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Home > Drug Category > Blood Pressure Medication (Angiotensin Receptor Blocker) > Edarbi and Equivalent

Edarbi (Azilsartan Medoxomil) Information

Edarbi, which contains the active ingredient azilsartan medoxomil, is an Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB). It is primarily indicated for the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure), used either alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents. Azilsartan medoxomil is an orally administered prodrug that is rapidly and completely converted to the active drug, azilsartan, during gastrointestinal absorption. It is structurally similar to other ARBs and is recognized for providing potent and sustained blood pressure lowering. Its dosing is typically once daily.

The mechanism of action for azilsartan involves blocking the potent vasoconstrictor hormone Angiotensin II. Angiotensin II causes narrowing of blood vessels (vasoconstriction) and stimulates the release of aldosterone, which causes the body to retain sodium and water. Azilsartan works by selectively blocking the binding of Angiotensin II to the AT1 receptor found in vascular smooth muscle, the kidney, and the adrenal glands. By blocking this receptor, azilsartan counteracts Angiotensin II's effects: it promotes vasodilation (widening of blood vessels), thereby reducing systemic vascular resistance, and inhibits aldosterone secretion, promoting the excretion of sodium and water. These combined actions result in a sustained and effective reduction in blood pressure. Unlike ACE inhibitors, azilsartan has a very low incidence of cough.

Edarbi Side Effects

Edarbi is generally well tolerated, but side effects related to its impact on blood pressure and the renin-angiotensin system may occur. Common side effects often reported include diarrhea, particularly at higher doses, dizziness, fatigue, and headache.

However, more serious side effects can occur, leading to significant monitoring protocols. If any of the following symptoms are experienced, the patient should stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention:
• Angioedema: A rare but severe and potentially life-threatening swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, which can impair breathing. This requires immediate emergency medical attention.
• Fetal Toxicity (Boxed Warning): Use during pregnancy is associated with significant harm to the developing fetus, including fetal death, hypotension, renal failure, and skull hypoplasia. The drug must be discontinued immediately upon confirmed pregnancy.
• Hyperkalemia (High Potassium): A significant elevation in serum potassium levels, especially in patients with renal impairment or those taking potassium-sparing diuretics, requires immediate management.
• Renal Impairment/Failure: In patients whose kidney function is dependent on the renin-angiotensin system (e.g., those with bilateral renal artery stenosis), azilsartan may cause acute kidney failure or worsening renal function.
• Symptomatic Hypotension: Excessive lowering of blood pressure, especially in patients who are volume-depleted (e.g., on high-dose diuretics), which may lead to fainting (syncope).

Edarbi Precautions

Due to the risk of fetal harm, Edarbi carries a Boxed Warning regarding use during pregnancy and must be discontinued as soon as pregnancy is detected. Women of childbearing age should be advised about the risks of use during pregnancy and discuss appropriate contraceptive use or alternative therapies if they are planning to become pregnant. It is contraindicated in patients with a known history of hypersensitivity to azilsartan or a history of angioedema related to previous ARB or ACE inhibitor therapy. Caution is advised when initiating therapy in volume-depleted patients (e.g., those on high-dose diuretics) or salt-depleted patients, as they are at a greater risk for symptomatic hypotension, which may require correction before starting the drug. The concurrent use of Edarbi with the drug aliskiren is contraindicated in patients with diabetes or moderate to severe renal impairment (GFR less than 60 millilitres per minute). Patients with bilateral renal artery stenosis require careful and frequent monitoring of serum creatinine and potassium levels while on ARBs.

Do I need a prescription to order Edarbi?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Edarbi.