Irbesartan substitution for valsartan or losartan in treating hypertension

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether subjects whose therapy was converted from losartan or valsartan to irbesartan maintained equivalent blood pressure measurements, determine the safety and tolerability of irbesartan in the veteran population, and assess the number of subjects attaining their goal blood pressure before and after conversion. METHODS: A retrospective review of medical records for subjects whose antihypertensive was converted to irbesartan was conducted. Demographic data were collected, and subjects' past medical histories were used to determine their goal blood pressure. Blood pressures were compared at baseline, 2 weeks, and 2 months after conversion to determine efficacy, and adverse effect occurrence was compared between visits to assess safety. RESULTS: Conversion was attempted in 79 subjects; 72 met the criteria for review. Mean baseline, 2-week, and 2-month blood pressures for all subjects were 143/74, 139/72, and 139/73 mm Hg, respectively (p values NS). The number of subjects achieving their goal blood pressure at each assessment visit was similar: 37.5% at baseline, 43.4% at 2 weeks, and 31.9% at 2 months. Thirteen of the 72 subjects discontinued irbesartan due to adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Irbesartan is an appropriate substitution for valsartan or losartan.