Drug interactions
Hydrochlorothiazide + Irbesartan
Severity: Minor
Hydrochlorothiazide 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
Irbesartan tends to raise potassium whereas hydrochlorothiazide lowers it, so the effects partly cancel. The fixed combination is commonly used, but volume depletion, hypotension and renal function changes can occur.
What this interaction means in plain words
Hydrochlorothiazide 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.
Hydrochlorothiazide belongs to Cardiovascular; Irbesartan belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Angiotensin receptor blockade reduces aldosterone-driven potassium excretion, offsetting thiazide-induced potassium loss.
What to do
Check potassium, creatinine and blood pressure after initiation or dose changes. No routine adjustment is required if stable.
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 Hydrochlorothiazide
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 Hydrochlorothiazide with Irbesartan?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Hydrochlorothiazide 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. Irbesartan tends to raise potassium whereas hydrochlorothiazide lowers it, so the effects partly cancel. The fixed combination is commonly used, but volume depletion, hypotension and renal function changes can occur.
How serious is the interaction between Hydrochlorothiazide 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 potassium, creatinine and blood pressure after initiation or dose changes. No routine adjustment is required if stable.
What other medicines interact with Hydrochlorothiazide?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Hydrochlorothiazide with, for example, Dofetilide, Amifostine, Amiodarone. The full list is on the Hydrochlorothiazide page.
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