[Irbesartan in clinical practice].

Irbesartan is a noncompetitive angiotensin II receptor type 1 antagonist which has been successfully used for more than 10 years for the treatment of hypertensive disease. In a dose of 150-300 mg/day irbesartan produces long term effect for 24 hours. Its antihypertensive efficacy is augmented by concomitant administration of hydrochlorothiazide. Irbesartan reduces left ventricular hypertrophy and increases probability of maintenance of sinus rhythm after cardioversion of atrial fibrillation. Renoprotective effects of irbesartan has been demonstrated both at early and late stages of kidney involvement in patients with type 2 diabetes. Therapeutic efficacy and safety of irbesartan ensure high level of patients compliance. Irbesartan as monotherapy or as combination with hydrochlorothiazide demonstrate contemporary therapeutic approach to arterial hypertension as well as to diabetic nephropathy both at its early and late stages.