A review of the new angiotensin II receptor antagonist irbesartan

Irbesartan is a novel, noncompetitive, insurmountable AIIRA specific for the AT1 receptor subtype. When administered orally, it is readily bioavailable and its absorption is not affected by food. Its long elimination half-life allows for once-daily dosing. Irbesartan does not rely on active metabolites for antihypertensive activity, and is eliminated by hepatic and renal routes. Once-daily irbesartan effectively lowers BP in a dose-dependent manner in animals and humans. Blood pressure reductions last for the entire 24-h dosing interval in humans. Irbesartan has a placebo-like safety profile at all dose levels and is well tolerated in patients with hypertension.