Azilsartan Medoxomil
About Azilsartan Medoxomil
Azilsartan Medoxomil is a prescription medication used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). By keeping your blood pressure within a healthy range, this medicine helps prevent serious cardiovascular events like strokes and heart attacks. It is designed to work consistently over time to protect your heart and blood vessels.
For the best results, you must take Azilsartan Medoxomil every day at the same time, exactly as prescribed by your doctor. You can take this tablet with or without food, making it easy to fit into your daily routine. To support the medication's effectiveness, your doctor will likely recommend making positive dietary changes, such as reducing your salt intake, and incorporating moderate physical exercise into your weekly routine.
While taking Azilsartan Medoxomil, some people may experience mild side effects like dizziness, fatigue, or diarrhoea as their body adjusts. However, you should contact your doctor immediately if you notice signs of a serious allergic reaction, severe dizziness, or an unusual decrease in urination.
Before starting Azilsartan Medoxomil, inform your doctor if you have kidney problems, liver disease or liver damage, or if you are severely dehydrated. Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant, as it can cause serious harm or even death to an unborn baby.
This medication can interact with other blood pressure drugs, potassium supplements, and certain pain relievers, which can alter its effects or increase your risk of side effects. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine, as it can worsen dizziness. If you are breastfeeding, elderly, or planning a pregnancy, consult your healthcare provider to discuss whether Azilsartan Medoxomil is safe and appropriate for your specific situation.
Uses of Azilsartan Medoxomil
Medicinal Benefits
Azilsartan Medoxomil provides crucial long-term health benefits, even though you may not 'feel' high blood pressure on a daily basis:
- Reduced Risk of Stroke and Heart Attack: By keeping your blood pressure within a safe, controlled range, Azilsartan Medoxomil significantly lowers your risk of life-threatening cardiovascular emergencies.
- Kidney Protection: Maintaining stable blood pressure helps shield the delicate blood vessels in your kidneys from damage caused by chronic hypertension.
- Consistent 24-Hour Control: This medicine delivers reliable, round-the-clock blood pressure management with just a single daily dose, preventing dangerous spikes throughout the day and night.
Directions for Use
- Azilsartan Medoxomil can be taken with or without food as advised by your doctor.
- Adhere to your doctor's guidance regarding the dosage and timing of this medication for optimal effectiveness.
- Swallow Azilsartan Medoxomil as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not crush, chew, or break it.
Storage
Side Effects of Azilsartan Medoxomil
Common Side Effects (Usually mild)
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Diarrhoea
- Fatigue or general weakness
- Mild nausea
Serious Side Effects (Consult your doctor right away)
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat (signs of an allergic reaction)
- Severe or persistent dizziness or fainting
- Signs of high potassium levels, such as muscle weakness or an irregular heartbeat
- A significant decrease in how much urine you pass, or swelling in your legs and feet
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Check Your Blood Pressure Regularly: Keep a log of your home blood pressure readings to share with your doctor at your next appointment.
- Rise Slowly from Sitting or Lying Positions: This medicine can cause dizziness, especially when you stand up quickly. Move slowly to prevent falls.
- Avoid Potassium Supplements: Do not take potassium supplements or use potassium-based salt alternatives unless specifically directed by your doctor.
- Monitor Kidney Function: Your doctor may schedule routine blood tests to check your kidney health and potassium levels while you are on this medicine.
- Stop Immediately If Pregnant: If you become pregnant or suspect you might be pregnant, stop taking Azilsartan Medoxomil and call your doctor right away, as it can be harmful to the baby.
Drug Interactions
The following medicines may interact with Azilsartan Medoxomil and require caution, closer monitoring, or treatment adjustments:
- Other blood pressure lowering drugs: Taking Azilsartan Medoxomil with other blood pressure medicines (like ACE inhibitors or aliskiren) can excessively lower your blood pressure and increase kidney risks.
- Potassium-sparing diuretics or potassium supplements: Combining these can lead to dangerously high levels of potassium in your blood.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Medications like ibuprofen or naproxen can decrease the effectiveness of Azilsartan Medoxomil and increase the risk of severe kidney damage.
- Lithium: Azilsartan Medoxomil may increase the levels of lithium in your blood, raising the risk of lithium toxicity.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAlcohol should not be taken while using Azilsartan Medoxomil. It may worsen the health condition.
Pregnancy
unsafeAzilsartan Medoxomil is a category C medicine and causes harmful effects to the fetus. So it is not recommended to use in pregnant women.
Breast Feeding
unsafeAzilsartan Medoxomil should not be given to breastfeeding mothers.
Driving
cautionAzilsartan Medoxomil may cause dizziness and affect your ability to drive.
Liver
consult your doctorIf u have or had history or evidence of any liver-related diseases, please consult the doctor before taking medicine. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you.
Kidney
unsafeIf u have or had history or evidence of any Kidney-related diseases, please consult the doctor before taking medicine. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you.
Children
unsafeAzilsartan Medoxomil is not recommended for children and adolescents below 18 years of age.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Limit Sodium Intake: Reduce the amount of salt in your diet by avoiding processed foods and using herbs or spices for flavour instead.
- Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products (such as the DASH diet) to naturally support your blood pressure treatment.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, as dehydration can interact with Azilsartan Medoxomil to cause an excessive drop in blood pressure or affect kidney function.
- Monitor Potassium Intake: Talk to your doctor before using salt substitutes containing potassium, as Azilsartan Medoxomil can raise potassium levels in your blood.
- Engage in Moderate Exercise: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity, like brisk walking, most days of the week, with your doctor's approval.
Special Advise
Your doctor may check your kidney function, blood pressure, and electrolyte levels in your blood at regular intervals while using Azilsartan Medoxomil.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Hypertension: It is a chronic (long-term) condition in which blood pressure remains persistently elevated above normal levels. It occurs when the force of blood against the walls of blood vessels is too high. This condition can cause chest pain (angina) and a heart attack (when the blood supply to the heart is blocked). Additionally, high blood pressure can damage the brain, kidneys, and eyes. The risk of high blood pressure complications increases with the following: obesity, smoking, diabetes, alcohol intake, lack of physical activity, stress, and kidney diseases.
FAQs
Azilsartan Medoxomil is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).
Azilsartan Medoxomil reduces elevated blood pressure. It is an angiotensin-II receptor antagonist (AIIRAs), which widens the narrowed blood vessels by blocking angiotensin (a hormone that narrows the blood vessels increasing the blood pressure).
Please inform your doctor before surgery if you are taking Azilsartan Medoxomil as it needs to be stopped because it might lower the blood pressure further if taken along with general anaesthesia.
High blood pressure increases the workload on the arteries and heart. If untreated, it could damage the heart, brain, and kidney's blood vessels, resulting in a stroke, heart failure or kidney failure. Hypertension increases the risk of heart attacks. Therefore, anti-hypertensives such as Azilsartan Medoxomil are used to lower the blood pressure to normal, reducing the risk of developing these disorders.
Before using this medication, you should inform your doctor about your medical history, including any ongoing medicines, to avoid potential interactions and minimize side effects.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember unless it's almost time for your next dose. In this case, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Azilsartan Medoxomil contains Azilsartan medoxomil, which is an angiotensin-II receptor antagonist.
Azilsartan Medoxomil can be taken with or without food.
Yes, you can; however, it should be taken only as the healthcare provider recommends.
Follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly. Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption. Manage stress by doing meditation. Cut down on salt and saturated foods.
Azilsartan Medoxomil shows greater reduction in systolic blood pressure in patients with T2DM and Hypertension. Individual responses may vary from person to person.
Swallow it whole with a glass of water; do not crush, chew, or break it.
An overdose of Azilsartan Medoxomil is likely to be symptomatic hypotension and dizziness.
Azilsartan medoxomil is a new addition to the ARB class of antihypertensive agents.
Before using Azilsartan Medoxomil, you should learn about its use, side effects, and limitations.
Azilsartan Medoxomil is not suitable for some people with existing medical conditions. So, to ensure safety, let your doctor know about all your medical conditions and medications. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Azilsartan Medoxomil.
The common side-effects of Azilsartan Medoxomil are dizziness, diarrhoea, low blood pressure, nausea, muscle spasms, skin rash, and itching. Consult your doctor immediately if you experience severe diarrhoea, considerable weight loss, or other unwanted effects.
No, you should not stop taking Azilsartan Medoxomil suddenly, even if you feel completely fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms, and stopping the medication can cause your blood pressure to rise rapidly, increasing your risk of heart attack or stroke. Talk to your doctor before making any changes.
You should avoid taking pain relievers like ibuprofen or naproxen regularly without consulting your healthcare provider. These medicines can decrease how well Azilsartan Medoxomil works and may increase the risk of kidney problems. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for safe pain relief alternatives.
Azilsartan Medoxomil is much less likely to cause a dry, hacking cough compared to other blood pressure medications known as ACE inhibitors. However, if you develop an unusual or persistent cough, talk to your doctor to determine the cause.
No, you must not take Azilsartan Medoxomil if you are pregnant, as it can cause serious injury or death to an unborn baby. If you are breastfeeding or planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor about safer alternative medications.
Yes. Azilsartan Medoxomil may increase the level of potassium in your blood. Avoid potassium supplements, potassium-containing salt substitutes, and excessive intake of potassium-rich foods unless your doctor recommends them. Your doctor may monitor your potassium levels during treatment.
You can take Azilsartan Medoxomil at any time of day, with or without food, but it is best to take it at the same time every day to establish a consistent routine. Talk to your doctor about finding the best schedule for you.
Yes, dizziness, lightheadedness, and mild fatigue can occur, particularly when you first start taking Azilsartan Medoxomil or when your dose is increased. If these symptoms are severe or do not go away, talk to your doctor.
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