CoAprovel
introduction
CoAprovel® is a blood pressure lowering drug that contains 2 active ingredients: hydrochlorothiazide and irbesartan.
It is used when one of these active substances does not lower blood pressure sufficiently, either due to insufficient strength or excessive side effects at low doses. Since these 2 substances intervene in the regulation of blood pressure in different ways, the dose in the combination can be kept lower than in individual therapy with one of the drugs each. In this way, unwanted side effects can be reduced or avoided. In addition to the benefits in the case of high blood pressure, CoAprovel® can also have a positive effect on other diseases. These are also mentioned below.
What is high blood pressure?
Blood pressures above 140/90 mmHg are considered high blood pressure.
High blood pressure is dangerous because although it rarely leads to direct symptoms, if the illness lasts for a long time, it greatly increases the risk of damage to the cardiovascular system.
People with high blood pressure are much more likely to have:
- Strokes
- Heart attacks
- Kidney failure
and - other diseases of the blood vessels.
Hydrochlorothiazide
Hydrochlorothiazide, one of the 2 components of CoAprovel®, is a so-called "diuretic" that increases the amount of urine produced in the kidneys and thus partially drains the body.
It is the drug of choice for high blood pressure and heart failure, as long as the side effects allow. It is also used for water retention in the body - called edema. It is particularly effective when this edema is caused by a damaged kidney or deteriorated heart function.
When dosed correctly, hydrochlorothiazide is typically very well tolerated.
Typical is the increased urge to urinate, which is due to the mode of action of hydrochlorothiazide. The greatest danger when using this drug is a disruption of the salt balance. In particular, attention must be paid to reducing the potassium content with possible cardiac arrhythmias, paralysis and constipation. Hydrochlorothiazide can cause diarrhea, mild nausea, and vomiting. It rarely leads to an increase in the level of urea in the blood.
It should not be taken if the salt balance is already disturbed. This medication is also not recommended in the case of kidney or liver problems, as it will otherwise accumulate in the body and cause more severe side effects. In high doses it can cause severe thirst, dry mouth and, due to the thickening of the blood, also thrombosis.
Irbesartan
Irbesartan is a drug that the Effect of a transmitter substance of the kidney, angiotensin II, in part cancels. This will be Blood vessels dilated and thus the pressure in the vascular system is lowered.
Because low blood pressure makes you weak Heart Irbesartan can also help with pumping impaired heart function can be used. In general, irbesartan also has a protective effect on the Kidneys, which is why it can also be taken for various kidney diseases.
In contrast to hydrochlorothiazide, irbesartan can Increase the level of potassium in the bloodwhich can lead to symptoms similar to those of the low potassium level described above. Besides that, it can Gastrointestinal complaints, dizziness and fatigue cause.
Irbesartan is allowed during the pregnancy should not be taken from the 3rd month of pregnancy due to the risk of harm to the child.
Please also read: Medication during pregnancy
Dosage and intake
CoAprovel® becomes once a day as tablet swallowed. Most of these contain tablets 150 or 300 mg irbesartan and 12.5 and 25 mg of hydrochlorothiazide, respectively. Depending on the reason for ingestion and the severity of the symptoms, the dose required may vary, doses higher than 300mg / 25mg however, are not recommended.
The most common reason for prescribing CoAprovel® is high blood pressure. It should be noted here that the blood pressure lowering effect of CoAprovel® not directly after starting the intake begins. It can take days to weeks for a measurable reduction has occurred.
Risks and Side Effects
CoAprovel® In addition to the above-mentioned side effects of the ingredients, like most drugs, can also be one allergic reaction triggering a wide range of changes - from itching up to extensive swellings and Faint - can show. If such symptoms occur, CoAprovel® be dropped off; be discontinued; be deducted; be dismissed.
If the blood pressure is controlled by CoAprovel® lowered too quickly or if it reaches a level that is too low as a result of the therapy, it can especially increase when standing up Dizziness and other symptoms how fatigue and weakness come.
CoAprovel® can be used with numerous interact with other drugs. For example, anti-inflammatories like aspirin or Ibuprofen the antihypertensive effect of CoAprovel® weaken, while alcohol can increase the effects.
Because irbesartan not during the last two thirds of pregnancy may be taken, the therapy of CoAprovel® should be switched to other antihypertensive drugs in women who wish to have children. From taking CoAprovel® during Lactation is also not advised as it can get into breast milk and thus into the child's circulation.
