Avapro HCT

Drugs

Generic Name: Hydrochlorothiazide, Irbesartan
Product Name: Avapro HCT

Indication of Avapro HCT
Action of Avapro HCT
Dose advice of Avapro HCT
Schedule of Avapro HCT
Common side effects of Avapro HCT
Uncommon side effects of Avapro HCT
Reference

Indication of Avapro HCT:

Avapro HCT is used in treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure).

Action of Avapro HCT:

Avapro HCT consists of two active ingredients known as irbesartan and hydrocholorothiazide. Both medicines are used to reduce blood pressure (BP) in different ways. Irbesartan belongs to a group of medicines known as Angiotensin II receptor blockers. Angiotensin II is a substance produced in the body and is responsible for constricting the blood vessels. In doing so, it changes the normal blood flow through these vessels and results in an increase in the BP. The action of irbesartan is to inhibit binding of Angiotensin II to Angiotensin II receptors. Thereby, it relaxes the blood vessels and helps to reduce BP by improving the blood flow through these vessels. On the other hand hydrochlorothiazide belongs to a class of medicines known as diuretics. Diuretics cause an increase in the volume of urine and help to lower the BP. Combination of these two medicines helps to lower the BP more effectively.

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Dose advice of Avapro HCT:

Avapro HCT is available in strengths of irbesartan 150 mg/ hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg and irbesartan 300 mg/ hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg tablets. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dose for your condition and how many tablets you need to take daily.

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Schedule of Avapro HCT:

Schedule 4

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Common side effects of Avapro HCT:

Most side effects with Avapro HCT are mild and temporary but if troublesome or cause any concern, contact your doctor. The more common side effects that occur in less than 10% of patients who are taking Avapro HCT are:

Dizziness or light-headedness
Fatigue - feeling tired
Headache
Nausea and vomiting
Sexual problems

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Uncommon side effects of Avapro HCT:

The following side effects occur in less than 1% of patients who are taking Avapro HCT. Do not be alarmed by this list as they are uncommon and a patient will not necessarily experience any of these side effects. If you experience any of these side effects contact your doctor immediately.

Skin rash or itchiness
Aching muscles or aching joints, not caused by exercise
Muscle pain
Buzzing, ringing or other persistent noise in the ears
Changes in heart rhythm
Unable to urinate (passing water) as much as normal
Numbness or tingling in fingers or toes
Painful, swollen joints which may be symptoms of gout
Fainting
Insomnia
Yellowing of the skin and/or eyes, also known as jaundice
Excessive thirst and passing an increased amounts of urine than normal
Increased appetite with weight loss
Feeling depressed, irritable and generally unwell.

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Reference:

MIMS Online. Avapro HCT. [cited 2007 September 4]. Available from: http://mims.hcn.net.au.ezproxy.library.uwa.edu.au.
APPguide online. Avapro HCT. [cited 2007 September 4]. Available from: http://www.appco.com.au/appguide/default.asp.
Australian Medicine Handbook. Adelaide: AMH Pty Ltd; 2006.

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For further information talk to your doctor.