Drug interactions
Irbesartan + Lithium
Severity: Major
Irbesartan and Lithium: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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
Angiotensin receptor blockers can raise serum lithium concentrations and cause lithium toxicity, with tremor, confusion, ataxia and gastrointestinal symptoms. The effect can emerge over days to weeks.
What this interaction means in plain words
Irbesartan and Lithium can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Irbesartan belongs to Cardiovascular; Lithium belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Reduced renal sodium and lithium clearance, with increased proximal tubular lithium reabsorption, secondary to RAS blockade.
What to do
Check lithium levels before starting and weekly initially, then periodically. Reduce the lithium dose as needed, or choose another antihypertensive.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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References
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
Other interactions of Lithium
- Lithium + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Lithium + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Lithium Major
- Acemetacin + Lithium Major
- Amisulpride + Lithium Major
- Amlodipine-benazepril + Lithium Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Irbesartan with Lithium?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Irbesartan and Lithium can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Angiotensin receptor blockers can raise serum lithium concentrations and cause lithium toxicity, with tremor, confusion, ataxia and gastrointestinal symptoms. The effect can emerge over days to weeks.
How serious is the interaction between Irbesartan and Lithium?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Check lithium levels before starting and weekly initially, then periodically. Reduce the lithium dose as needed, or choose another antihypertensive.
What other medicines interact with Irbesartan?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Irbesartan with, for example, Aliskiren, Sparsentan, Amifostine. The full list is on the Irbesartan page.
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