Avapro is used to treat high blood pressure. It is sometimes given together with other blood pressure medications.

Avapro is also used to treat kidney problems caused by type 2 (not insulin-dependent) diabetes.

Avapro may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information about Avapro

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood pressure will need to be checked on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Keep using this medication even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.

In rare cases, Avapro can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, nausea or vomiting, and dark colored urine.

Before taking Avapro

Before using Avapro, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

kidney disease;
liver disease;
congestive heart failure; or
if you are dehydrated.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication.
FDA pregnancy category D. This medication can cause harm to an unborn baby. Avapro may cause injury and even death to the unborn baby if you take it during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Do not use Avapro without your doctor's consent if you are pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether Avapro passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take Avapro?

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.

You may take Avapro with or without food.

To be sure Avapro is helping your condition, your blood pressure will need to be checked on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Keep using this medication even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.
Store Avapro at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

See also: Avapro dosage in more detail

What happens if I miss a dose?

What happens if I overdose?

Overdose symptoms may include fast or slow heartbeat, dizziness, or feeling like you might pass out.

What should I avoid while taking Avapro?

Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.

Avapro side effects

Call your doctor at once if you have any other serious side effects such as:

feeling like you might pass out;
painful or difficult urination;
chest pain, fast heart rate;
swelling in your hands or feet

Less serious side effects may include:

runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough;
joint pain;
stomach pain, heartburn, diarrhea;
mild itching or skin rash;
feeling anxious or nervous;
headache, dizziness; or
tired feeling.

What other drugs will affect Avapro?

a diuretic (water pill);
digoxin (digitalis, Lanoxin); or
a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin).

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with Avapro. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about Avapro.