Angiotensin Receptor Blocker (ARB) — Blood Pressure Medicine
Last reviewed June 2026
Who is this for?
Irbesartan is a blood pressure-lowering drug that works by relaxing your blood vessels so blood can flow more easily, reducing the pressure on your heart. It belongs to a group called ARBs (angiotensin receptor blockers) that block a chemical in your body that tightens blood vessels.
Blocks angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptors on vascular smooth muscle and aldosterone-secreting cells, preventing vasoconstriction and sodium retention, thereby reducing blood pressure and protecting against end-organ damage in hypertension and diabetic nephropathy.
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
Adults usually start with one 150 mg tablet once a day. Your doctor may increase it to 300 mg once daily if your blood pressure is not well controlled. You can take it with or without food, but try to take it at the same time every day so you don't forget. Swallow the tablet whole with water.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue your normal schedule. Do not take two tablets at once to make up for the one you missed.
Buy only from licensed pharmacies — avoid roadside drug sellers or open market drugs, as fake blood pressure medicines are common in Nigeria. Do not stop taking irbesartan suddenly because your blood pressure feels normal — high blood pressure often has no symptoms but still damages your body. Always go for regular check-ups so your doctor can monitor your blood pressure and kidney function.
Avoid taking irbesartan with potassium supplements or potassium-rich salt substitutes as it can raise your potassium to dangerous levels. Be careful if you are also taking painkillers like ibuprofen or diclofenac regularly, as they can reduce the effectiveness of irbesartan and affect your kidneys. Alcohol can increase the blood pressure-lowering effect and make you feel more dizzy, so limit your intake.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Irbesartan with your other drugs?
Irbesartan is NOT safe during pregnancy — it can cause serious harm or even death to your unborn baby, especially in the second and third trimesters. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, do not take this drug and talk to your doctor immediately for a safer alternative.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat — Nigeria can be very hot, so avoid leaving it in your car or near windows. Keep the tablets in their original pack and away from moisture. Always keep out of reach of children.
For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under — especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
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Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.
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