Avalide combines two proven antihypertensive agents—irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide—into a single, convenient tablet designed for patients requiring multiple medications to achieve blood pressure targets. This fixed-dose combination therapy leverages complementary mechanisms of action: irbesartan blocks the vasoconstrictive effects of angiotensin II, while hydrochlorothiazide promotes diuresis and reduces plasma volume. Clinical studies demonstrate superior efficacy compared to monotherapy, with significant reductions in both systolic and diastolic readings. Ideal for patients whose hypertension remains uncontrolled on single-agent regimens, Avalide simplifies treatment adherence while providing potent, 24-hour coverage. Its well-established safety profile makes it a cornerstone therapy in modern hypertension management.

Features

• Contains irbesartan (an angiotensin II receptor blocker) and hydrochlorothiazide (a thiazide diuretic)
• Available in multiple strength combinations: 150/12.5 mg, 300/12.5 mg, and 300/25 mg tablets
• Once-daily dosing regimen for consistent 24-hour blood pressure control
• Film-coated tablets designed for easy swallowing and minimal gastrointestinal irritation
• Manufactured under strict pharmaceutical quality control standards
• Stable at room temperature with a standard shelf life of 24 months

Benefits

• Provides dual-mechanism action for enhanced blood pressure reduction compared to monotherapy
• Improves medication adherence through simplified once-daily dosing
• Demonstrates proven efficacy in reducing cardiovascular risk associated with hypertension
• Offers flexible dosing options to accommodate individual patient needs and response
• Minimizes pill burden for patients requiring multiple antihypertensive agents
• Maintains consistent 24-hour blood pressure control, including during the early morning surge period

Common use

Avalide is primarily indicated for the treatment of hypertension in patients whose blood pressure is not adequately controlled on monotherapy with either irbesartan or hydrochlorothiazide. It may also be prescribed as initial combination therapy for patients who are likely to need multiple drugs to achieve their blood pressure goals, particularly those with stage 2 hypertension or above 20/10 mmHg from goal. The medication is commonly used in patients with essential hypertension and may be particularly beneficial for those with salt-sensitive hypertension due to the diuretic component. Clinical practice often incorporates Avalide into treatment regimens for patients with comorbid conditions where both components provide additional benefits.

Dosage and direction

The recommended starting dose is one Avalide 150/12.5 mg tablet once daily. dosage may be titrated up to 300/25 mg once daily based on blood pressure response. The maximum recommended daily dose is 300 mg irbesartan/25 mg hydrochlorothiazide. tablets should be taken with or without food, preferably at the same time each day to maintain consistent plasma levels. dose titration should generally occur at 2-4 week intervals. For patients already maintained on individual components, the switch to Avalide should use doses as close as possible to their current irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide doses. elderly patients or those with renal impairment may require dosage adjustment, particularly if creatinine clearance is below 30 mL/min.

Precautions

Monitor renal function and electrolytes periodically, especially during initial treatment and after dosage adjustments. assess volume status in patients with impaired renal function, heart failure, or cirrhosis. use caution in patients with severe hepatic impairment as hydrochlorothiazide may precipitate hepatic coma. monitor for signs of fluid or electrolyte imbalance including hyponatremia, hypokalemia, and hypomagnesemia. patients with sulfonamide allergy may exhibit cross-sensitivity to hydrochlorothiazide. adequate contraception is required in women of childbearing potential due to potential fetal toxicity. periodic monitoring of blood glucose is recommended as hydrochlorothiazide may alter glucose tolerance. observe for clinical signs of lupus erythematosus exacerbation in susceptible patients.

Contraindications

Anuria or hypersensitivity to sulfonamide-derived drugs. patients with known hypersensitivity to any component of Avalide. contraindicated in pregnancy due to potential for fetal injury and death. should not be used in patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <30 mL/min). not recommended for patients with refractory hypokalemia, hyponatremia, or hypercalcemia. contraindicated in patients with hepatic impairment accompanied by cirrhosis and ascites. should not be administered concomitantly with aliskiren in patients with diabetes or renal impairment.

Possible side effect

Common adverse reactions (≥2%) include dizziness, fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, nausea, hyperkalemia or hypokalemia, and orthostatic hypotension. less frequent side effects may include headache, dyspepsia, diarrhea, elevated liver enzymes, and increased blood urea nitrogen. rare but serious adverse effects include angioedema, acute renal failure, pancreatitis, photosensitivity reactions, and electrolyte imbalances. hydrochlorothiazide component may cause hyperuricemia and gout in susceptible patients. some patients may experience decreased libido or erectile dysfunction. monitoring should include periodic assessment of renal function, electrolytes, and uric acid levels.

Drug interaction

Concomitant use with lithium increases lithium toxicity risk—monitor lithium levels closely. NSAIDs may reduce antihypertensive effect and increase risk of renal impairment. potassium-sparing diuretics or potassium supplements may lead to hyperkalemia. concurrent use with other antihypertensives may potentiate blood pressure lowering effects. cholestyramine and colestipol may reduce hydrochlorothiazide absorption. alcohol, barbiturates, or narcotics may potentiate orthostatic hypotension. corticosteroids and ACTH increase electrolyte depletion risk. may alter insulin requirements in diabetic patients. concomitant use with gold compounds may rarely cause nitritoid reactions.

Missed dose

If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered on the same day. if it is near the time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume the regular dosing schedule. do not double the dose to make up for a missed dose. patients should be educated about the importance of consistent dosing but reassured that occasional missed doses, while not ideal, are not typically dangerous. however, consistent missed doses may lead to inadequate blood pressure control. consider using pill organizers or reminder systems for patients with frequent missed doses.

Overdose

Symptoms may include hypotension, tachycardia, bradycardia, dizziness, decreased urinary output, electrolyte disturbances, and renal impairment. most common manifestations are hypotension and dizziness due to excessive pharmacodynamic effects. treatment is supportive and includes gastric lavage if recent ingestion. intravenous normal saline is indicated for volume depletion. monitor electrolytes and renal function closely. symptomatic hypotension may require vasopressor therapy. hemodialysis is not effective for irbesartan removal but may help correct electrolyte imbalances. there is no specific antidote. patients should be monitored for at least 24 hours due to the prolonged duration of action.

Storage

Store at controlled room temperature 20°-25°C (68°-77°F) with excursions permitted between 15°-30°C (59°-86°F). keep container tightly closed and protect from moisture and light. keep out of reach of children. do not use after expiration date printed on packaging. avoid storing in bathroom cabinets where humidity levels may fluctuate. tablets should be kept in their original blister packaging until time of administration. do not transfer to alternative containers that may not provide adequate moisture protection. properly dispose of any unused medication after treatment completion or expiration.

Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting or changing any medication regimen. individual patient responses may vary. the prescribing physician should be familiar with complete prescribing information before initiating therapy. this summary does not include all possible information about Avalide and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical judgment. patients should report any adverse reactions to their healthcare provider promptly.

Reviews

Clinical trials demonstrate Avalide produces significant blood pressure reductions with mean sitting systolic/diastolic decreases of 20-25/10-15 mmHg at highest doses. patients report high satisfaction with once-daily dosing convenience compared to multiple pills. physicians note excellent efficacy in difficult-to-control hypertension cases, particularly in salt-sensitive patients. some reports of dizziness during initial titration phase, typically resolving with continued therapy. long-term users appreciate consistent 24-hour coverage without breakthrough hypertension. combination therapy shows improved adherence rates over free combinations of separate components. overall, considered a valuable option in the hypertension treatment arsenal with established efficacy and safety profile.