CONVERIUM TABLETS 150MG

TABLET

**4.2. Posology and method of administration** Posology The usual recommended initial and maintenance dose is 150mg once daily, with or without food. Converium at a dose of 150 mg once daily generally provides a better 24 hour blood pressure control than 75 mg. However, initiation of therapy with 75 mg could be considered, particularly in haemodialysed patients and in the elderly over 75 years. In patients insufficiently controlled with 150 mg once daily, the dose of Converium can be increased to 300 mg, or other anti-hypertensive agents can be added (see sections 4.3, 4.4, 4.5 and 5.1 – _please refer to the Product Insert/Patient Information Leaflet published on HSA for the full drug information_). In particular, the addition of a diuretic such as hydrochlorothiazide has been shown to have an additive effect with Converium (see section 4.5 – _please refer to the Product Insert/Patient Information Leaflet published on HSA for the full drug information_). In hypertensive type 2 diabetic patients, therapy should be initiated at 150mg irbesartan once daily and titrated up to 300mg once daily as the preferred maintenance dose for treatment of renal disease. The demonstration of renal benefit of Converium in hypertensive type 2 diabetic patients is based on studies where irbesartan was used in addition to other antihypertensive agents, as needed, to reach target blood pressure (see section 5.1 – _please refer to the Product Insert/Patient Information Leaflet published on HSA for the full drug information_). _Renal impairment_ No dosage adjustment is necessary in patients with impaired renal function. A lower starting dose (75 mg) should be considered for patients undergoing hemodialysis. (see section 4.4 – _please refer to the Product Insert/Patient Information Leaflet published on HSA for the full drug information_) _Intravascular volume depletion:_ volume and/or sodium depletion should be corrected prior to administration of Converium. _Hepatic impairment_ No dosage adjustment is necessary in patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment. There is no clinical experience in patients with severe hepatic impairment. _Elderly patients_ Although consideration should be given to initiating therapy with 75 mg in patients over 75 years of age, dosage adjustment is not usually necessary for the elderly. _Pediatric population_ The safety and efficacy of Converium have not been established in children. Method of administration Oral administration.