Karvea

Irbesartan, the active ingredient in Karvea, is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) presented as an oral tablet for oral use. It is employed to treat hypertension and to protect kidney function in patients with diabetic nephropathy. GNH USA supplies Karvea as a licensed, GDP‑compliant international pharmaceutical supplier serving hospitals, pharmacies and clinics worldwide.

Irbesartan acts on the renin‑angiotensin‑aldosterone system to lower blood pressure and protect renal function. - Hypertension: reduces systolic and diastolic blood pressure in adults. - Diabetic nephropathy: slows progression of kidney damage in patients with type 2 diabetes. - Left ventricular hypertrophy: helps regress cardiac muscle thickening associated with long‑term high blood pressure.

Common Side Effects: - Dizziness: sensation of light‑headedness, especially after standing. - Headache: mild to moderate pain in the head region. - Fatigue: feeling unusually tired or weak. - Upper respiratory tract infection: cold‑like symptoms.

Serious or Rare Side Effects: - Angioedema: swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat that may impair breathing. - Hyperkalaemia: elevated blood potassium levels that can affect heart rhythm. - Acute kidney injury: sudden decline in renal function requiring medical attention.

Irbesartan should be used with careful monitoring in several clinical situations. - Renal function monitoring: check serum creatinine and eGFR before and during therapy. - Serum potassium monitoring: assess potassium levels regularly, especially if combined with potassium‑sparing agents. - Pregnancy avoidance: contraindicated in pregnancy due to risk of fetal toxicity. - Elderly caution: start at lower doses and monitor for hypotension. - Drug‑specific contraindication: do not co‑administer with aliskiren in diabetic patients. - Store at room temperature: keep in the original container, protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

Irbesartan may interact with several medicines, requiring attention to dosage and monitoring. Major Interactions (Avoid): - Aliskiren (in diabetic patients): increased risk of renal impairment and hyperkalaemia. - Potassium‑sparing diuretics or supplements: may cause dangerous hyperkalaemia. - ACE inhibitors: combined use can lead to excessive potassium rise and renal dysfunction. - Lithium: may increase lithium concentrations, risking toxicity. - NSAIDs (high dose or chronic use): can reduce antihypertensive effect and impair renal function.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely): - Thiazide diuretics: may enhance antihypertensive effect, requiring blood pressure monitoring. - CYP450 inhibitors (e.g., fluconazole): can increase irbesartan plasma levels modestly.