Edarbi (generic name: azilsartan) is prescribed for antihypertensive treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure) in patients from 18 years of age. Azilsartan is an angiotensin-receptor blocking agent (ARB) that lowers blood pressure by blocking the action of a hormone that contracts blood vessels and reduces water excretion through the kidneys. Edarbi is recommended as a first-line agent when prescribed in antihypertensive therapy. One of the benefits of the medication is that it does not need dose adjustments for patients with kidney or liver dysfunctions. This medicine may be taken with or without food.
Side Effects: Edarbi is a safe and effective drug. Serious side effects are rare, but you should report any of the following to your doctor immediately: Blurred vision Sweating Unusual tiredness or weakness More common side effects that should pass as your body becomes used to the drug are diarrhea, coughs, loss of strength, muscle spasm or nausea. If they persist of become worse, you should report this to your doctor or pharmacist Some people taking Edarbi may experience lightheadedness, dizziness or faintness when suddenly getting up from a lying or sitting position. You should try to adjust your behavior to minimize these effects. Your doctor has prescribed Edarbi for the benefits it brings you over these minor effects. Discuss this with the prescribing doctor as well. Eldarbi will not be prescribed for pregnant women in the second or third trimester. If you are already taking this drug and become pregnant, you should immediately inform your doctors for adjustment to the treatment. If you are planning a pregnancy, it is preferable to already have an alternative in place beforehand.
Indication: The primary indication of hypertension is elevated blood pressure. Some chronic conditions increase the risk of high blood pressure, such as kidney disease, diabetes and sleep apnea. Life-style habits such as overeating, use of tobacco or habitual alcohol intake can also lead to increases in blood pressure. There are no cures for hypertension. The main treatment with medications such as Edarbi is to lower pressure by relaxing the tension of venous walls, to enable blood to flow more freely. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, if left untreated can be a cause of serious conditions, including heart attacks, strokes, aneurysms, or heart failure, some of which may be fatal. As well, prolonged high blood pressure may result in weakened and narrowed blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to kidney failure, and torn blood vessels in the eyes leading to retinal vein and artery occlusion, retinal artery emboli, age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma.
