Edarbi (azilsartan) is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist. Azilsartan keeps blood vessels from narrowing, which lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow.
Edarbi is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).
Your doctor may prescribe other medicines for you to take along with Edarbi to treat your high blood pressure.
Important information
Do not use Edarbi 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 Edarbi together with any medication that contains aliskiren (Amturnide, Tekturna, Tekamlo, Valturna).
Before you take this medicine, tell your doctor about all your other medical conditions and allergies. Also make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. In some cases, you may not be able to use Edarbi, or you may need a dose adjustment or special precautions.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Edarbi if you are allergic to azilsartan.
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 Edarbi with aliskiren if you have kidney disease.
To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
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an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood);
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congestive heart failure; or
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if you are on a low-salt diet.
FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use Edarbi 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.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
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 Edarbi.
How should I take Edarbi?
Take Edarbi exactly as prescribed by your doctor. 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.
Edarbi 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.
Edarbi dosing information
Usual Adult 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 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?
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.
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:
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painful or difficult urination;
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little or no urinating;
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feeling tired or short of breath;
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a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; or
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swelling in your feet or ankles.
Common Edarbi side effects may include:
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: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Edarbi?
Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with Edarbi, especially:
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lithium
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a diuretic or "water pill";
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any other heart or blood pressure medications; or
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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.