1. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Slideshow Pictures
2. Take the Salt Quiz!
3. Lowering Blood Pressure Exercise Tips Slideshow Pictures

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking hydrochlorothiazide and irbesartan (Avalide)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to irbesartan or hydrochlorothiazide (Carozide, Diaqua, Ezide HCTZ, HydroDiuril, Microzide, and others), or if you are unable to urinate.

To make sure you can safely take hydrochlorothiazide and irbesartan, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• kidney disease;
• liver disease;
• congestive heart failure;
• glaucoma;
• low or high levels of potassium in your blood;
• asthma or allergies;
• high cholesterol or triglyceride levels;
• gout;
• lupus;
• diabetes; or
• an allergy to sulfa drugs or penicillin.

FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use hydrochlorothiazide and irbesartan if you are pregnant. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Irbesartan can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your second or third trimester. Use effective birth control while taking hydrochlorothiazide and irbesartan.

It is not known whether hydrochlorothiazide and irbesartan passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using hydrochlorothiazide and irbesartan.

How should I take hydrochlorothiazide and irbesartan (Avalide)?

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results.

Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. Visit your doctor regularly.

Call your doctor if you have ongoing vomiting or diarrhea, or if you are sweating more than usual. You can easily become dehydrated while taking this medication, which can lead to severely low blood pressure or a serious electrolyte imbalance.

Hydrochlorothiazide can interfere with the results of a thyroid test. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using this medication.

It may take up to 4 weeks for this medication to control your blood pressure. Keep using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.

If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using hydrochlorothiazide and irbesartan. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Need help identifying pills and medications?
Use the pill finder tool on RxList.