Common use

Antihypertensive drug, antagonist of angiotensin receptors II. It specifically and irreversibly blocks receptors of angiotensin which leads to diminishing of biological effects of angiotensin II. Angiotensin II effects include vasoconstriction and stimulating influence on excretion of aldosterone and activation of sympathetic nervous system. As a consequence arterial pressure diminishes and the heart does not have to work as hard to pump blood. It does not influence concentration or triglycerides, content of cholesterol, glucose, uric acid in blood plasma and excretion of uric acid with urine.

Dosage and direction

Initial dose is 150 mg and it can be increased up to 300 mg on necessity. In some cases as low chloride diet, treatment with certain diuretics and others initial dose size should be smaller. Avapro is taken once a day preferably at the same time.

Precautions

It should be administered with kidney or liver failure, congestive heart failure, after strong vomit or diarrhea and also during simultaneous treatment with potassium saving diuretics or medications containing potassium. This drug causes serious harm to unborn baby (possibly death) if it is administered and used during the last six months of pregnancy.

Contraindications

Pregnancy, infancy, hypersensitivity to Avapro.

Possible side effect

The most common side effects include diarrhea, abdominal pain or heartburn. In case you experience allergic reaction to the medication (fever, difficult breathing, hives) contact your doctor. Avapro can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue and then in kidney failure. Also call your doctor if you have muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have vomiting, and dark colored urine, difficult urination.

Drug interaction

No important drug interactions were described for this medication. At simultaneous intake with potassium-saving diuretics level of potassium may be increased in blood plasma.

Missed dose

Never take a double dose of this medication. If it is almost time of the next dose just skip the missed portion and continue to take the medicine according to the schedule.

Overdose

Immediate medical help is needed in case of overdose which symptoms include fast or slow heartbeat, dizziness.

Storage

Tablets should be stored at room temperature, 15-30 C (59-86 F).

Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information on the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.

Please find the full description of Avapro at Drugs.com and general information at Wikipedia