Co-Aprovel – 150mg/12.5mg Film-Coated Tablets
Available at Pharmaegy Pharmacy. Use as directed by your doctor.
Intro: Co-Aprovel 150/12.5 is a potent combination antihypertensive medication produced by Sanofi. It combines Irbesartan (150mg), an Angiotensin-II Receptor Blocker (ARB), and Hydrochlorothiazide (12.5mg), a thiazide diuretic. This "power couple" of ingredients works by simultaneously relaxing the blood vessels and helping the kidneys eliminate excess salt and water, providing a comprehensive approach to lowering blood pressure.
Indications:
Essential Hypertension: Treating high blood pressure in adults when single-drug therapy is insufficient.
Secondary Protection: Reducing the long-term risk of cardiovascular events such as stroke or myocardial infarction.
Diabetic Nephropathy: Often used to protect kidney function in hypertensive patients with Type 2 diabetes.
How to Use:
Dosage: Usually one tablet daily.
Administration: Can be taken with or without food. It is best to take it in the morning due to the diuretic effect (to avoid night-time urination).
Consistency: Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water at the same time each day.
Crucial Rules:
Pregnancy Contraindication: Strictly forbidden during pregnancy, particularly in the second and third trimesters, as it can cause serious harm or death to the fetus.
Sulfa Allergy: Because it contains Hydrochlorothiazide, do not use if you have an allergy to sulfonamides (sulfa drugs).
Kidney & Liver Monitoring: Not recommended for patients with severe renal impairment (CrCl < 30 ml/min). Regular monitoring of creatinine and potassium levels is essential.
Hydration: Be cautious of excessive sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting, as dehydration can lead to an excessive drop in blood pressure (hypotension).
Generic International Brands: Avalide (Original Reference), Irbetal Co, Karvezide.