Clinical and pharmacological features and place of irbesartan in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases

Irbesartan belongs to a group of angiotensin II receptor blockers that are used worldwide for the treatment of patients with hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and impaired renal function. Irbesartan can be administered alone or in combination with other antihypertensive drugs (for example, hydrochlorothiazide), if blood pressure control cannot be achieved with monotherapy. The mechanism of action of Irbesartan is mainly due to the selective blockade of AT1 receptors and, as a consequence, a decrease in the vasopressor effect of angiotensin II. The review article summarizes pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties and clinical data on the tolerability and safety of Irbesartan.