Drug interactions
Chlorthalidone + Irbesartan
Severity: Minor
Chlorthalidone and Irbesartan: minor interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Chlorthalidone promotes potassium loss while irbesartan reduces aldosterone-mediated potassium excretion, so the two partly offset each other. The combination is widely used and often lowers the risk of hypokalemia, but potassium can still drift in either direction, especially with renal impairment. Blood pressure lowering is additive and intended.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chlorthalidone and Irbesartan have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Chlorthalidone belongs to Cardiovascular; Irbesartan belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Thiazide-type kaliuresis is counterbalanced by angiotensin receptor blockade, which reduces aldosterone-driven potassium excretion.
What to do
Check serum potassium and creatinine after starting or changing doses and periodically thereafter. Use extra vigilance in patients with reduced renal function or those taking potassium supplements.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Chlorthalidone
Other interactions of Irbesartan
- Aliskiren + Irbesartan Contraindicated
- Irbesartan + Sparsentan Contraindicated
- Amifostine + Irbesartan Major
- Amiloride + Irbesartan Major
- Amlodipine-benazepril + Irbesartan Major
- Amlodipine-hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan + Irbesartan Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Chlorthalidone with Irbesartan?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Chlorthalidone and Irbesartan have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Chlorthalidone promotes potassium loss while irbesartan reduces aldosterone-mediated potassium excretion, so the two partly offset each other. The combination is widely used and often lowers the risk of hypokalemia, but potassium can still drift in either direction, especially with renal impairment. Blood pressure lowering is additive and intended.
How serious is the interaction between Chlorthalidone and Irbesartan?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Check serum potassium and creatinine after starting or changing doses and periodically thereafter. Use extra vigilance in patients with reduced renal function or those taking potassium supplements.
What other medicines interact with Chlorthalidone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Chlorthalidone with, for example, Amifostine, Atenolol-chlorthalidone, Candesartan-hydrochlorothiazide. The full list is on the Chlorthalidone page.
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