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Irbesartan

Prescription
Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB)
Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
1 available
Interactions
2 documented
Formulations
1

Mechanism of action

Selectively blocks angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptors, preventing angiotensin II-mediated vasoconstriction, aldosterone secretion, and cardiac/renal remodeling. Unlike ACE inhibitors, does not cause bradykinin accumulation (no cough).

At a glance

Class
Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB)
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Store at room temperature below 30°C

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Used for proteinuria reduction, hypertension, and as alternative or addition to
Dose
1–5 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
q24h
🐈

Cat

Off-label — telmisartan (Semintra) is the FDA-approved feline ARB and is general
Dose
1–2 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
q24h
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Formulations

💊

Other — 1

Strength

Storage

Store at room temperature below 30°C

Safety

Monitoring parameters

Blood pressureRenal function (BUN, creatinine)Serum potassiumUPC ratio
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Interactions

Major — 1

Spironolactone
major
ARB + potassium-sparing diuretic: additive potassium retention causing hyperkalemia.
Management: Monitor potassium closely. Avoid concurrent potassium supplements.

Moderate — 1

Meloxicam
moderate
NSAID opposes ARB renal protection by reducing prostaglandin-dependent afferent arteriolar vasodilation.
Management: Monitor renal function. Ensure hydration.
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Brands

Other markets

Avapro

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

What is Irbesartan?
Irbesartan is a angiotensin ii receptor blocker (arb) used in pets. Selectively blocks angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptors, preventing angiotensin II-mediated vasoconstriction, aldosterone secretion, and cardiac/renal remodeling. Unlike ACE inhibitors, does not cause bradykinin accumulation (no cough).
What is Irbesartan used for in pets?
Irbesartan is used in veterinary medicine for: Used for proteinuria reduction, hypertension, and as alternative or addition to ; Off-label — telmisartan (Semintra) is the FDA-approved feline ARB and is general.
What is the Irbesartan dose for dogs?
For dogs, Irbesartan is typically dosed as follows — Used for proteinuria reduction, hypertension, and as alternative or addition to : 1–5 mg/kg PO q24h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
What is the Irbesartan dose for cats?
For cats, Irbesartan is typically dosed as follows — Off-label — telmisartan (Semintra) is the FDA-approved feline ARB and is general: 1–2 mg/kg PO q24h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
Does Irbesartan need a prescription?
Yes. Irbesartan is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

References

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

  • Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
  • Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
  • Merck Veterinary Manual
  • NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
  • Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
  • AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
  • ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
  • RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

  • EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
  • JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

  • CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

  • Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database

Related medicines

Other medicines in the same class (Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker).

Losartan
Rx
Selectively blocks angiotensin II AT1 receptors, reducing vasoconstriction, aldosterone release, and blood pressure; provides renoprotective effects
dog
Telmisartan
Rx
Selectively blocks angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptors, reducing vasoconstriction, aldosterone secretion, and sympathetic activity; provides renoprotective effects by reducing glomerular pressure
catdog
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