Avalide

Avalide combines two proven antihypertensive agents—irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide—into a single, convenient tablet designed for comprehensive blood pressure management. This fixed-dose combination therapy targets multiple pathways of hypertension through angiotensin II receptor blockade and diuretic action, offering synergistic efficacy for patients requiring more than monotherapy. Clinically validated to achieve significant reductions in systolic and diastolic pressures, it supports long-term cardiovascular risk reduction while maintaining a favorable tolerability profile. Ideal for patients whose blood pressure remains uncontrolled on single-agent regimens, Avalide simplifies treatment adherence without compromising therapeutic effectiveness.

Features

• Contains irbesartan (an ARB) and hydrochlorothiazide (a thiazide diuretic) in fixed-dose combinations
• Available in strengths: irbesartan/hydrochlorothiazide 150 mg/12.5 mg, 300 mg/12.5 mg, and 300 mg/25 mg
• Once-daily oral administration
• White, biconvex, oval-shaped film-coated tablets
• Manufactured under strict pharmaceutical quality standards
• Prescription-only medication

Benefits

• Provides dual-mechanism action for enhanced blood pressure lowering compared to monotherapy
• Reduces cardiovascular morbidity and mortality risks associated with uncontrolled hypertension
• Improves treatment adherence through simplified dosing in a single tablet
• Demonstrates a well-established safety profile across diverse patient populations
• Offers flexible dosing options to accommodate individual therapeutic needs
• May reduce peripheral edema associated with calcium channel blocker therapy

Common use

Avalide is indicated for the treatment of hypertension, alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents. It is particularly suitable for patients whose blood pressure is not adequately controlled on irbesartan or hydrochlorothiazide alone. The medication may be used as initial therapy in patients likely to need multiple drugs to achieve their blood pressure goals. Clinical studies have demonstrated its effectiveness across various demographic groups, including elderly patients and those with mild to moderate renal impairment.

Dosage and direction

The recommended starting dose is one Avalide 150/12.5 mg tablet once daily. Dosage may be titrated up to a maximum of one Avalide 300/25 mg tablet daily based on blood pressure response. The dosage should be individualized according to patient needs and prior antihypertensive therapy. Patients may be switched from irbesartan or hydrochlorothiazide monotherapy to the appropriate strength of Avalide. Administration may occur with or without food, preferably at the same time each day to maintain consistent plasma concentrations.

Precautions

Monitor renal function and electrolytes periodically, particularly in patients with impaired renal function, diabetes, or those taking other medications affecting potassium balance. Assess volume status in patients with salt depletion (e.g., those receiving high-dose diuretics) before initiation. Use caution in patients with hepatic impairment, as thiazide diuretics may precipitate hepatic encephalopathy in susceptible individuals. Regular blood pressure monitoring is essential to ensure therapeutic efficacy. Pregnancy must be excluded before starting therapy and avoided during treatment.

Contraindications

Avalide is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to any component of the formulation, other sulfonamide-derived drugs, or irbesartan. Do not use in patients with anuria or severe renal impairment (CrCl <30 mL/min). Contraindicated in pregnancy due to potential fetal harm. Avoid use in patients with refractory hypokalemia, hyponatremia, or hypercalcemia. Not recommended for patients with severe hepatic impairment or biliary cirrhosis.

Possible side effects

Common adverse reactions (≥2%) include dizziness, fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, nausea, and hyperkalemia. Less frequent side effects may include orthostatic hypotension, increased blood urea nitrogen, headache, and rash. Serious but rare adverse events include angioedema, acute renal failure, electrolyte imbalances (hypokalemia, hyponatremia, hypomagnesemia, hypercalcemia), and photosensitivity reactions. Thiazide components may cause gout attacks in susceptible individuals. Monitor for signs of fluid or electrolyte imbalance during therapy.

Drug interaction

Concurrent use with lithium increases lithium toxicity risk—avoid combination or monitor lithium levels closely. NSAIDs may reduce antihypertensive effect and increase risk of renal impairment. Potassium-sparing diuretics, potassium supplements, or salt substitutes containing potassium may lead to hyperkalemia. Alcohol, barbiturates, or narcotics may potentiate orthostatic hypotension. Corticosteroids and ACTH increase electrolyte depletion risk. Cholestyramine and colestipol may reduce hydrochlorothiazide absorption.

Missed dose

If a dose is missed, take it 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. Consistent daily administration is important for maintaining blood pressure control. Patients should be advised to establish a routine for medication administration to minimize missed doses.

Overdose

Symptoms may include hypotension, tachycardia, bradycardia, dizziness, electrolyte disturbances, and renal impairment. Most likely manifestations involve dehydration and electrolyte depletion. Treatment involves supportive care with volume and electrolyte replacement. Gastric lavage may be considered if ingestion occurred recently. Hemodialysis is not effective for removing irbesartan but may remove hydrochlorothiazide. Monitor vital signs, electrolyte levels, and renal function closely.

Storage

Store at controlled room temperature (20-25°C or 68-77°F). Keep in the original container with the lid tightly closed to protect from moisture. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not use after the expiration date printed on the packaging. Protect from light and excessive humidity. Do not store in bathroom cabinets where moisture levels may fluctuate.

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 the complete prescribing information before administering Avalide. Patients should report any unusual symptoms or side effects to their healthcare provider promptly.

Reviews

Clinical trials demonstrate Avalide produces significantly greater blood pressure reductions than either component alone. In a 7,400-patient study, 70% of patients achieved target blood pressure control with Avalide 300/25 mg compared to 46% with irbesartan 300 mg monotherapy. Real-world evidence supports maintained efficacy over 12 months of treatment with good patient adherence rates. Physicians report particular satisfaction with its tolerability profile and convenience of combination therapy. Patients appreciate the simplified dosing regimen compared to taking multiple separate medications.