Generic Azilsartan

Introduction

Azilsartan is an oral antihypertensive medication marketed for the treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension) in the United Kingdom. The active compound, azilsartan, belongs to the angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) class, which works by relaxing blood‑vessel walls and reducing the force needed for the heart to pump blood. It is supplied in tablet form and is listed under the British National Formulary (BNF) as a prescription‑only medicine for adults. While its primary indication is essential hypertension, clinicians may also consider azilsartan for patients who require an ARB after an inadequate response to other agents.

What is Azilsartan?

Azilsartan is a synthetic, selective antagonist of the angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor. It was developed by Takeda Pharmaceutical Company and first approved in the United States under the brand name Edarbi (azilsartan medoxomil). In the UK, the same active molecule is available as a generic product.

Azilsartan is the generic version of Edarbi, containing the same active compound azilsartan. Our online pharmacy provides this generic alternative as a cost‑effective treatment option.

The medication is formulated as film‑coated tablets containing azilsartan medoxomil, a pro‑drug that is rapidly converted in the gastrointestinal tract to the active azilsartan molecule. The tablets also contain standard excipients such as microcrystalline cellulose, lactose, and magnesium stearate, which are inert and generally well tolerated.

How Azilsartan Works

Azilsartan blocks the binding of angiotensin II to AT1 receptors located on vascular smooth‑muscle cells, adrenal cortex, and renal tubules. By preventing this interaction, azilsartan inhibits the vasoconstrictive, aldosterone‑secreting, and sodium‑retaining effects normally mediated by angiotensin II. The net result is:

• Vasodilation – blood vessels widen, lowering peripheral resistance.
• Reduced sodium and water reabsorption – the kidneys excrete more salt and fluid, decreasing blood volume.
• Lowered aldosterone levels – less potassium loss and further blood‑pressure reduction.

These actions begin within a few hours after the first dose, reach a steady‑state effect after about 5 – 7 days of consistent dosing, and are maintained as long as the medication is continued. Azilsartan is eliminated primarily via hepatic metabolism (CYP2C9) and renal excretion, with a half‑life of roughly 11–14 hours, supporting once‑daily dosing.

Conditions Treated with Azilsartan

• Essential (primary) hypertension – the most common indication; azilsartan has demonstrated superior blood‑pressure lowering compared with some earlier ARBs in head‑to‑head trials (e.g., azilsartan vs. valsartan).
• Hypertension with chronic kidney disease (CKD) – ARBs protect renal function by reducing intraglomerular pressure; azilsartan may be chosen when other ARBs are insufficient.
• Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) – although not first‑line in the UK, guidelines allow ARBs as an alternative to ACE inhibitors when those are not tolerated.

In the United Kingdom, hypertension affects roughly 1 in 5 adults, and uncontrolled blood pressure is a major contributor to stroke, myocardial infarction, and renal failure. Effective ARB therapy, such as azilsartan, contributes to the national strategy of reducing cardiovascular mortality.

Who is Azilsartan For?

• Adults with stage 1 or stage 2 essential hypertension who have not achieved target blood‑pressure goals with lifestyle measures or monotherapy with a thiazide‑type diuretic.
• Patients previously treated with another ARB (e.g., losartan, irbesartan) who require a stronger or more consistent blood‑pressure response.
• Individuals intolerant of ACE inhibitors due to cough or angio‑edema, as ARBs avoid these side‑effects while providing comparable cardiovascular protection.
• Patients with concomitant chronic kidney disease where reduction of proteinuria and preservation of renal function are desired.

Azilsartan should be used with caution, or avoided, in:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women (ARBs are contraindicated in the second and third trimesters).
• Patients with known hypersensitivity to azilsartan or any tablet excipients.
• Individuals with severe hepatic impairment, as metabolism may be markedly reduced.

Risks, Side Effects, and Interactions

Common

• Headache – mild to moderate, often transient after treatment initiation.
• Dizziness or light‑headedness – related to orthostatic blood‑pressure reduction; advise patients to rise slowly.
• Upper respiratory tract infections – reported at a similar frequency to placebo in clinical trials.
• Fatigue – generally low‑grade and resolves with continued therapy.

Rare

• Elevated serum potassium (hyperkalaemia) – especially when combined with potassium‑sparing diuretics or supplements.
• Increased serum creatinine – a rise of >30 % from baseline may indicate renal hypoperfusion; monitor renal function after the first weeks.
• Skin rash or pruritus – usually mild, but may progress to a more extensive drug eruption.

Serious

• Angio‑edema – rare but potentially life‑threatening swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or airway; immediate medical attention required.
• Severe hypotension – can occur in volume‑depleted patients, those on high‑dose diuretics, or with cardiac failure.
• Acute renal failure – particularly in patients with bilateral renal artery stenosis or severe dehydration.

Clinically Relevant Drug–Drug Interactions

• Potassium‑containing supplements or salt substitutes – may precipitate hyperkalaemia.
• Other renin‑angiotensin system blockers (ACE inhibitors, other ARBs, aliskiren) – additive effect on blood pressure and renal function; concurrent use is generally contraindicated.
• Non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – can reduce antihypertensive efficacy and increase the risk of renal impairment.
• CYP2C9 inhibitors (e.g., fluconazole, amiodarone) – may raise azilsartan plasma concentrations; dose adjustment or monitoring may be needed.

Patients should disclose all over‑the‑counter products, herbal preparations, and prescribed medicines to their healthcare professional before starting azilsartan.

Practical Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose

• Standard starting dose – 40 mg once daily, taken with or without food.
• Usual maintenance dose – may be increased to 80 mg once daily if target blood pressure is not achieved and the patient tolerates the medication.
• Maximum recommended dose – 80 mg daily; higher doses have not demonstrated additional benefit and may increase adverse‑event risk.

Missed dose – If a dose is forgotten, take it as soon as it is remembered on the same day. If it is already close to the time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed tablet and resume the regular dosing schedule. Do not double‑dose.

Overdose – Symptoms may include severe hypotension, dizziness, and renal dysfunction. Management is supportive: monitor vital signs, ensure adequate hydration, and treat hypotension with intravenous fluids or vasopressors as required. There is no specific antidote for azilsartan overdose. Prompt medical attention is essential.

Practical precautions

• Avoid excessive alcohol intake, which can potentiate blood‑pressure lowering.
• Monitor blood pressure regularly, especially during the first two weeks of therapy.
• Periodic laboratory testing (serum creatinine, electrolytes, potassium) is recommended at baseline, after dose changes, and at least annually.
• Food does not significantly affect azilsartan absorption; it can be taken with meals to improve tolerability.

Buying Azilsartan from Our Online Pharmacy

Azilsartan can be obtained safely from our online pharmacy in the UK. We specialize in sourcing high‑quality generic medicines directly from licensed overseas manufacturers, allowing us to offer the medication at a price close to the manufacturer’s cost.

• Affordability – Generic azilsartan is priced competitively, often 30‑50 % less than brand‑name equivalents.
• Verified quality – All batches are verified by independent quality‑control laboratories and meet EU‑pharmacopeia standards.
• Discreet, reliable delivery – Orders are packaged in unmarked envelopes and dispatched via a secure courier service; standard delivery is typically 7 days for express, or around 3 weeks for regular airmail.
• Privacy‑focused service – As a pharmacy‑broker, we work with overseas licensed pharmacies, ensuring patient confidentiality while maintaining compliance with UK import regulations.

Our online pharmacy provides a convenient alternative for patients who encounter limited availability of azilsartan in local pharmacies or who seek a cost‑effective generic option without compromising safety.

FAQ

• Is azilsartan available in both brand‑name and generic forms in the UK?
  Yes, the drug is marketed under the brand name Edarbi and also as a generic product containing the same active compound, azilsartan. The generic version offers a more affordable option while delivering identical therapeutic effects.

• What storage conditions are recommended for azilsartan tablets?
  Store tablets at controlled room temperature (15 °C‑30 °C), away from direct sunlight, moisture, and heat sources. Do not refrigerate or freeze the medication, as this can affect tablet integrity.

• Can azilsartan be taken with food or should it be taken on an empty stomach?
  Azilsartan may be taken with or without food. Taking it with a meal can reduce occasional stomach upset, but food does not significantly alter its absorption or efficacy.

• Does azilsartan interact with common over‑the‑counter supplements such as potassium chloride?
  Yes, concomitant use of potassium‑containing supplements can increase the risk of hyperkalaemia. Patients should discuss any supplements with their healthcare provider before adding them to their regimen.

• Are there any special warnings for patients of Asian descent using azilsartan?
  Pharmacokinetic studies have shown similar exposure in Asian and non‑Asian populations; however, clinicians may monitor renal function more closely in patients with a higher prevalence of salt‑sensitive hypertension.

• How does azilsartan compare to older ARBs like losartan in terms of blood‑pressure reduction?
  Clinical trials have demonstrated that azilsartan produces greater reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure compared with several older ARBs, including losartan, when used at their approved doses.

• Is it safe to travel internationally with azilsartan tablets?
  Yes, azilsartan tablets are not classified as a controlled substance and can be carried in personal luggage. Carry the medication in its original packaging and hold a copy of the prescription or a doctor’s letter if required by customs.

• What are the visual characteristics of the generic azilsartan tablet?
  The generic tablet is typically a round, film‑coated tablet, white to off‑white in colour, and embossed with the strength (e.g., “40 mg”). Inactive ingredients may include lactose and microcrystalline cellulose.

• Can azilsartan be imported for personal use without a UK licence?
  Personal import of a single‑course supply of a prescription‑only medicine is permitted under UK law, provided the patient holds a valid prescription from a UK‑registered prescriber. Our online pharmacy assists with customs documentation to ensure compliance.

• Do clinical guidelines recommend azilsartan as a first‑line option for hypertension?
  The UK NICE guidelines list ARBs, including azilsartan, as viable first‑line agents for patients who cannot tolerate ACE inhibitors or as part of combination therapy. Choice depends on individual patient characteristics and response.

Glossary

Angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB)

A class of drugs that inhibit the action of angiotensin II at the AT1 receptor, leading to vasodilation and reduced blood‑pressure.

Hyperkalaemia

An elevated concentration of potassium in the blood, which can cause cardiac arrhythmias if severe.

Pro‑drug

An inactive compound that is metabolised in the body to produce the active drug; azilsartan medoxomil is a pro‑drug converted to azilsartan.

Orthostatic hypotension

A drop in blood pressure upon standing, often causing dizziness or fainting; a known effect of antihypertensive therapy.

⚠️ Disclaimer

The information provided about azilsartan is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation. All treatment decisions should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to azilsartan for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription‑based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication.