What Is Azilsartan?

Azilsartan is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist. Azilsartan keeps blood vessels from narrowing, which lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow.
Azilsartan is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).
Azilsartan may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Do not use azilsartan if you are pregnant. Stop using this medicine and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
If you have diabetes, do not use azilsartan together with any medication that contains aliskiren (Amturnide, Tekturna, Tekamlo, Valturna).
You should not use azilsartan if you are allergic to it.
If you have diabetes, do not use azilsartan together with any medication that contains aliskiren (Amturnide, Tekturna, Tekamlo, Valturna).
You may also need to avoid taking azilsartan with aliskiren if you have kidney disease.
To make sure azilsartan is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood);
• congestive heart failure; or
• if you are on a low-salt diet.

FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use if you are pregnant, and stop using 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.
It is not known whether azilsartan passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while taking azilsartan.

Azilsartan Side Effects

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

• painful or difficult urination;
• little or no urinating;
• feeling tired or short of breath;
• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; or
• swelling in your feet or ankles.

Common side effects may include:

• diarrhea.

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.

Azilsartan Interactions

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.
Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with azilsartan, especially:

• lithium
• a diuretic or "water pill";
• any other heart or blood pressure medications; or
• NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)--aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with azilsartan, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Azilsartan Dosage

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Azilsartan may be taken with or without food.
Your blood pressure will need to be checked often.
Keep using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life.
You may have very low blood pressure while taking this medicine. Call your doctor if you are sick with vomiting or diarrhea, or if you are sweating more than usual.
Store in the original container at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light.
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
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.