Know your medication, one dose at a time! By Dr Ashutosh Pakale
Azilsartan is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). Azilsartan belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). They work by relaxing blood vessels so that blood can flow more easily. Azilsartan lowers blood pressure by blocking the action of angiotensin II at the AT1 receptor, a hormone that contracts blood vessels and reduces water excretion through the kidneys.
Rx
Azilsartan is available in oral tablet form in dosages 40 mg or 80 mg. Once daily dosing is required with or without food.
This medicine should be taken regularly and at same time on each day to get maximum benefits. This medicine should not be stopped without doctor’s advice.
Advantages
Hypertension is attributed to be one of the major risk factors in the pathophysiology of ischemic heart disease, stroke, heart failure and renal dysfunction. Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are one of the first line drugs recommended for clinical use in hypertension. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems.
Side effects
Commonly reported side effects of azilsartan include headache, dyslipidemia and dizziness.
Word of caution
Although azilsartan may be used to prevent kidney problems or treat people who have kidney problems, it may also rarely cause serious kidney problems or make them worse. Your doctor will check your kidney function while you are taking azilsartan. Tell your doctor right away if you have any signs of kidney problems such as a change in the amount of urine.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help if you notice any symptoms of a serious reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness and trouble breathing.
Dr Ashutosh Pakale is a Consulting Diabetologist.
