An angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB)
Azilsartan
An angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) taken once daily to lower high blood pressure, often used when an ACE inhibitor causes a cough.
What is Azilsartan?
Azilsartan is an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) used to lower high blood pressure. It relaxes and widens blood vessels, and is a common alternative for people who cannot tolerate an ACE inhibitor because of a dry cough. Kidney function and potassium are monitored, and it must not be used in pregnancy.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Azilsartan — it deliberately contains no doses. Doses depend on the person, the brand and the reason for treatment, and belong with your prescriber. Always check the BNF, the product labelling (SmPC) and follow medical advice.
What it is
Azilsartan (brand name Edarbi) is an angiotensin receptor blocker, or ARB, used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). ARBs are a well-established class of blood-pressure medicines, and azilsartan is often chosen for people who would otherwise take an ACE inhibitor but cannot tolerate the dry cough that ACE inhibitors can cause. It is taken once a day as a long-term treatment to keep blood pressure controlled and reduce the risks that come with raised blood pressure over time.
How it works
Azilsartan blocks the action of angiotensin II, a natural substance that narrows blood vessels and raises blood pressure. By stopping angiotensin II from acting on its receptors, the blood vessels relax and widen, which lowers blood pressure. This also eases the workload on the heart and reduces salt and water retention. Unlike ACE inhibitors, ARBs do not raise the body chemical that causes the typical ACE-inhibitor cough, which is why they are a useful alternative.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: Marketed in the UK as Edarbi..
What it treats
Conditions Azilsartan is used for
Practical use
How to take Azilsartan
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- Take it once a day, at roughly the same time, with or without food.
- Keep taking it even when you feel well, as high blood pressure usually has no symptoms.
- Stand up slowly at first, especially after the initial dose, as it may make you light-headed.
- Avoid anti-inflammatory painkillers (NSAIDs) unless advised, as they can blunt its effect and affect the kidneys.
- Tell your prescriber promptly if you become pregnant, as it must be stopped.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Azilsartan
Advantages
- Effective once-daily blood-pressure control as a long-term treatment.
- A good alternative for people who get a dry cough on an ACE inhibitor.
- Generally well tolerated, with the cough being far less likely than with ACE inhibitors.
Disadvantages
- Can raise blood potassium and affect kidney function, so blood tests are needed.
- Must not be used in pregnancy and is stopped if pregnancy occurs.
- May cause dizziness or light-headedness, particularly when first started or with dehydration.
Practical use
Good to know
Azilsartan is taken once a day, long-term, and lowers blood pressure quietly in the background rather than producing something you feel. It is a common switch for people who develop a dry cough on an ACE inhibitor. Your kidney function and blood potassium are checked around starting and after changes. It must not be used in pregnancy, so tell your prescriber if you are pregnant or planning to be, and stand up slowly at first as it can cause light-headedness.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- Women who are pregnant or planning pregnancy — ARBs can harm the developing baby.
- People with severe kidney problems or narrowing of the arteries to both kidneys, unless specialist-advised.
- Anyone allergic to azilsartan; it should not be combined with an ACE inhibitor or aliskiren in most people, especially those with diabetes or kidney disease.
Monitoring
- Blood pressure to confirm control
- Kidney function and blood potassium around starting and after changes
- Pregnancy status, as it must be stopped if pregnancy occurs
Side effects
- Dizziness or light-headedness, especially when standing up or when first started.
- Raised blood potassium and, in some people, an effect on kidney function (picked up on blood tests).
- Less commonly tiredness, headache or, rarely, swelling of the face or throat (angioedema) — seek urgent help if this occurs.
Key interactions
- Anti-inflammatory painkillers (NSAIDs), which can reduce its effect and strain the kidneys.
- Other medicines or supplements that raise potassium, including potassium-sparing water tablets and potassium supplements.
- Combining with ACE inhibitors, aliskiren, lithium or certain diuretics needs caution and monitoring.
Available as: Tablets.
Answers
Azilsartan: frequently asked questions
Why was I switched from an ACE inhibitor to azilsartan?
ACE inhibitors can cause a persistent dry cough in some people. ARBs like azilsartan lower blood pressure in a similar way but rarely cause that cough, so they are a common alternative when the cough is troublesome while keeping similar benefits.
Can I take azilsartan in pregnancy?
No. ARBs can harm a developing baby and must not be used in pregnancy. If you are pregnant, think you might be, or are planning a pregnancy, tell your prescriber promptly so your blood-pressure treatment can be changed to a safer option.
Why do I need blood tests on it?
Azilsartan can affect how the kidneys work and can raise potassium in the blood. Blood tests around starting and after any change check that your kidneys and potassium stay in a safe range, which is a routine part of using ARBs.
Can I take ibuprofen with it?
It is best to avoid anti-inflammatory painkillers (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen unless advised, because together they can reduce azilsartan's effect and put extra strain on the kidneys. Ask your pharmacist about a suitable painkiller such as paracetamol.
What is the difference between azilsartan and Edarbi?
They are the same medicine — azilsartan is the active-ingredient name and Edarbi is the brand name. Both contain the same active ingredient and work in the same way.
The wider class
About ARBs
Azilsartan belongs to the arbs class. For how the class as a whole works, its shared safety principles and monitoring, see the full guide.
Browse by body system
Authoritative sources
- BNF: Azilsartan medoxomil.
- NICE CKS: High blood pressure (hypertension).
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