Azilsartan Medoxomil
Indications
Azilsartan medoxomil is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults. Lowering blood pressure reduces the risk of stroke, heart attack and kidney damage. It can be used alone or with other blood pressure medicines such as Chlorthalidone or Amlodipine.
How It Works
Azilsartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). Angiotensin II is a natural hormone that narrows blood vessels and makes the body hold on to salt and water. By blocking its action, azilsartan lets the blood vessels relax and widen, so blood pressure falls.
Dosage and Administration
Adults: usually 40 mg once a day. If needed, the doctor may increase this to 80 mg once a day, the maximum dose. A starting dose of 20 mg once a day may be used in people over 75, those who are dehydrated, or those taking high doses of diuretics (water tablets). Take it at the same time each day, with or without food. Keep taking it even if you feel well, and do not stop without asking your doctor.
Interactions
Potassium supplements, salt substitutes containing potassium, potassium-sparing diuretics (such as Spironolactone or Amiloride) and Trimethoprim can raise blood potassium. Painkillers such as Ibuprofen, Diclofenac and other NSAIDs can reduce its effect and harm the kidneys, especially in older or dehydrated people. It can raise Lithium levels. Using it together with an ACE inhibitor (such as Enalapril or Ramipril) or with Aliskiren is generally not recommended, and Aliskiren must not be used with it in people with diabetes. Other blood pressure medicines add to the lowering effect.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy.
- Allergy to azilsartan or any ingredient of the product.
- Use with Aliskiren in people with diabetes or moderate to severe kidney problems.
Side Effects
Common: dizziness, diarrhoea and tiredness. Others: dizziness on standing up, low blood pressure, nausea, muscle cramps, raised potassium and changes in kidney blood tests.
Get urgent medical help if you faint, have swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat or difficulty breathing (angioedema), pass very little urine, or have muscle weakness with a slow or irregular heartbeat (possible high potassium).
Pregnancy and Lactation
Do not use in pregnancy. Medicines of this type can seriously harm or cause the death of an unborn baby, especially in the second and third trimesters. If you become pregnant, stop taking it and see your doctor straight away; if you are planning a pregnancy, ask your doctor to switch you to another medicine first. It is not known whether it passes into breast milk, so it is not recommended while breastfeeding, especially for newborn or premature babies.
Precautions and Warnings
Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, narrowing of the kidney arteries, heart failure, narrowing of a heart valve, liver disease, or if you have vomiting, diarrhoea or are dehydrated. Your doctor may check your kidney function and potassium levels, especially at the start. Dizziness can affect driving. Check your blood pressure regularly.
Overdose
Too much may cause very low blood pressure with dizziness or fainting. Lie down with your legs raised and seek urgent medical help.
Therapeutic Class
Angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), antihypertensive.
Storage
Store below 30°C in the original pack to protect from light and moisture, and out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.
All brands of Azilsartan Medoxomil