Aprovel is a blood pressure-lowering drug with the main ingredient being irbesartan. Like many other drugs, Aprovel can also cause some side effects when used, so be careful when using it.
1. What is aprovel?
Aprovel contains the main active ingredient Irbesartan, a blood pressure-lowering drug in the Angiotensin-II receptor antagonist group.
Mechanism of action of Angiotensin-II receptor antagonists: When the body detects a lack of blood supply to the kidneys, it will create a substance called renin, which catalyzes the conversion from Angiotensinogen to Angiotensin I (this substance has a vasoconstrictor effect that causes high blood pressure but is weak). These substances then pass through the pulmonary capillaries and form Angiotensin-II, a substance that, when attached to receptors in the blood vessels, causes the blood vessels to constrict strongly and increase blood pressure. Blood pressure-lowering drugs in the Angiotensin-II receptor antagonist group compete with the binding site of this substance on the blood vessel wall, causing this substance to be created but not attached to the blood vessel wall and causing blood vessel constriction. This causes vasodilation and hypotension, in addition, the drug also has another effect of reducing water and sodium retention, which also causes hypotension.
Aprovel is often used to treat high blood pressure, especially in cases of high blood pressure with type 2 diabetes, and people with kidney disease. Because it can slow down the decline in kidney function in people with high blood pressure with diabetes. In addition, the drug is also an alternative when the patient cannot use drugs in the group of ACE inhibitors.
2. Side effects of aprovel
Aprovel is like most other drugs, it can also cause unwanted effects. Some side effects that may occur when using this drug include:
• Dizziness, feeling tired.
• Gastrointestinal disorders such as abdominal pain, loss of appetite, vomiting and nausea, belching, and indigestion.
• Rare effects that may be seen: Increased plasma creatinine, can cause decreased red blood cells, decreased hematocrit, and reversible thrombocytopenia.
• Postural hypotension, palpitations.
• Musculoskeletal pain, skin rash, itching.
• Hyperkalemia is often seen in people with diabetes and kidney disease.
• Sexual dysfunction.
• In addition, when using the drug, some very rare symptoms may appear such as taste disturbances, hallucinations, liver dysfunction and jaundice.
3. Notes when using aprovel
To use the drug safely and limit the risk of side effects, patients need to note the following issues:
• You need to inform your doctor about your medical condition, allergies, pregnancy, breastfeeding...
• Aprovel is a prescription drug, so you are not allowed to self-treat without a prescription.
• Follow the correct dosage and usage instructions prescribed by your doctor. Avoid arbitrarily increasing the dose because it can cause dangerous hypotension.
• For pregnant and lactating women:
- You should stop using Aprovel before getting pregnant or as soon as you know you are pregnant. Aprovel is not recommended during pregnancy because the drug can be dangerous for the baby if the mother uses this drug in the first 3 months or later during her pregnancy.
- Women who are breastfeeding: Aprovel should not be used by women who are breastfeeding because it can seriously affect the child, especially newborns or premature babies. In that case, your doctor will prescribe another medicine to replace this medicine.
• The medicine can cause hyperkalemia, so blood tests are needed when using medicines such as potassium supplements, potassium-containing salt substitutes, potassium-sparing diuretics, and lithium-containing medicines.
• Be careful when using it for people with electrolyte disorders, especially hyperkalemia and hyponatremia.
• In addition, be careful when using it with anti-inflammatory pain relievers. Because it can reduce the antihypertensive effect of the medicine.
Aprovel is a fairly safe medicine with few side effects among antihypertensive drugs. However, some people may still experience side effects that need to be noted, especially hyperkalemia, which needs to be monitored.
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To arrange an appointment, please call HOTLINE or make your reservation directly HERE. You may also download the MyVinmec app to schedule appointments faster and manage your reservations more conveniently.
