Medication: Avalide (Combination)
Written by: jchodirker | Posted: Apr 24 2009
How Avalide Reduces Blood Pressure
Avalide is a combination of Irbesartan and Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ).
Irbesartan is an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB). Angiotensin II is a chemical that causes the muscles surrounding the blood vessels to contract (tighten). This in turn narrows the blood vessels. This narrowing increases the pressure within the blood vessels and can cause high blood pressure (hypertension). Irbesartan blocks the action of angiotensin II. As a result, the blood vessels dilate (relax) and blood pressure is reduced.
HCTZ is a thiazide diuretic (water pill) decreases the amount of fluid in your body by increasing the amount of salt and water you lose in your urine.
The combination of these drugs forms Avalide which is used to treat blood pressure.
Other combination drugs include Benicar HCT, Dyazide, and Lotrel.
Although these medications are beneficial, many times they are not enough to control your blood pressure.
Click here for additional information including side effects.
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Dec 4, 2009 - 06:12:33There are some drugs that when interacting with avalide will actually increase the side effects. They are:
. Allopurinol
. Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen)
. Blood pressure medications
. Bosentan
. Delavirdine
. Diabetic medications
. Dofetilide
. Fluconazole
. Griseofulvin
. Hawthorn or horse chestnut
. Imatinib
. Lithium
. Potassium salts or potassium supplements
. Prochlorperazine
. Rifampin and some more
Reference: http://www.internationaldrugmart.com/avalide.html