One component, irbesartan is an angiotensin II receptor inhibitor, also called angiotensin II receptor antagonist, and is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). Irbesartan prevents the hormone angiotensin II from constricting the blood vessels, thereby allowing blood to flow more freely and keeping blood pressure down.

The other component, hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic . Hydrochlorothiazide increases the amount of water and salt you lose in your urine and decreases edema (swelling or fluid retention) and thus lowering blood pressure.

Combinations such as Generic Avalide are usually prescribed only when treatment with a single medication fails to lower blood pressure sufficiently. Generic Avalide can be combined with yet other blood pressure medicines if your pressure remains too high.

Hydrochlorothiazide is in a class of medications called diuretics (water pills). It works by causing the the kidneys to get rid of unneeded water and salt from the body into the urine.

Together, hydrochlorothiazide and irbesartan are used to reduce hypertension (high blood pressure).

Generic Avalide can be taken with or without food.

If you miss an Generic Avalide dose

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at the same time.

Generic Avalide tablets come in two strengths:

150 milligrams irbesartan with 12.5 milligrams hydrochlorothiazide

300 milligrams irbesartan with 12.5 milligrams hydrochlorothiazide

Adults
The usual starting dose of Generic Avalide is one 150 milligrams irbesartan with 12.5 milligrams hydrochlorothiazide tablet daily.

It will take 2 to 4 weeks for Generic Avalide to reach its maximum effectiveness. If your blood pressure does not respond to the initial dosage, your doctor may increase the dosage to one 300 milligrams irbesartan with 12.5 milligrams hydrochlorothiazide tablet or 2 lower-strength tablets taken once a day.

Generic Avalide controls high blood pressure but does not cure it. Continue to take Generic Avalide even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Generic Avalide without first talking to your doctor. If you stop taking Generic Avalide suddenly, your condition could become worse.

Generic Avalide Overdose
Generic Avalide taken in excess can have serious consequences. Information on Generic Avalide overdose is limited, but extremely low blood pressure and an unusually rapid or slow heartbeat are likely signs of an overdose.

Other signs of Generic Avalide overdose may include dry mouth, excessive thirst, muscle cramps, weakness, restlessness, confusion, and nausea. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

Generic Avalide Storage instructions
Store Generic Avalide at room temperature.

If Generic Avalide is taken with certain other drugs the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Generic Avalide with the following:

• Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
• Barbiturates such as phenobarbital and Seconal
• Cholestyramine (Questran)
• Colestipol (Colestid)
• Insulin
• Lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid)
• Narcotic painkillers such as Demerol, Tylenol with Codeine, and Percocet
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Aleve, Anaprox, and Motrin
• Other blood pressure medications such as Procardia XL and Tenormin
• Oral diabetes drugs such as Diabinese, DiaBeta, and Glucotrol
• Steroids such as prednisone

If you have high blood pressure, you must take Generic Avalide regularly for it to be effective. Since blood pressure declines gradually, it may be several weeks before you get the full benefit of Generic Avalide and you must continue taking it even if you are feeling well. Generic Avalide does not cure high blood pressure, it merely keeps it under control.

Special precautions if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
When used in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, Generic Avalide can cause injury and even death to the unborn child. Do not take Generic Avalide if you are pregnant. If you know you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, tell your doctor immediately. Hydrochlorothiazide passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant. It is not known whether irbesartan passes into breast milk. Do not take Generic Avalide without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Special warnings about Generic Avalide
Generic Avalide can cause low blood pressure, especially if your body is short of fluid. This can happen due to excessive sweating, inadequate fluid intake, diarrhea, or vomiting, as well as dialysis or use of another diuretic. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids, and call your doctor if your mouth becomes dry, you feel weak or tired or sluggish, you are unusually thirsty, you feel restless or confused, you ache all over, you find you are urinating less frequently, your heart starts beating faster, or you become nauseous.

If your blood pressure drops excessively, you may feel light-headed or faint, especially during the first few days of therapy. If these symptoms occur, contact your doctor. Your dosage may need adjustment. If you actually faint, stop taking Generic Avalide until you have talked with your doctor.

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Generic Avalide may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. Also use caution when rising from a sitting or lying position.

If you have liver or kidney disease, diabetes, gout, or lupus erythematosus, use Generic Avalide with caution. Generic Avalide may bring out hidden diabetes. If you are already taking insulin or oral diabetes drugs, your dosage may have to be adjusted. If you have bronchial asthma or a history of allergies, you may be at greater risk for an allergic reaction to Generic Avalide.

Stop taking Generic Avalide and contact your doctor if lightheadedness or fainting occurs.

Generic Avalide has not been tested in children.

Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase the drowsiness and dizziness that may occur while you are taking an Generic Avalide.

Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Generic Avalide may increase the sensitivity of your skin to sunlight. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when exposure to the sun is unavoidable.

Why Generic Avalide should not be prescribed?
If Generic Avalide gives you an allergic reaction, you will be unable to use it. You should also avoid it if you have an allergy to sulfa drugs, and if you are unable to urinate.

More common side effects of Generic Avalide may include:
Dizziness, fatigue, influenza, muscle and bone pain, nausea, swelling due to water retention, vomiting.

Less common side effects of Generic Avalide may include:
Abdominal pain, abnormal urination, allergy, anxiety, chest pain, cough, diarrhea, dizziness when standing up, headache, hives, indigestion and heartburn, jaundice (yellow skin or eyes), muscle cramps, nervousness, rapid heartbeat, rash, runny nose, sinus abnormality, sore throat, swelling in the mouth or face, upper respiratory infection, urinary tract infection.