DRUG NAME MECHANISM OF ACTION INDICATIONS AND ADVERSE EFFECTS

NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Generic Name: Selective block binding of the potent INDICATIONS: CNS: Anxiety, dizziness, fatigue, Before:
Irbesartan vasoconstrictor angiotensin (AT) II > to manage hypertension, alone or headache, nervousness Dx:
to AT1 receptor sites in many tissues, with other antihypertensives. a. Check patient chart for doctor’s
Brand Name: including adrenal glands and > To treat nephropathy in type 2 CV: Chest pain, hypotension, orders
Avapro vascular smooth-muscle. This diabetes peripheral edema, tachycardia b. Assess patient’s overall health
inhibits the aldosterone-secreting c. Check patient has known or
CLASSIFICATION and vasoconstrictive effects of AT CONTRAINDICATIONS: EENT: Pharyngitis, rhinitis suspected hypovolemia, provide
Non-peptide angiotensin II II, which reduces blood pressure. Concurrent aliskiren use in patients treatment, such as I.V. normal saline
Antagonist with diabetes or patients with renal GI: Abdominal pain, diarrhea, solution, as proscribed, to correct
Source: Learning, J, Learning, B. impairment (GFR less than 60 elevated liver enzymes, heartburn, this condition before beginning
THERAPEUTIC: (2019). Nurse’s Drug Handbook (8th ml/min), hypersensitivity to hepatitis, indigestion, jaundice, irbesartan therapy. Or begin ti begin
Anti hypertensive edition). p632 irbesartan or its components. nausea, vomiting therapy with a lower dosage
Tx:
Dosage and Route: GU: Impaired renal function, renal a. Verify patient’s identification
100 mg 1 tab OD failure, UTI before administering the drug
b. Obtain patient’s vital signs for
MS: Musculoskeletal pain reference
c. Prepare drug as prescribed by the
HEME: Thrombocytopenia physician.
Edx:
RESP: Upper respiratory tract a. Emphasize the use and
infection importance of the medication to the
patient and watcher.
SKIN: Rash, urticaria b. Inform patient of possible side
effects of the drug
Other: Angioedema, hyperkalemia c. Instruct patient to take in drug as
prescribed by physician to avoid
drug toxicity

During:
Dx:
a. Monitor for adverse effects.
Assess for rash periodically during
therapy.
b. Watch for signs and symptoms
may occur upon administering of the
drug.
c. Check for drug interactions.

Tx:
a. Administer the drug considering
the 10 Golden rights of
administering medication.
b. Provide comfort measures
c. Encourage patient to take in drug.
Edx:
a. Emphasize importance of
compliance to treatment regimen.
b. Encourage patient to report any
side effects that may occur.
c. Instructed patient to verbalize
feelings and concerns.

After:
Dx:
a. Asses for drug side effects after
administration of drug
b. Asses vital signs
c. Be aware that if blood pressure is
not controlled with irbesartan alone,
expect to also give a diuretic such as
hydrochlorothiazide, as prescribed
Tx:
a. Position patient in a prefered and
comfortable position after
administering drug.
b. Check if patient took in the drug
by checking under the tongue and in
between cheeks.
c. Clean area and dispose unwanted
materials that was used in the
procedure
Edx:
A. Instruct patient to take drug at the
same time each day to maintain is
therapeutic effects.
B. Emphasize the importance of
exercise and proper diet to help in
reducing high blood pressure
C. Instruct patient to lessen activities
if side effects are known