Is Avalide a Beta Blocker?

Avalide is a combination drug that is used independently or in combination with other medicines to treat high blood pressure. Avalide is not a beta blocker, a group of medications that lower heart rate and cardiac output.

Features

• Avalide is a combination of a diuretic water pill (hydrochlorothiazide) and an angiotensin ll receptor antagonist (irbesartan). The combination drug helps prevent absorption of salt and enlarges blood vessels, improving blood flow and lowering blood pressure.

Side Effects

• Patients taking Avalide may experience heartburn, stomach pain, drowsiness, headaches, and dry coughs. Outbreaks of hives or other allergic reactions, chest pain, and facial swelling require immediate medical attention.

Interactions

• Avalide can affect other medicines' metabolic qualities and their potency. Steroids, some blood pressure medications, and oral diabetic medicines might not mix well with Avalide.

Alcholol

• Persons on Avalide may experience dehydration and should avoid consumption of alcohol, because of its dehydrating qualities. Alcohol may also intensify other side effects.

Warning

• Avalide should not be taken by pregnant woman. Consumption of Avalide in the second or third trimester may lead to serious injury or fatality of the fetus. Some people on Avalide experience a very rare breakdown of skeletal muscle; patients should call their doctor if their muscles feel tender or sore.