Irbesartan-associated persistent edema of the eyelids, face, and neck

Irbesartan, an angiotensin II receptor antagonist (AIIRA), is an antihypertensive agent that inhibits the activity of angiotensin II by selectively binding to angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptors. The new onset of sustained periorbital, facial, and neck edema following the initiation of irbesartan therapy is described in a hypertensive 52-year-old woman. The patient's edema was not life threatening, remained unchanged following discontinuation of the medication, and persisted when treatment with the drug was subsequently reinstituted. Facial edema is a very uncommon adverse event that may occur in patients receiving irbesartan.