Irbesartan
Brand names: Aprovel
Irbesartan is an angiotensin-II receptor blocker (ARB) used for hypertension and for nephropathy in type-2 diabetes.
ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.
US labelling (FDA)
Reference — US labelling, may differ from UKIndication Dose Hypertension ( 2.2 ) 150 to 300 mg once daily Diabetic Nephropathy ( 2.3 ) 300 mg once daily 2.1 General Considerations Irbesartan tablets may be administered with other antihypertensive agents and with or without food. 2.2 Hypertension The recommended initial dose of irbesartan tablets is 150 mg once daily. The dosage can be increased to a maximum dose of 300 mg once daily as needed to control blood pressure [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ]. 2.3 Nephropathy in Type 2 Diabetic Patients The recommended dose is 300 mg once daily [see Clinical Studies (14.2) ]. 2.4 Dose Adjustment in Volume and Salt-Depleted Patients The recommended initial dose is 75 mg once daily in patients …
Source: US FDA prescribing information (openFDA / DailyMed), label dated 2026-01-27. Accessed 2026-06-12. US dosing and indications can differ from UK practice — use UK sources for prescribing decisions.
Clinical monograph
How it works
It blocks the angiotensin-II type-1 receptor, reducing vasoconstriction and aldosterone-driven sodium and water retention without inhibiting ACE.
Prescribing in practice
- Do not combine an ARB with an ACE inhibitor, as dual blockade increases the risk of hyperkalaemia, hypotension and renal impairment.
- Hyperkalaemia and reductions in renal function can occur; check renal function and potassium before starting and after dose changes.
- Avoid in pregnancy and in bilateral renal artery stenosis; ARBs are a useful alternative when ACE-inhibitor cough is a problem, as cough is much less common.
Monitoring
Monitor renal function, serum potassium and blood pressure before treatment, after dose adjustments and periodically during therapy.
Counselling the patient
- Tell your clinician at once if you think you may be pregnant, as this medicine must be stopped.
- Report swelling of the face, lips or throat, and avoid potassium-based salt substitutes.
Evidence & guidelines
Guideline-recommended for hypertension and diabetic kidney disease (NICE NG136, NG203).
Reference: NICE NG136; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Acute Heart Failure · ESC 2021 Heart Failure Guidelines; NICE NG106
- NSTEMI / Unstable Angina · ESC 2020 NSTEMI Guidelines; NICE NG185
- New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation · ESC 2020 AF Guidelines; NICE NG196
- Hypertensive Emergency · ESC/ESH 2018 Hypertension Guidelines; NICE NG136
- Bradycardia Management · Resuscitation Council UK ABCDE; ESC 2021 Pacing Guidelines
- Ventricular Tachycardia / Fibrillation · Resuscitation Council UK ACLS; ESC 2022 Ventricular Arrhythmia Guidelines