Home Drug Guide Azilsartan Medoxomil

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Azilsartan Medoxomil

Brand Names Edarbi

Classification

Therapeutic: Antihypertensive

Pharmacological: Angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB)

FDA Approved Indications

  • Hypertension

Mechanism of Action

Azilsartan Medoxomil is converted to azilsartan, which selectively blocks the angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptors. This inhibition prevents vasoconstriction and aldosterone-mediated volume expansion, leading to decreased blood pressure.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: Typically 40 mg once daily, can be adjusted up to 80 mg based on response.

Pediatric: Not indicated for pediatric use.

Geriatric: No specific dosage adjustment is generally required, but caution in renal impairment and concomitant medications.

Renal Impairment: Use with caution; may require dose adjustment based on renal function.

Hepatic Impairment: Use with caution; no specific dosage adjustments established.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Rapidly absorbed; bioavailability approximately 60%.

Distribution: Almost completely bound to plasma proteins.

Metabolism: Prodrug converted to active metabolite in the gastrointestinal tract.

Excretion: Primarily fecal, minor renal excretion.

Half Life: About 11 hours.

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to azilsartan or other ARBs.
  • Pregnancy - teratogenic effects.

Precautions

  • Use cautiously in patients with bilateral renal artery stenosis, volume or sodium depletion, hepatic impairment, or concomitant use with potassium-sparing diuretics.

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Dizziness (Common)
  • Fatigue (Common)
  • Syncope (Uncommon)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Angioedema (Rare)
  • Hypotension (Rare)
  • Elevated serum potassium (Uncommon)
  • Renal impairment (Uncommon)

Drug-Drug Interactions

  • Increased hyperkalemia risk with potassium supplements or potassium-sparing diuretics.
  • Enhances effect when combined with other antihypertensives.

Drug-Food Interactions

N/A

Drug-Herb Interactions

N/A

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Monitor blood pressure, renal function (serum creatinine, BUN), and serum potassium before and during therapy.

Diagnoses:

  • Risk for decreased cardiac output related to hypotension.
  • Risk for electrolyte imbalance.

Implementation: Administer orally, preferably at the same time each day. Educate patient on orthostatic hypotension precautions.

Evaluation: Assess for reduction in blood pressure, monitor for adverse effects, and adjust dose as needed.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Take medication exactly as prescribed.
  • Report symptoms of dizziness, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
  • Avoid potassium-rich foods and supplements unless instructed.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings:

  • Pregnancy: can cause injury and death to the fetus; discontinue immediately if pregnancy is detected.

Genetic Factors: None specifically associated.

Lab Test Interference: May affect serum potassium and renal function tests.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Severe hypotension, dizziness, tachycardia, or bradycardia.

Treatment: Supportive care, monitor blood pressure, and provide vasopressors or IV fluids as needed; dialysis if severe renal failure.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store at room temperature, 20-25°C (68-77°F).

Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions.

🛡️ 5 Critical Medication Safety Tips for Nurses

1

Triple-Check High-Risk Medications

Always have another nurse verify insulin, heparin, warfarin, and chemotherapy drugs. These "high-alert" medications cause the most serious errors. Check concentration, dose calculation, and pump settings twice.

2

Know Look-Alike, Sound-Alike Drugs

Common mix-ups: hydromorphone/morphine, Celebrex/Celexa, Zyprexa/Zyrtec. Always use BOTH generic and brand names, read labels twice, and use barcode scanning when available. One wrong letter can be fatal.

3

Assess Before AND After Giving Meds

Check vitals before cardiac meds, pain levels before analgesics, and blood glucose before insulin. Always reassess within 30 minutes to evaluate effectiveness and watch for adverse reactions.

4

Watch for Drug Interactions

Common dangerous combinations: warfarin + aspirin (bleeding), ACE inhibitors + potassium (hyperkalemia), digoxin + diuretics (toxicity). Always check drug interactions before administering new medications.

5

Educate Your Patients

Teach patients medication names, purposes, major side effects, and what to report. Informed patients catch errors and improve compliance. Always encourage questions - an educated patient is a safer patient.

⚡ Remember: When in doubt, don't give it out! It's always safer to double-check than regret later.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer

This drug guide is for educational purposes only and is NOT intended for clinical use. Always consult current prescribing information, healthcare providers, and institutional protocols before administering any medication. Do not use this information for patient care decisions.