What is the brand name for Irbesartan?
The brand name for Irbesartan is Avapro.
PTCE Top 200 · #134
Irbesartan
Avapro
Irbesartan is the generic name for the brand-name drug Avapro. It is an arb (angiotensin ii receptor blocker) used to treat hypertension. On the PTCE Top 200 drug list, Irbesartan ranks #134 and is one of the most frequently tested cardiovascular medications — commonly quizzed on its brand–generic pair, drug class, and key side effects.
| Generic name | Irbesartan |
|---|---|
| Brand name(s) | Avapro |
| Drug class | ARB (angiotensin II receptor blocker) |
| Class group | Cardiovascular |
| Common use | hypertension |
| DEA schedule | Unscheduled |
| Availability | Prescription only (Rx) |
What is Irbesartan used for?
Treatment of hypertension; treatment of diabetic nephropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes and hypertension.
What drug class is Irbesartan?
Irbesartan is an ARB (angiotensin II receptor blocker) in the Cardiovascular group. Knowing the class is the fastest way to predict its uses, side effects, and the brand↔generic pairs the PTCE tests.
Common side effects of Irbesartan
- arrow_rightDizziness
- arrow_rightHyperkalemia
- arrow_rightFatigue
- arrow_rightHypotension
Major interactions
- arrow_rightAliskiren in diabetics → contraindicated (renal risk, hyperkalemia, hypotension)
- arrow_rightPotassium supplements/potassium-sparing diuretics → hyperkalemia
- arrow_rightNSAIDs → reduced antihypertensive effect; renal impairment risk
- arrow_rightLithium → increased lithium levels/toxicity
Is Irbesartan a controlled substance?
No. Irbesartan is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
warning Boxed warning
WARNING: FETAL TOXICITY. Discontinue as soon as pregnancy is detected; drugs acting on the renin-angiotensin system can cause injury and death to the developing fetus.
How to remember Irbesartan (PTCE mnemonic)
AVA-pro AVoids ACE cough — irbe-SARTAN = ARB. 'SARTAN = stop in pregnancy', watch K+ and creatinine; renoprotective in diabetic nephropathy.
lightbulb
PTCE exam tip
-sartan = ARB: no dry cough (the ACE-inhibitor trade-off) but the same hard rule — STOP immediately in pregnancy (fetal-toxicity boxed warning).
Irbesartan FAQ
What is Irbesartan used for?
Irbesartan is used to treat hypertension. Treatment of hypertension; treatment of diabetic nephropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes and hypertension.
What drug class is Irbesartan?
Irbesartan is an ARB (angiotensin II receptor blocker) (Cardiovascular group).
Is Irbesartan a controlled substance?
No. Irbesartan is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
Related drugs in the Cardiovascular group
Drill Irbesartan the way the PTCE asks it
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Last reviewed June 25, 2026. Educational use only — not medical advice. Verify clinical specifics with your pharmacist or a current label source such as DailyMed. RxReflex is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).