Avalide: Effective Treatment For Hypertension

Avalide is a combination angiotensin II receptor blocker and diuretic. Avalide is used to treat high blood pressure or hypertension. According to a survey, as many as 50 million people living in America are suffering from high blood pressure, while the occurrence rate among adults is 1 in 5 to 18. It is believed that of the 50 million living with hypertension, 15 million people are unaware of the presence of the disorder. This means that 30% of the hypertensive population remains undiagnosed. Moreover, it is the least detected disease, as it has no observable symptoms.

There are two types of hypertension, primary and secondary. Secondary hypertension can be cured with proper medication. Avalide can be effective in the treatment of hypertension but it should not be taken without a doctor's prescription. Irbesartan/hydrochlorothiazide combination preparations are marketed under trade names similar to irbesartan preparations, including Irda, CoIrda, CoAprovel, Karvezide, Avalide and Avapro HCT.

Avalide tablets contain hydrochlorothiazide and irbesartan. Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic that helps to prevent your body from absorbing too much salt, which can cause fluid retention. Irbesartan is part of a group of drugs known as angiotensin II receptor antagonists. This drug does not permit blood vessels to constrict, which lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow.

Things to Remember While on Avalide

Seek your doctor's advice before you begin treatment with Avalide and take care of the following things:

• If you are allergic to irbesartan or hydrochlorothiazide (Carozide, Diaqua, Ezide HCTZ, HydroDiuril, Microzide, and others), or if you are unable to urinate, avoid taking Avalide.


• It is advised not to use this medication without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. Avalide may prove dangerous and even lead to the death of the unborn baby if you take it during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.


• Stop using Avalide and do not forget to tell your doctor if you become pregnant during the course of medication.


• Stop drinking alcohol. It can lower your blood pressure and may increase some of the side effects of Avalide.


• In some cases (albeit rare), Avalide use may result in damaging the skeletal muscle tissue, which in turn can lead to kidney failure. So, if you experience muscle pain or tenderness, it is recommended that you consult your doctor immediately. Symptoms like fever, nausea and vomiting should not be ignored. Immediate medical help is recommended if you witness dark colored urine.


• Avoid getting overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather.


• Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes while you are taking Avalide, unless you have your doctor's permission to do so.

Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink. In some cases, drinking too much liquid can be as unsafe as not drinking enough.

During pregnancy

This drug can be harmful to an unborn child. Pregnant women should consult their physicians before using Avalide. There is no clinical evidence of whether Avalide can pass into breast milk. Therefore, it is best to avoid this medication if you are breastfeeding. Consult your doctor.

Side Effects

Some of the commonly reported side effects include abdominal pain upper, anorexia, dysgeusia, dyspepsia, eructation, flatulence, gastric hypertonia.