Edarbi

Generic Name: azilsartan medoxomil (AY zil SAR tan me DOX oh mil)
Brand Names: Edarbi

What is Edarbi?

Edarbi (azilsartan medoxomil) belongs to a group of drugs called angiotensin II receptor antagonists. Edarbi keeps blood vessels from narrowing, which lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow.

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

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

Important information about azilsartan

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

Before you take Edarbi, 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 Edarbi. Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes while you are taking Edarbi, unless your doctor has told you to.

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

Keep using Edarbi 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 Edarbi

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

To make sure you can safely take Edarbi, 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 Edarbi if you are pregnant. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Edarbi 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 Edarbi. 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 Edarbi.

See also: Edarbi pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)

How should I take Edarbi?

Take Edarbi 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.

Edarbi may be taken with or without food.

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

Keep using Edarbi 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 Edarbi in the original container at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light.

See also: Edarbi dosage (in more detail)

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 happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking Edarbi?

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

See also: Edarbi and alcohol (in more detail)

Edarbi side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Edarbi: 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 Edarbi 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. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: Edarbi side effects (in more detail)

Edarbi Dosing Information

Usual Adult Edarbi Dose for Hypertension:

Initial dose: 80 mg orally once daily. It may be appropriate to initiate dosage at 40 mg orally once daily for patients who are treated with high doses of diuretics.

Maintenance dose: 80 mg orally once daily

What other drugs will affect Edarbi?

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 Edarbi. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about Edarbi.