What is Azilsartan: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and More

Azilsartan is a blood pressure medication that belongs to a class of drugs called ARBs (angiotensin receptor blockers). It works by helping your blood vessels relax and widen, which allows blood to flow more easily and reduces the pressure on your heart. This medication is commonly prescribed when other blood pressure treatments haven't worked well enough or have caused bothersome side effects.

What is Azilsartan?

Azilsartan is a prescription medication specifically designed to treat high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. It's what doctors call an ARB, which stands for angiotensin receptor blocker. Think of it as a gentle helper that allows your blood vessels to stay relaxed instead of being tightly constricted.

This medication is considered a newer generation ARB, which means it was developed to be more effective and longer-lasting than some older blood pressure medications. Unlike some blood pressure drugs that work on your heart directly, azilsartan focuses on your blood vessels themselves. It's available only with a prescription and comes in tablet form that you take by mouth.

What is Azilsartan Used For?

Azilsartan is primarily used to treat high blood pressure in adults. High blood pressure occurs when the force of blood against your artery walls is consistently too high, which can strain your heart and blood vessels over time. By lowering your blood pressure, azilsartan helps reduce your risk of serious health problems.

Your doctor might prescribe azilsartan if you have hypertension that needs better control. It's often recommended when lifestyle changes like diet and exercise aren't enough on their own. Sometimes doctors prescribe it along with other blood pressure medications to get your numbers into a healthier range.

Beyond treating high blood pressure, azilsartan helps protect your organs from damage. When blood pressure stays high for too long, it can harm your heart, kidneys, brain, and eyes. By keeping your blood pressure in check, this medication works as a protective shield for these vital organs.

How Does Azilsartan Work?

Azilsartan works by blocking a substance in your body called angiotensin II. This substance normally causes your blood vessels to narrow and tighten, which increases blood pressure. When azilsartan blocks angiotensin II, your blood vessels can relax and widen, allowing blood to flow more easily.

This medication is considered moderately strong among blood pressure medications. It's not the gentlest option, but it's also not the most aggressive. Most people find it effective without experiencing overwhelming side effects. The blocking action happens gradually, which is why you might not feel the effects immediately.

Azilsartan also helps your kidneys get rid of excess salt and water from your body. This additional effect further reduces the volume of fluid in your blood vessels, which naturally lowers pressure. The combination of relaxed blood vessels and reduced fluid volume creates a gentler environment for your cardiovascular system.

How Should I Take Azilsartan?

You can take azilsartan with or without food, whichever feels more comfortable for you. Many people find it easier to remember when they take it with a meal, but it's not necessary for the medication to work properly. If you experience any stomach upset, taking it with food might help.

Take your azilsartan tablet with a full glass of water. This helps ensure the medication dissolves properly and reaches your bloodstream effectively. Try to take it at the same time each day to maintain steady levels in your system. Many people choose morning or evening based on their routine.

Don't crush, chew, or break the tablet unless your doctor specifically tells you to. The tablet is designed to release the medication in a specific way. If you have trouble swallowing pills, talk to your doctor about alternatives rather than trying to modify the tablet yourself.

How Long Should I Take Azilsartan For?

Most people need to take azilsartan for the long term to keep their blood pressure controlled. High blood pressure is typically a chronic condition, meaning it requires ongoing management rather than a short-term treatment. Think of it like wearing glasses for vision – you need them consistently to maintain the benefit.

You'll likely start seeing blood pressure improvements within 2-4 weeks of starting azilsartan. However, it can take up to 8 weeks to experience the full benefits. Your doctor will monitor your blood pressure regularly during this time to make sure the medication is working effectively for you.

Never stop taking azilsartan suddenly without talking to your doctor first. Your blood pressure could spike quickly, which might be dangerous. If you need to stop the medication for any reason, your doctor will create a safe plan that might involve gradually reducing the dose or switching to another medication.

What Are the Side Effects of Azilsartan?

Like all medications, azilsartan can cause side effects, though many people tolerate it well. The most common side effects are generally mild and often improve as your body adjusts to the medication. Understanding what to expect can help you feel more prepared and know when to contact your doctor.

Here are the more common side effects you might experience:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when standing up quickly
• Fatigue or feeling more tired than usual
• Headache
• Nausea or stomach discomfort
• Diarrhea
• Back pain
• Cough

These side effects are usually temporary and manageable. If they persist or bother you significantly, your doctor can help adjust your treatment plan.

There are also some less common but more serious side effects that require immediate medical attention. While these are rare, it's important to be aware of them:

• Severe dizziness or fainting
• Chest pain or rapid heartbeat
• Severe stomach pain with diarrhea and weight loss
• Signs of kidney problems like changes in urination or swelling
• Allergic reactions such as rash, itching, or difficulty breathing
• Yellowing of skin or eyes (signs of liver problems)

If you experience any of these serious side effects, contact your doctor right away or seek emergency medical care. Remember, these severe reactions are uncommon, but knowing about them helps you stay safe.

Who Should Not Take Azilsartan?

Azilsartan isn't suitable for everyone, and there are certain situations where your doctor would recommend a different medication. If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, azilsartan is not safe for you or your baby. It can cause serious harm to an unborn child, especially during the second and third trimesters.

You should also avoid azilsartan if you have severe kidney disease or if you're on dialysis. The medication can worsen kidney function in people who already have significant kidney problems. Your doctor will check your kidney function with blood tests before prescribing this medication.

People with certain heart conditions might need to avoid azilsartan or use it with extra caution. If you have severe heart failure or a history of heart attack, your doctor will carefully evaluate whether this medication is right for you. Additionally, if you've had an allergic reaction to azilsartan or similar medications in the past, you shouldn't take it.

Let your doctor know if you have diabetes and take medications like ACE inhibitors or other ARBs. Combining these medications with azilsartan can sometimes cause dangerous drops in blood pressure or kidney problems. Your doctor will monitor you closely if this combination is necessary.

Azilsartan Brand Names

Azilsartan is available under the brand name Edarbi in the United States. This is the most commonly prescribed brand name version of the medication. There's also a combination medication called Edarbyclor, which contains azilsartan plus a diuretic (water pill) called chlorthalidone.

Generic versions of azilsartan are also available, which contain the same active ingredient but may cost less than the brand name versions. Whether you receive the brand name or generic version often depends on your insurance coverage and pharmacy preferences. Both versions work equally well.

If you're switching between brand name and generic versions, or between different generic manufacturers, let your doctor know. While the medications are equivalent, some people notice small differences in how they feel, and your doctor can help monitor your response to ensure continued effectiveness.

Azilsartan Alternatives

If azilsartan doesn't work well for you or causes bothersome side effects, there are several alternative medications available. Other ARBs like losartan, valsartan, or telmisartan work similarly to azilsartan and might be better tolerated by some people. Each has slightly different characteristics that might make one more suitable for your specific situation.

ACE inhibitors are another class of blood pressure medications that work in a related way to ARBs. Medications like lisinopril or enalapril might be good alternatives, especially if you've had success with this type of medication before. The main difference is that ACE inhibitors are more likely to cause a dry cough as a side effect.

For people who need a different approach entirely, calcium channel blockers like amlodipine or beta-blockers like metoprolol work through different mechanisms. These might be recommended if ARBs and ACE inhibitors aren't suitable for you. Your doctor will consider your other health conditions, medications, and personal response when choosing the best alternative.

Is Azilsartan Better Than Losartan?

Azilsartan and losartan are both effective ARBs, but they have some important differences. Azilsartan is generally considered more potent, meaning it can lower blood pressure more effectively at lower doses. It also tends to last longer in your system, providing more consistent blood pressure control throughout the day.

Clinical studies suggest that azilsartan might be more effective at reducing blood pressure compared to losartan, especially in people whose blood pressure is difficult to control. However, losartan has been available longer and has more extensive long-term safety data. It's also available in generic form, which makes it more affordable for many people.

The choice between azilsartan and losartan often depends on your individual needs and circumstances. If cost is a major concern, losartan might be the better choice. If you need more powerful blood pressure control and haven't responded well to other medications, azilsartan might be worth trying. Your doctor will help you weigh these factors to make the best decision for your situation.