Do you also use this medicine for blood pressure? (Irbesartan; Hydrochlorothiazide)

High blood pressure, or as we all know it, "pressure" is a health problem that many people in our country are facing today. So your doctor may have prescribed you medication to treat it. Sometimes, instead of a single medication, you may be given a combination pill that contains two medications. Today, we are going to talk about one such commonly prescribed medication, the combination of Irbesartan and Hydrochlorothiazide.

What does this medicine actually do to our bodies?

Simply put, there are two main types of medication in this pill. These two work together to control your blood pressure.

1. Irbesartan: This belongs to the class of drugs called ARB (Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker). Think of the blood vessels in your body as pipes that carry water. If these pipes become tight, that is, blocked, it is difficult for water to flow through, right? That is how the pressure increases. What Irbesartan does is to relax the walls of your blood vessels. Then the blood can flow easily without any obstruction. This reduces blood pressure.

2. Hydrochlorothiazide: This belongs to the group of drugs called 'Diuretics'. These are commonly referred to as "water pills" . They work by helping your kidneys to excrete excess water and salt from your body through urine. When your body's fluid levels decrease, the pressure inside your blood vessels also decreases.

So this medicine helps control your high blood pressure in both ways.

Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine

It is very important that your doctor is fully aware of your health condition before prescribing this medicine to you. Therefore, if you have any of the conditions below, be sure to tell them about it.

• If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant: This is very important. This medicine can cause serious harm to an unborn baby during pregnancy, especially in the second and third trimesters. So be sure to tell your doctor about this.
• If you are a mother who is breastfeeding.
• If you have diabetes .
• If you have kidney disease or a lack of urination.
• If you have liver disease .
• If you have an immune system disease like lupus .
• If you have allergies to this medicine (Irbesartan, Hydrochlorothiazide), sulfa drugs, or any other ingredients.
• If you are following a low salt diet .

How to use the medicine correctly?

The most important thing is to take the medicine exactly as prescribed by the doctor, at the right time.

• Get into the habit of taking your medicine at the same time every day.
• This can be taken before or after meals, but if you experience stomach upset, it is best to take it with food.
• Continue taking the medication until your doctor tells you to stop. Don't stop on your own even if you think your blood pressure has gone down.

What to do if you miss a dose of medication?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.

What if I take too much medicine?

If you suspect that you have taken more medicine than you think, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.

Other things that may interact with this medicine

If you are taking other medications, vitamins, or herbs while you are taking this medicine, they may interact with it. So tell your doctor about everything you are taking.

This list is not complete. So don't forget to tell your doctor about all the medications, herbs, and vitamins you take, as well as if you drink alcohol or smoke .

Special points to be aware of when taking the medicine

• Check your blood pressure regularly: If you have a blood pressure monitor at home, measure your blood pressure regularly and write it down on a piece of paper. Take it with you when you go to see the doctor.
• Do not let your body become dehydrated (dehydration): This medicine reduces the amount of water in your body, so it is very important that you drink enough water. Ask your doctor how much water you should drink per day. If you have severe diarrhea, vomiting , or are sweating a lot , dehydration can be dangerous with this medicine. In such cases, talk to your doctor.
• Dizziness and drowsiness: You may feel a little dizzy and drowsy when you first start taking this medicine. Therefore, avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. Avoid getting up quickly from bed or sitting, especially if you are elderly. Get up slowly.
• Be careful with the sun: This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to the sun. This means you may burn more easily. So if you are going to be in the sun, use sunscreen, wear clothing that covers your body, and wear a hat.
• Don't take other medications on your own: Don't buy over-the-counter medications for coughs, colds, or body aches. Some of the ingredients in these medications can increase your blood pressure. Consult your doctor before taking anything.

What are the possible side effects?

Like any medicine, this one can cause side effects in some people. Some of them may require immediate medical attention, while others may be normal.

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