From the Guidelines
The recommended treatment regimen for Edarbi (azilsartan) in adults with hypertension is to start with 80 mg taken once daily, as it is an angiotensin-receptor blocker (ARB) which is considered a first-line agent for the treatment of hypertension 1. This is the usual recommended dose, though some patients may begin with a lower dose of 40 mg once daily, particularly those who are on high-dose diuretics. Edarbi can be taken with or without food and at any time of day, though taking it at the same time each day helps maintain consistent blood pressure control. The full antihypertensive effect is typically achieved within 2 weeks of starting treatment. For patients who don't achieve adequate blood pressure control with 80 mg alone, adding a diuretic like chlorthalidone can provide additional blood pressure reduction, as recommended by the 2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association hypertension guideline 1. Edarbi works by blocking angiotensin II receptors, preventing the hormone from binding and causing blood vessel constriction, thereby lowering blood pressure. Patients with severe hepatic impairment should use Edarbi with caution, and it's contraindicated during pregnancy due to potential fetal harm. Blood pressure and kidney function should be monitored periodically during treatment, especially in patients with renal impairment or heart failure. It is also important to note that simultaneous use of an ACE inhibitor, ARB, and/or renin inhibitor is potentially harmful and is not recommended to treat adults with hypertension 1. The goal of treatment should be to achieve a blood pressure target of less than 130/80 mm Hg, as recommended by the guideline 1. Overall, Edarbi is a safe and effective treatment option for adults with hypertension, and its use should be guided by the latest clinical guidelines and evidence-based recommendations.
From the FDA Drug Label
2.1 Recommended Dose The recommended dose in adults is 80 mg taken orally once daily. Consider a starting dose of 40 mg for patients who are treated with high doses of diuretics.
The recommended treatment regimen for Edarbi (azilsartan) in adults with hypertension is 80 mg taken orally once daily. However, for patients who are treated with high doses of diuretics, a starting dose of 40 mg should be considered. 2
From the Research
Recommended Treatment Regimen for Edarbi (Azilsartan) in Adults with Hypertension
- The recommended treatment regimen for Edarbi (azilsartan) in adults with hypertension is once-daily administration, with dosages of 20,40, or 80 mg effectively reducing blood pressure over a 24-hour period 3.
- Azilsartan medoxomil has been shown to be more effective than placebo in lowering systolic blood pressure, and at the maximum approved dosage of 80 mg once daily, it was significantly more effective than maximum dosages of olmesartan medoxomil or valsartan 3, 4.
- The drug has been shown to have pleiotropic effects, including sustained blood pressure-lowering efficacy over a longer treatment period of 24 weeks 3.
- Azilsartan medoxomil is generally well tolerated, with a tolerability profile similar to that of placebo, and the most common adverse events are headache and dizziness 3, 4.
Dosage and Administration
- The approved dosage of azilsartan is 80 mg once daily, which has been shown to be effective in lowering systolic blood pressure by 12 to 15 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure by 7 to 8 mm Hg 4.
- Azilsartan can be used alone or in combination with other agents, and additional blood pressure reduction is expected when used adjunctively with a diuretic 4, 5.
- A triple combination therapy with azilsartan, amlodipine, and hydrochlorothiazide has been shown to be well tolerated and effective for 52 weeks in patients with essential hypertension 6.
Safety and Efficacy
- Azilsartan medoxomil has been shown to be safe and effective in adults with essential hypertension, with a low rate of treatment discontinuation due to adverse events 3, 4.
- The most common adverse events are headache and dizziness, and no cases of hyperkalemia have been reported in 6-week clinical trials 4.
- Worsening of renal function and hypotension should be monitored, particularly in those with baseline risk factors 4.