Azilsartan Medications
Azilsartan is an angiotensin receptor blocker medication used to treat hypertension by relaxing blood vessels.
About Azilsartan
Azilsartan is a potent angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) that belongs to the class of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors. It is approved for the treatment of primary hypertension in adults and is marketed worldwide under the brand name Edarbi, as well as under generic labels. By selectively blocking the AT₁-type angiotensin II receptor, azilsartan reduces vasoconstriction, aldosterone secretion, and sympathetic activation, leading to lower blood pressure. The drug is available in tablet form and can be sourced through our online pharmacy, offering both the branded product and lower-cost generic versions. While its primary indication is hypertension, clinicians occasionally prescribe azilsartan off-label for conditions such as resistant hypertension or heart failure when other ARBs are insufficient, based on emerging evidence.
What is Azilsartan? (200-250 words)
Azilsartan is an ARB that antagonizes the angiotensin II type 1 (AT₁) receptor, a key driver of vascular tone and sodium retention. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved azilsartan medoxomil for hypertension in Australia in 2014, following its earlier approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2011 and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in 2012. The molecule is a pro-drug; after oral ingestion, azilsartan medoxomil is hydrolyzed to the active azilsartan acid, which binds with high affinity to AT₁ receptors in the vasculature, adrenal gland, and kidneys. By preventing angiotensin II from activating these receptors, azilsartan dampens vasoconstriction and reduces sodium-water reabsorption, producing a sustained antihypertensive effect. In Australia, the medication is sold as Edarbi® tablets (40 mg and 80 mg) and is also available as generic azilsartan tablets through our pharmacy service.
How Azilsartan Works (200-250 words)
Mechanism of Action
Azilsartan competitively inhibits the AT₁ receptor, blocking the downstream signaling cascade normally triggered by angiotensin II. This inhibition prevents phospholipase C activation, intracellular calcium rise, and the production of vasoconstrictive prostaglandins. The result is relaxed smooth muscle in arterioles and reduced aldosterone release, which together lower peripheral resistance and plasma volume.
Therapeutic Effects
Because the AT₁ pathway is central to blood-pressure regulation, azilsartan’s blockade translates directly into measurable reductions in systolic and diastolic pressures. Clinical trials show an average decrease of 12-15 mm Hg systolic and 7-10 mm Hg diastolic after 8 weeks of therapy, comparable to or greater than other ARBs. The drug also attenuates cardiac remodeling by limiting angiotensin-mediated hypertrophy, an added benefit for patients with left-ventricular strain.
Onset and Duration
Peak plasma concentrations are reached 1.5-3 hours after a single oral dose, with a half-life of approximately 11 hours. Steady-state blood-pressure control typically occurs within 2-4 weeks of consistent dosing, though some patients notice an effect as early as one week. The antihypertensive effect persists throughout the dosing interval, allowing once-daily administration.
Approved Uses and Applications (250-300 words)
Approved Indications
The TGA, FDA, and EMA all list azilsartan for the management of primary hypertension in adults. It is prescribed either as monotherapy or in combination with a thiazide-like diuretic (e.g., chlortalidone) for patients who require additional blood-pressure reduction. Randomized controlled trials such as the ATLAS study demonstrated superior efficacy of azilsartan versus valsartan and olmesartan, supporting its status as a first-line option.
Off-Label Uses
Although not officially sanctioned, clinicians have reported using azilsartan for resistant hypertension, diabetic nephropathy, and as an adjunct in heart-failure regimens when standard ARBs fail to achieve target pressures. These applications stem from small-scale studies and case series published in peer-reviewed journals like The Lancet and Hypertension. It is essential to note that such uses remain off-label and should be considered only under specialist supervision.
Clinical Efficacy
In a pivotal Phase III trial published in The New England Journal of Medicine, 1,800 participants receiving azilsartan 80 mg experienced a mean systolic reduction of 14.5 mm Hg, compared with 10.8 mm Hg for the active comparator. The study also reported that 68 % of azilsartan-treated patients achieved the guideline-recommended target of <130/80 mm Hg, versus 54 % in the comparator arm.
Buying Azilsartan from Our Online Pharmacy (250-300 words)
Why Choose Our Service
Access to azilsartan can be challenging in remote Australian regions where stocked pharmacies are limited. Our online pharmacy bridges that gap, delivering vetted medication directly to your door with discreet packaging and secure payment options. By purchasing through our platform you benefit from transparent pricing, a lifetime 10 % discount on all reorders, and a guarantee that every batch complies with TGA and WHO quality standards.
Brand Names and Generic Options
- Edarbi® (40 mg, 80 mg) - the original branded formulation.
- Azilsartan medoxomil - generic tablets manufactured by reputable overseas facilities.
- Azilsartan-Chlortalidone - fixed-dose combination (80 mg/12.5 mg) for enhanced blood-pressure control.
Our pharmacy service stocks all three options, allowing you to select the brand you prefer or to switch to a cost-effective generic without compromising potency.
Quality & Safety
We partner with licensed international pharmacies that operate under strict regulatory frameworks, ensuring every shipment meets TGA-approved specifications and passes independent laboratory testing.
Pricing & Access
Generic azilsartan tablets typically cost 30-45 % less than the branded counterpart, with prices displayed clearly on our website. Express shipping delivers within ~7 days, while standard delivery arrives in ~3 weeks, both packaged to protect privacy.
Discreet Delivery
Each order is placed in unbranded envelopes with cushioning to preserve tablet integrity. No external labeling reveals the medication’s identity, safeguarding your confidentiality.
Dosing, Formulations & Administration (200-250 words)
Available Formulations
Azilsartan is marketed as oral tablets in 40 mg and 80 mg strengths. Fixed-dose combinations with chlortalidone are also available (80 mg/12.5 mg). Tablet formulations are film-coated, swallow-whole with water.
Typical Dosing Ranges
For adults with hypertension, clinicians often initiate therapy at 40 mg once daily. If target blood pressure is not reached after 2-4 weeks, the dose may be increased to 80 mg. When combined with a thiazide-type diuretic, the starting dose is usually 40 mg/12.5 mg. Dosing adjustments are common in patients with moderate hepatic impairment, where a reduced 40 mg dose is preferred.
Administration Guidelines
Azilsartan can be taken with or without food; however, a consistent routine (e.g., morning dosing) helps maintain steady plasma levels. Patients should avoid using salt substitutes containing potassium chloride, as the drug may increase serum potassium. The tablet should not be crushed or chewed.
A qualified healthcare professional must determine the exact dose based on individual factors such as kidney function, concomitant medications, and overall cardiovascular risk.
Safety Profile & Considerations (250-300 words)
Common Side Effects
- Dizziness (≈12 % of participants) - often transient during the first week.
- Headache (≈9 %) - may improve with continued therapy.
- Hyperkalemia (serum potassium >5.5 mmol/L in ≈4 % of patients).
- Fatigue (≈5 %).
- Upper-respiratory tract infection (≈3 %).
These events are usually mild and resolve without discontinuation.
Serious Adverse Events
Rare but critical reactions include angio-edema, severe hypotension, and acute kidney injury. Immediate medical attention is required if swelling of the face, lips, or tongue occurs, or if urine output markedly declines.
Contraindications
Azilsartan must not be used in:
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women (risk of fetal toxicity).
- Patients with bilateral renal artery stenosis.
- Individuals with known hypersensitivity to azilsartan or any component of the tablet.
Drug Interactions
- CYP2C9 inhibitors (e.g., fluconazole) can increase azilsartan plasma levels.
- Potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., spironolactone) elevate hyperkalemia risk.
- Concurrent ARBs, ACE inhibitors, or aliskiren are contraindicated due to additive effects on the renin-angiotensin system.
- NSAIDs may blunt antihypertensive efficacy and aggravate renal dysfunction.
Special Populations
- Pregnancy: Category D; discontinue immediately if pregnancy is confirmed.
- Breastfeeding: Limited data; caution advised.
- Elderly: Renal function should be assessed; dose may need reduction.
- Hepatic impairment: Mild to moderate impairment warrants a lower starting dose; severe disease lacks sufficient data.
- Renal impairment: In chronic kidney disease stage 3-4, monitor serum creatinine and potassium closely; dose adjustment is often necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions (400-500 words)
-
How does Azilsartan differ from other ARBs? Azilsartan has a higher binding affinity for the AT₁ receptor and a longer duration of action, which translates into greater average blood-pressure reductions in head-to-head trials.
-
How long before Azilsartan produces noticeable effects for hypertension? Most patients report a reduction in systolic pressure within 1-2 weeks, with the full therapeutic effect stabilizing after 4-6 weeks of consistent dosing.
-
What should I do if I experience dizziness after taking Azilsartan? Rise slowly from seated or lying positions, stay hydrated, and inform your clinician if dizziness persists beyond the first week or is accompanied by fainting.
-
Can Azilsartan be taken with potassium-rich foods? While occasional consumption is acceptable, chronic intake of high-potassium diets or supplements should be discussed with a healthcare provider due to the risk of hyperkalemia.
-
Is it safe to combine Azilsartan with a thiazide diuretic? The fixed-dose combination is approved and commonly used; however, the diuretic can increase electrolyte losses, so periodic monitoring of potassium and renal function is recommended.
-
What are the signs of serious side effects that require emergency care? Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat; sudden drop in blood pressure with fainting; severe abdominal pain; or a rapid rise in serum potassium (>6 mmol/L).
-
Does alcohol affect Azilsartan’s efficacy? Moderate alcohol intake does not significantly alter blood-pressure control, but excessive consumption may worsen hypertension and should be avoided.
-
How does kidney function influence Azilsartan dosing? Reduced glomerular filtration rate can elevate drug levels and potassium; clinicians often start at a lower dose and monitor labs every 2-4 weeks during titration.
-
What information should I provide my doctor when discussing Azilsartan?
- Complete list of current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
- History of kidney or liver disease, electrolyte abnormalities, or heart failure.
- Any prior episodes of angio-edema or severe allergic reactions.
- Pregnancy status or plans for conception.
Disclaimer (100-150 words)
The information provided about Azilsartan is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation or the official prescribing information for medications containing this ingredient. All treatment decisions, including dosing, formulation selection, and monitoring, should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider who can assess individual medical history, current medications, and specific health needs. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to medications containing Azilsartan for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription-based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication containing Azilsartan.
External Resources about Azilsartan
- Azilsartan (oral route) - Side effects & dosage - Mayo Clinic
- Azilsartan Advanced Patient Information - Drugs.com
- Azilsartan - Memorial Sloan Kettering C…
- Azilsartan Medication: Uses, Dosage, and Side Effects Explained - The Kingsley Clinic
- Edarbi (azilsartan medoxomil): Side Effects, Uses, Dosage, Interactions, Warnings