Abstract
Irbesartan is a representative of angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor antagonists and induces arterial vasodilatation, reduces peripheral vascular resistance, decreases aldosterone synthesis and inhibits the activity of the peripheral sympathetic nervous system. Clinical trials have demonstrated that irbesartan in once-daily doses ensures 24-hour blood pressure control, and slows down the progression of renal damage in patients with hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus (reduced microalbuminuria and proteinuria); the studies have also shown excellent tolerance of irbesartan.
The treatment effect may be enhanced through combinations of the agent with thiazides or loop diuretics, long-acting calcium channel blockers, beta-blockers, or the direct renin inhibitor aliskiren