted for the titrated components. 2.4 Initial Therapy The usual starting dose is irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets 150/12.5 mg once daily. The dosage can be increased after 1 to 2 weeks of therapy to a maximum of 300/25 mg once daily as needed to control blood pressure [see Clinical Studies ( 14.2 ) ]. Irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets are not recommended as initial therapy in patients with intravascular volume depletion [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ) ].

    • Side Effects (Adverse Reactions)

    6 ADVERSE REACTIONS

  • Most common adverse events (≥5% on irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets and more often than on placebo) are dizziness, fatigue, and musculoskeletal pain. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Macleods Pharma USA, Inc. at 1-888-943-3210 or 1-855-926-3384 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The adverse reaction information from clinical trials does, however, provide a basis for identifying the adverse events that appear to be related to drug use and for approximating rates. Irbesartan and Hydrochlorothiazide Irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets have been evaluated for safety in 1694 patients treated for essential hypertension in 6 clinical trials. In Studies I through IV with irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets, no adverse events peculiar to this combination drug product have been observed. Adverse events have been limited to those that were reported previously with irbesartan or hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ). The overall incidence of adverse events was similar with the combination and placebo. In general, treatment with irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets was well tolerated. For the most part, adverse events have been mild and transient in nature and have not required discontinuation of therapy. In controlled clinical trials, discontinuation of irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide therapy due to clinical adverse events was required in only 3.6%. This incidence was significantly less (p=0.023) than the 6.8% of patients treated with placebo who discontinued therapy. In these double-blind controlled clinical trials, the following adverse events reported with irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets occurred in ≥1% of patients, and more often on the irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide combination than on placebo, regardless of drug relationship: Irbesartan/ HCTZ (n=898) (%) Placebo (n=236) (%) Irbesartan (n=400) (%) HCTZ (n=380) (%) Body as a Whole Chest Pain 2 1 2 2 Fatigue 6 3 4 3 Influenza 3 1 2 2 Cardiovascular Edema 3 3 2 2 Tachycardia 1 0 1 1 Gastrointestinal Abdominal Pain 2 1 2 2 Dyspepsia/heartburn 2 1 0 2 Nausea/vomiting 3 0 2 2 Immunology Allergy 1 0 1 1 Musculoskeletal Musculoskeletal Pain 6 5 6 10 Nervous System Dizziness 8 4 6 5 Dizziness Orthostatic 1 0 1 1 Renal/Genitourinary Abnormality Urination 2 1 1 2 The following adverse events were also reported at a rate of 1% or greater, but were as, or more, common in the placebo group: headache, sinus abnormality, cough, URI, pharyngitis, diarrhea, rhinitis, urinary tract infection, rash, anxiety/nervousness, and muscle cramp. Adverse events occurred at about the same rates in men and women, older and younger patients, and black and non-black patients. Adverse events in Studies V and VI were similar to those described above in Studies I through IV. Irbesartan Other adverse events that have been reported with irbesartan, without regard to causality, are listed below: Body as a Whole : fever, chills, orthostatic effects, facial edema, upper extremity edema Cardiovascular : flushing, hypertension, cardiac murmur, myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, hypotension, syncope, arrhythmic/conduction disorder, cardiorespiratory arrest, heart failure, hypertensive crisis Dermatologic : pruritus, dermatitis, ecchymosis, erythema face, urticaria Endocrine/Metabolic/Electrolyte Imbalances : sexual dysfunction, libido change, gout Gastrointestinal : diarrhea, constipation, gastroenteritis, flatulence, abdominal distention Musculoskeletal/Connective Tissue : musculoskeletal trauma, extremity swelling, muscle cramp, arthritis, muscle ache, musculoskeletal chest pain, joint stiffness, bursitis, muscle weakness Nervous...

    • Drug Interactions

    7 DRUG INTERACTIONS

  • NSAIDs and selective COX-2 inhibitors: Can reduce diuretic, natriuretic of diuretic, may lead to increased risk of renal impairment and reduced antihypertensive effect. Monitor renal function periodically. ( 7 )
  • Dual blockade of the renin-angiotensin system: Increased risk of renal impairment, hypotension, and hyperkalemia. ( 7 )
  • Antidiabetic drugs: Dosage adjustment of antidiabetic may be required. ( 7 )
  • Cholestyramine and colestipol: Reduced absorption of thiazides. ( 7 )
  • Lithium: Increases in serum lithium concentrations and lithium toxicity. ( 7 )
  • Carbamazepine: Increased risk of hyponatremia. ( 7 ) 7.1 Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Agents Including Selective Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibitors (COX-2 Inhibitors) Irbesartan In patients who are elderly, volume depleted (including those on diuretic therapy), or with compromised renal function, coadministration of NSAIDs, including selective COX-2 inhibitors, with angiotensin II receptor antagonists, including irbesartan, may result in deterioration of renal function, including possible acute renal failure. These effects are usually reversible. Therefore, monitor renal function and blood pressure periodically in patients receiving irbesartan and NSAID therapy. Hydrochlorothiazide Administration of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent, including a selective COX-2 inhibitor can reduce the diuretic, natriuretic, and antihypertensive effects of loop, potassium-sparing, and thiazide diuretics. Therefore, when irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents are used concomitantly, the patient should be observed closely to determine if the desired effect of the diuretic is obtained. 7.2 Dual Blockade of the Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS) Dual blockade of the RAS with angiotensin-receptor blockers, ACE inhibitors, or aliskiren is associated with increased risks of hypotension, hyperkalemia, and changes in renal function (including acute renal failure) compared to monotherapy. Closely monitor blood pressure, renal function, and electrolytes in patients on irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets and other agents that affect the RAS. In most patients no benefit has been associated with using two RAS inhibitors concomitantly. In general, avoid combined use of RAS inhibitors. Do not coadminister aliskiren with irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets in patients with diabetes. Avoid use of aliskiren with irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets in patients with renal impairment (GFR <60 mL/min). 7.3 Agents Increasing Serum Potassium Coadministration of irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets with other drugs that raise serum potassium levels may result in hyperkalemia, sometimes severe. Monitor serum potassium in such patients. 7.4 Antidiabetic Drugs (oral agents and insulin) Dosage adjustment of the antidiabetic drug may be required when coadministered with hydrochlorothiazide. 7.5 Cholestyramine and Colestipol Resins Absorption of...

    • Contraindications

    4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets are contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to any component of this product. Because of the hydrochlorothiazide component, this product is contraindicated in patients with anuria or hypersensitivity to other sulfonamide-derived drugs. Do not coadminister aliskiren with irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets in patients with diabetes [see Drug Interactions ( 7 ) ] .

  • Hypersensitivity to any component of this product. ( 4 )
  • Anuria. ( 4 )
  • Hypersensitivity to sulfonamide-derived drugs. ( 4 )
  • Do not coadminister aliskiren with irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets in patients with diabetes. ( 4 )

    • Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

    8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Use of drugs that act on the renin-angiotensin system during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy reduces fetal renal function and increases fetal and neonatal morbidity and death [see Clinical Considerations] . Most epidemiologic studies examining fetal abnormalities after exposure to antihypertensive use in the first trimester have not distinguished drugs affecting the reninangiotensin system from other antihypertensive agents. When pregnancy is detected, discontinue irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets as soon as possible. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes regardless of drug exposure. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Disease-associated maternal and/or embryo-fetal risk Hypertension in pregnancy increases the maternal risk for preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, premature delivery, and delivery complications (e.g., need for cesarean section and postpartum hemorrhage). Hypertension increases the fetal risk for intrauterine growth restriction and intrauterine death. Pregnant women with hypertension should be carefully monitored and managed accordingly. Fetal/neonatal adverse reactions Oligohydramnios in pregnant women who use drugs affecting the renin-angiotensin system in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy can result in the following: reduced fetal renal function leading to anuria and renal failure, fetal lung hypoplasia, skeletal deformations, including skull hypoplasia, hypotension, and death. Perform serial ultrasound examinations to assess the intra-amniotic environment. Fetal testing may be appropriate, based on the week of pregnancy. Patients and physicians should be aware, however,...

    Overdosage

    10 OVERDOSAGE Irbesartan No data are available in regard to overdosage in humans. However, daily doses of 900 mg for 8 weeks were well tolerated. The most likely manifestations of overdosage are expected to be hypotension and tachycardia; bradycardia might also occur from overdose. Irbesartan is not removed by hemodialysis. To obtain up-to-date information about the treatment of overdosage, a good resource is a certified regional Poison Control Center. Telephone numbers of certified Poison Control Centers are listed in the Physicians’ Desk Reference (PDR) . In managing overdose, consider the possibilities of multiple-drug interactions, drug-drug interactions, and unusual drug kinetics in the patient. Laboratory determinations of serum levels of irbesartan are not widely available, and such determinations have, in any event, no established role in the management of irbesartan overdose. Acute oral toxicity studies with irbesartan in mice and rats indicated acute lethal doses were in excess of 2000 mg/kg, about 25-fold and 50-fold the MRHD (300 mg) based on body surface area. Hydrochlorothiazide The most common signs and symptoms of overdose observed in humans are those caused by electrolyte depletion (hypokalemia, hypochloremia, hyponatremia) and dehydration resulting from excessive diuresis. If digitalis has also been administered, hypokalemia may accentuate cardiac arrhythmias. The degree to which hydrochlorothiazide is removed by hemodialysis has not been established. The oral LD 50 of hydrochlorothiazide is greater than 10 g/kg in both mice and rats.

    How Supplied

    16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING 16.1 How Supplied Irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide film-coated tablets USP have markings on one side and are available in the strengths and packages listed in the following table: Tablet Strength (irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide) Film-Coated Tablet Color/Shape Tablet Markings Package Size NDC Code 150 mg and 12.5 mg peach, oval-shaped "ML 34" debossed on one side and plain on the reverse Bottles of 30 Bottles of 90 Bottles of 500 Blister pack of 30s (3 x 10s unit-dose blister) Blister pack of 90s (9 x 10s unit-dose blister) 33342-057-07 33342-057-10 33342-057-15 33342-057-06 33342-057-39 300 mg and 12.5 mg peach, oval-shaped "ML 33" debossed on one side and plain on the reverse Bottles of 30 Bottles of 90 Bottles of 500 Blister pack of 30s (3 x 10s unit-dose blister) Blister pack of 90s (9 x 10s unit-dose blister) 33342-058-07 33342-058-10 33342-058-15 33342-058-06 33342-058-39 16.2 Storage Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].

    About This Information

    This drug information is sourced from FDA-approved labeling via the openFDA database. It is intended for educational and reference purposes only. This is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making decisions about medication. Drug information may be updated by the FDA; check with your pharmacist for the most current information.

    What are side effects?

    Side effects are unwanted reactions that can occur when taking a medication. They range from mild (headache, nausea) to severe (allergic reactions, organ damage). Not everyone experiences side effects, and severity varies. Report any concerning side effects to your doctor.

    What are drug interactions?

    Drug interactions occur when a medication is affected by another drug, food, or supplement. Interactions can make medications less effective or cause dangerous side effects. Always tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you take.