Avapro - Irbesartan is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist used mainly for the treatment of hypertension.

Irbesartan (INN) is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist used mainly for the treatment of hypertension. Irbesartan was developed by Sanofi Research (now part of sanofi-aventis). It is jointly marketed by sanofi-aventis and Bristol-Myers Squibb under the trade names Aprovel, Karvea, and Avapro.

Clinical use
Main article: Angiotensin II receptor antagonist

Indications
As with all angiotensin II receptor antagonists, irbesartan is indicated for the treatment of hypertension. Irbesartan may also delay progression of diabetic nephropathy and is also indicated for the reduction of renal disease progression in patients with type 2 diabetes,[1] hypertension and microalbuminuria (>30 mg/24 hours) or proteinuria (>900 mg/24 hours).[2]

Combination with diuretic
Irbesartan is also available in a combination formulation with a low dose thiazide diuretic, invariably hydrochlorothiazide, to achieve an additive antihypertensive effect. Irbesartan/hydrochlorothiazide combination preparations are marketed under similar trade names to irbesartan preparations, including CoAprovel, Karvezide, Avalide and Avapro HCT.

Myocardial infarction
A recent meta-analysis published in the peer-reviewed journal Circulation demonstrated that angiotensin II receptor antagonist induce myocardial infarction compared to placebo.