Introduction
CoAprovel® is an antihypertensive drug containing 2 active ingredients: hydrochlorothiazide and irbesartan. It is used when one of these active ingredients does not lower blood pressure sufficiently, either due to lack of potency or due to side effects that are too strong at low doses. As these 2 substances intervene in different ways in the regulation of blood pressure, the dose in combination can be kept lower than in single therapy with one of the drugs each.
In this way undesirable side effects can be reduced or avoided. In addition to the benefits in cases of high blood pressure, CoAprovel® can also have a positive effect on other diseases. These are also mentioned below.
What is hypertension?
High blood pressure is defined as blood pressure above 140/90 mmHg. High blood pressure is dangerous because, although it rarely leads to direct symptoms, it greatly increases the risk of damage to the cardiovascular system if the illness lasts for a long time. People with high blood pressure suffer much more frequently:
- Strokes
- Heart attacks
- Kidney failure and
- Other vascular diseases.
Hydrochlorothiazide
Hydrochlorothiazide, one of the 2 components of CoAprovel®, is a so-called “diuretic” which increases the amount of urine produced in the kidneys and thus partially drains the body. It is the drug of choice for high blood pressure and heart failure as long as the side effects allow it. It is also used to treat water retention in the body called edema.
It is particularly effective when these oedemas are caused by a damaged kidney or a deteriorated heart function. Hydrochlorothiazide is typically very well tolerated when dosed correctly. Typical after ingestion is the increased urge to urinate, which is due to the mode of action of hydrochlorothiazide.
The greatest danger when using this medication is a disturbance of the salt balance. Particular attention must be paid to a reduction in the potassium content with possible cardiac arrhythmia, paralysis and constipation. Hydrochlorothiazide may cause diarrhea, mild nausea and vomiting.
In rare cases it leads to an increase in the urea content of the blood. It should not be taken when the salt balance is already disturbed. It is also not recommended for patients with kidney or liver dysfunction, as it can accumulate in the body and cause severe side effects. In high doses it can cause severe thirst, dry mouth and, due to the thickening of the blood, thrombosis.
Irbesartan
Irbesartan is a drug that partially cancels the effect of a renal carrier substance, angiotensin II. As a result, blood vessels are dilated, thereby reducing the pressure in the vascular system. Since low blood pressure makes it easier for a weakened heart to pump, irbesartan can also be used to treat impaired heart function.
In general, irbesartan also has a protective effect on the kidneys, which is why it can also be taken for various kidney diseases. In contrast to hydrochlorothiazide, irbesartan can increase the potassium level in the blood, which can lead to similar symptoms as the decreased potassium level described above. It may also cause gastrointestinal discomfort, dizziness and fatigue. Irbesartan should not be taken during pregnancy because of the risk of harm to the child from the 3rd month of pregnancy.
