Usage of Irbeloc 150
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Management of essential hypertension
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First-line antihypertensive in patients intolerant to ACE inhibitors
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Diabetic nephropathy in Type 2 diabetes with hypertension and proteinuria
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Renal protection in hypertensive patients with microalbuminuria
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May also be used in hypertensive patients at high cardiovascular risk
Common Side Effects
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Dizziness or light-headedness (especially during initiation)
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Fatigue
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Hyperkalemia (rare)
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Elevated serum creatinine in patients with renal compromise
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Less commonly: GI discomfort, headache, musculoskeletal pain
Note: Cough and angioedema are significantly less common than with ACE inhibitors.
Precautions
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Renal function impairment: Monitor creatinine and potassium
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Volume-depleted patients (e.g., on diuretics): Risk of symptomatic hypotension
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Hyperkalemia risk: Especially in diabetics or patients on potassium-sparing diuretics
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Avoid in pregnancy – Category D
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Use caution in bilateral renal artery stenosis
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Not recommended for use in children under 18 years without specialist advice
Drug Interactions
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Potassium supplements / potassium-sparing diuretics: Risk of hyperkalemia
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NSAIDs: May reduce antihypertensive effect and worsen renal function
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Lithium: Increased serum lithium levels and toxicity risk
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Other antihypertensives: Additive BP-lowering effect
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Minimal CYP450 metabolism — lower interaction risk than many other agents
Dosage and Administration
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Usual starting and maintenance dose: 150 mg once daily
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Can be increased to 300 mg once daily if needed for better BP control
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Taken with or without food
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Consider lower starting dose (75 mg) in volume-depleted or hemodialysis patients
Storage
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Store in a cool, dry place below 25°C
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Protect from light and moisture
Patient Counselling Tips
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Take medication regularly at the same time each day
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Do not stop therapy suddenly without physician advice
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Inform about possible dizziness—especially when rising from sitting/lying position
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Advise on low-sodium diet and limiting potassium-rich foods/supplements
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Encourage regular monitoring of BP, kidney function, and electrolytes
