Azilsartan

Generic name: azilsartan medoxomil [ AY-zil-SAR-tan ]
Brand name: Edarbi
Dosage form: oral tablet (40 mg; 80 mg)
Drug class: Angiotensin receptor blockers

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Oct 4, 2023.

What is azilsartan?

Azilsartan belongs to a group of drugs called angiotensin II receptor blocker (sometimes called an ARB). ARB's stop blood vessels from narrowing, which lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow.

Azilsartan is a prescription medicine used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Lowering blood pressure may lower your risk of a stroke or heart attack.

Your doctor may prescribe other medicines for you to take along with azilsartan to treat your high blood pressure.

Warnings

If you have diabetes, do not take azilsartan with any medication that contains aliskiren (a blood pressure medicine).

Do not use azilsartan if you are pregnant. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to azilsartan medoxomil.

Before you take this medicine, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, an electrolyte imbalance (low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood), congestive heart failure, or if you are dehydrated.

Drinking alcohol can further lower your blood pressure and may increase certain side effects of azilsartan. Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes while you are taking this medicine, unless your doctor has told you to.

Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. Visit your doctor regularly.

Keep using azilsartan as directed, even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.

Before taking this medicine

If you have diabetes, do not take azilsartan with any medication that contains aliskiren (a blood pressure medicine).

You may also need to avoid taking this medicine with aliskiren if you have kidney disease.

To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium in your blood); or

• if you are on a low-salt diet.

Do not use if you are pregnant. Stop using the medicine and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Azilsartan can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your second or third trimester.

If you plan to get pregnant, ask your doctor for a safer medicine to use before and during pregnancy. Having high blood pressure during pregnancy may cause complications in the mother and the baby.

You should not breastfeed while taking azilsartan.

Azilsartan is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

How should I take azilsartan?

Take azilsartan exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose.

Azilsartan may be taken with or without food.

Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. Your kidney function may also need to be checked.

Call your doctor if you are sick with vomiting or diarrhea, or if you are sweating more than usual. You can easily become dehydrated while taking azilsartan.

It may take 2 weeks before your blood pressure is under control. Keep using azilsartan as directed, even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.

You may need to use blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life. Treatment may also include diet, exercise, lowering cholesterol, not smoking, and controlling diabetes.

Store in the original container at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light.

Azilsartan dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Hypertension:

80 mg orally once a day

Comments: Consider a starting dose of 40 mg orally once a day for patients on high diuretic doses.

Related/similar drugs

amlodipine, lisinopril, metoprolol, losartan, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking azilsartan?

Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes, unless your doctor has told you to.

Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy.

Azilsartan side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to azilsartan: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Azilsartan may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• little or no urination; or

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out.

Common azilsartan side effects may include:

• diarrhea.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect azilsartan?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• a diuretic (water pill) or other medicines that lower blood pressure; or

• NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) - aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with azilsartan, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use azilsartan only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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