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Azilsartan Medoxomil: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh

Azilsartan Medoxomil is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) that is FDA-approved for the following use: Hypertension (established/approved use): Treatment of high blood pressure in adults and more.

Forms:Tablet

About Azilsartan Medoxomil

Indications of Azilsartan Medoxomil

Azilsartan Medoxomil is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) that is FDA-approved for the following use:

  • Hypertension (established/approved use): Treatment of high blood pressure in adults, to lower blood pressure. Lowering blood pressure reduces the risk of fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular events, primarily strokes and myocardial infarctions.
  • Combination therapy: Azilsartan Medoxomil may be used alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents (such as a thiazide diuretic or a calcium channel blocker) when blood pressure is not adequately controlled on a single agent.

Azilsartan Medoxomil is not approved for use in children, and it is not indicated for heart failure or diabetic nephropathy, although other drugs in the ARB class are used for those conditions.

Dosage & Administration of Azilsartan Medoxomil

Adult Dosage of Azilsartan Medoxomil

IndicationRecommended Dose
Hypertension - standard starting dose80 mg orally once daily
Patients with intravascular volume depletion (e.g., on diuretics)Start at 40 mg once daily
Maximum dose80 mg once daily

Pediatric Dosage

Safety and efficacy of Azilsartan Medoxomil have not been established in patients under 18 years of age; it is not recommended for pediatric use.

Renal Impairment

No initial dosage adjustment of Azilsartan Medoxomil is required for mild-to-moderate renal impairment; monitor renal function periodically. Use in patients with severe renal impairment or on dialysis has not been well studied and requires caution.

Hepatic Impairment

Limited data are available in hepatic impairment; use Azilsartan Medoxomil with caution and monitor blood pressure in patients with moderate to severe hepatic impairment.

Administration

Azilsartan Medoxomil tablets may be taken with or without food, at approximately the same time each day, and may be combined with other antihypertensive drugs if additional blood pressure control is needed.

Side Effects of Azilsartan Medoxomil

Most patients tolerate Azilsartan Medoxomil well. Reported side effects include:

Common Side Effects

  • Diarrhea (reported somewhat more often than with placebo or some other ARBs, especially at the 80 mg dose)
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle spasms
  • Cough

Less Common but Clinically Important Effects

  • Hyperkalemia (elevated blood potassium)
  • Hypotension (low blood pressure), particularly in volume-depleted patients
  • Increase in blood creatinine/worsening renal function

Rare/Postmarketing Reports

  • Angioedema (swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat) - seek emergency care immediately if this occurs
  • Rash and pruritus (itching)
  • Acute kidney injury

Azilsartan Medoxomil is associated with a low incidence of dry cough compared with ACE inhibitors.

Contraindications of Azilsartan Medoxomil

Azilsartan Medoxomil is contraindicated in the following situations:

  • Known hypersensitivity to azilsartan medoxomil or any component of the formulation.
  • Pregnancy: Azilsartan Medoxomil, like other drugs acting on the renin-angiotensin system, can cause injury or death to the developing fetus and must not be used in pregnant women (see Pregnancy and Lactation).
  • Concomitant use with aliskiren in patients with diabetes mellitus, due to an increased risk of hyperkalemia, hypotension, and renal impairment.

Frequently Asked Questions about Azilsartan Medoxomil

What is Azilsartan Medoxomil used for?

Azilsartan Medoxomil is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults, either alone or together with other blood pressure medicines.

How should I take Azilsartan Medoxomil?

Azilsartan Medoxomil is usually taken once daily by mouth, with or without food, at the same time each day. The typical dose is 80 mg daily, though your doctor may start you on 40 mg if you are on a diuretic or have volume depletion. Do not change your dose without consulting your physician.

Can I take Azilsartan Medoxomil during pregnancy?

No. Azilsartan Medoxomil is contraindicated in pregnancy because it can cause serious injury or death to a developing fetus, especially in the second and third trimesters. If you become pregnant while taking Azilsartan Medoxomil, stop the medicine and contact your doctor immediately to switch to a pregnancy-safe alternative.

What are the common side effects of Azilsartan Medoxomil?

The most commonly reported side effect of Azilsartan Medoxomil is diarrhea. Other effects can include dizziness, fatigue, muscle spasms, elevated potassium levels, and low blood pressure. Serious but rare reactions include angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, or throat), which requires immediate emergency care.

Who should not take Azilsartan Medoxomil?

Azilsartan Medoxomil should not be used by people who are hypersensitive/allergic to it, women who are pregnant, or patients with diabetes who are also taking aliskiren, due to serious safety risks in these situations.

What should I do if I miss a dose or take too much Azilsartan Medoxomil?

If you miss a dose of Azilsartan Medoxomil, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for your next dose - do not double up. If you suspect you have taken too much Azilsartan Medoxomil, seek immediate medical attention or contact a poison control center, as overdose can cause dangerously low blood pressure.

Disclaimer

The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy, and the absence of specific information about a drug should not be taken as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences arising from this information, so please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.

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