Avalide

Avalide is used to lower high blood pressure in adults. Avalide contains two prescription medicines in one tablet: irbesartan (Avapro), an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB), and hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic (water pill).

What is the most important information I should know about Avalide?
Avalide should not be taken during pregnancy; this drug may cause severe birth defects.
Your blood pressure should be checked before and during Avalide therapy. Avalide may make your blood pressure too low, especially during the first days of use. If you faint, stop taking Avalide until you can talk to your doctor.
Take Avalide exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from Avalide.
Take this medication with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.
To be sure Avalide is helping your condition, your blood pressure will need to be checked on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
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 Avalide, 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.

What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
Overdose symptoms may include fast or slow heartbeat, feeling light-headed, or fainting.

What should I avoid while taking Avalide?
Avoid drinking alcohol. It can lower your blood pressure and may increase some of the side effects of Avalide.
Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink. In some cases, drinking too much liquid can be as unsafe as not drinking enough.
Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes while you are taking Avalide, unless your doctor has told you to.

Side effects:
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

In rare cases, Avalide can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, nausea or vomiting, and dark colored urine.

Call your doctor at once if you have any other serious side effects such as:

    *feeling like you might pass out;
    *chest pain, feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;
    *fever;
    *swelling, rapid weight gain;
    *urinating more or less than usual, or not at all;
    *jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
    *dry mouth, increased thirst, drowsiness, restless feeling, confusion, increased urination, fast heart rate, feeling light-headed, fainting, or seizure (convulsions).