Irbesartan, an
angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonist, is approved as monotherapy, or in combination with other drugs, for the treatment of
hypertension in many countries worldwide. Data in the literature suggest that
irbesartan is effective for reducing blood pressure over a 24-hour period with once-daily administration, and slows the progression of renal disease in patients with
hypertension and
type 2 diabetes. Furthermore,
irbesartan shows a good safety and tolerability profile, compared with
angiotensin II inhibitors and other
angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonists. Thus,
irbesartan appears to be a useful treatment option for patients with
hypertension, including those with
type 2 diabetes and nephropathy.
Irbesartan has an inhibitory effect on the pressor response to
angiotensin II and improves arterial stiffness, vascular endothelial dysfunction, and
inflammation in hypertensive patients. There has been considerable interest recently in the renoprotective effect of
irbesartan, which appears to be independent of reductions in blood pressure. In particular, mounting data suggests that
irbesartan improves endothelial function, oxidative stress, and
inflammation in the kidneys. Recent studies have highlighted a possible role for
irbesartan in improving coronary artery
inflammation and vascular dysfunction. In this review we summarize and comment on the most important data available with regard to
antihypertensive effect, endothelial function improvement, and cardiovascular risk reduction with
irbesartan.