Azilsartan medoxomil tablets

What is Azilsartan?

Azilsartan is in a group of drugs called angiotensin II receptor antagonists. Azilsartan keeps blood vessels from narrowing, which lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow.

Azilsartan is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It is sometimes given together with other blood pressure medications.

Azilsartan may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information

Do not use Azilsartan if you are pregnant. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. You should not use Azilsartan if you are allergic to azilsartan medoxomil.

Before you take Azilsartan, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, an electrolyte imbalance (low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood), congestive heart failure, or if you are dehydrated.

Drinking alcohol can further lower your blood pressure and may increase certain side effects of Azilsartan. Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes while you are taking Azilsartan, unless your doctor has told you to.

Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. Visit your doctor regularly.

Keep using Azilsartan as directed, even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Azilsartan if you are allergic to azilsartan medoxomil.

To make sure you can safely take Azilsartan, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• kidney disease;
• liver disease;

• an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood);

• congestive heart failure; or

• if you are dehydrated.

FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use Azilsartan if you are pregnant. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Azilsartan can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your second or third trimester. Use effective birth control while taking Azilsartan. It is not known whether azilsartan medoxomil passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while taking Azilsartan.

How should I take Azilsartan?

Take Azilsartan exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results.

Azilsartan may be taken with or without food.

Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. Visit your doctor regularly.

Keep using Azilsartan as directed, even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.

Conditions that may cause very low blood pressure include: vomiting, diarrhea, heavy sweating, heart disease, dialysis, a low salt diet, or taking diuretics (water pills). Tell your doctor if you have a prolonged illness that causes diarrhea or vomiting.

Store Azilsartan in the original container at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What should I avoid?

Drinking alcohol can further lower your blood pressure and may increase certain side effects of Azilsartan. Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes while you are taking Azilsartan, unless your doctor has told you to. Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.

Azilsartan side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Azilsartan: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• feeling like you might pass out;

• urinating less than usual or not at all;

• drowsiness, confusion, mood changes, increased thirst, loss of appetite, vomiting; or

• swelling, weight gain, feeling short of breath.

Less serious Azilsartan side effects may include:

• diarrhea, mild nausea;

• cough;

• muscle spasm;

• mild dizziness; or

• weakness, tired feeling.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur.

What other drugs will affect Azilsartan?

Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:

• other blood pressure medications;

• a diuretic (water pill); or

• a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, Naprelan, Treximet), celecoxib (Celebrex), diclofenac (Arthrotec, Cambia, Cataflam, Voltaren, Flector Patch, Pennsaid, Solareze), indomethacin (Indocin), meloxicam (Mobic), and others.

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with Azilsartan.