The prevalence of hypertension and high blood pressure in the United States paints a very grim picture about the health situation in America. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 31.3 percent of the American population suffers from high blood pressure. High blood pressure significantly increases the risk of heart disease, congestive heart failure, stroke and even kidney failure. To minimize such risks and effectively treat hypertension, several effective prescription medications have been developed. Many of these drugs are approved not only for treating hypertension, but also several other related heart conditions along with conditions of the blood vessels. Some are also used for treating kidney related conditions caused by non-insulin dependent type II diabetes.

Hypertension Medication: How it Works

One of the most effective medicines for hypertension is manufactured and sold through two partner pharmaceutical companies - Sanofi Aventis and Bristol Myers Squibb Company. The active component of this drug is irbesartan. It is classified in a group of drugs known as angiotensin II receptor blocker. As the drug's classification suggests, it effectively blocks angiotensin II receptors. This causes a reduction in the effectiveness of angiotensin II, which is responsible for the constriction or narrowing of the body's blood vessels. By blocking the angiotensin II receptors, the drug relaxes the blood vessels which lower the blood pressure. During clinical studies of patients using this medication, it was found that their systolic blood pressure had gone down on an average by about eight to twelve millimeters of mercury, while their diastolic blood pressure went down by five to eight millimeters of mercury on an average. This drug also helps to slow down the progress of diabetic nephropathy.

Hypertension Medication: Things to Know

Here are some important things you should know about hypertension medication before you start using it:

1. Women should not be using this drug without consulting their doctor or physician if they are pregnant. Irbesartan may injure or even lead to the death of the unborn if it is taken any time during the second or third trimesters. Women must stop using this drug and immediately contact their doctor if they become pregnant.
2. You must not use this drug if you are hyper sensitive or allergic to irbesartan.
3. You must also avoid drinking alcohol when using hypertension medication, as it may lower your blood pressure while increasing its side effects.
4. Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements when using this medication, unless your physician says so.
5. To ensure that this drug is helping improve your condition, you will need to get your blood pressure checked regularly.
6. In some rare cases, irbesartan may lead to a condition where the skeletal muscle tissue breaks down, resulting in kidney failure. You must call your doctor immediately if you feel weak along with fever, vomiting and nausea and if the urine is dark colored.

Hypertension Medication: Dosage Instructions

You must always take the medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor or pharmacist. Never take this drug in larger doses or for periods longer than that prescribed by your doctor. Your health care provider may change your dosage to ensure the best results. If you ever miss a dosage, take it the next time you remember. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose, take the scheduled one and skip the missed one. Don't take extra tablets to cover for the one you missed. In the event of an overdose, you must immediately seek emergency medical treatment. Symptoms of overdose may include dizziness, slow or fast heartbeat and a feeling that you may pass out.

Hypertension Medication: Severe Side Effects

Call your doctor right away if you feel any of the following severe side effects:

1. Difficult or painful urination
2. Feeling as if you may pass out
3. Fast heart rate, chest pain
4. Swelling in your hands and/or feet