Azilsartan+chlorthalidone
About Azilsartan+chlorthalidone
Azilsartan+chlorthalidone belongs to the class of drugs called anti-hypertensive agents primarily used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a medical condition in which the blood pressure is elevated persistently in the arteries. High blood pressure is mostly caused by obesity, diabetes, smoking, high salt intake, stress, lack of physical activity or ageing.
Azilsartan+chlorthalidone consists of two medicines, namely: Azilsartan and Chlorthalidone. Azilsartan is an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) that works by blocking the hormone angiotensin. This helps relax the blood vessels, allowing the blood to flow more smoothly and the heart to pump more efficiently. Chlorthalidone belongs to thiazide diuretics (water pill) which inhibits fluid retention or build-up. Thus, it relaxes the blood vessels and improves blood circulation. Together, Azilsartan+chlorthalidone helps lower raised blood pressure.
Your doctor will decide the dosage and duration based on your medical condition. In some cases, Azilsartan+chlorthalidone can cause side effects like nausea, taste changes, stomach upset, diarrhoea, headache, weakness, dizziness, and decreased blood pressure. Most of these side effects of Azilsartan+chlorthalidone do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if these side effects persist longer, please consult your doctor.
Before taking Azilsartan+chlorthalidone, let your doctor know if you have kidney, liver problems or severe dehydration. Avoid using Azilsartan+chlorthalidone if you are pregnant. Breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before taking Azilsartan+chlorthalidone. Do not consume alcohol with Azilsartan+chlorthalidone as it may increase the risk of side effects. Avoid driving or operating machinery if you experience dizziness. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medications to rule out any interactions.
Uses of Azilsartan+chlorthalidone
Medicinal Benefits
Azilsartan+chlorthalidone is a combination of Azilsartan and Chlorthalidone. It is used to treat high blood pressure. Azilsartan is an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB). It works by blocking the hormone angiotensin, thereby relaxing blood vessels. This allows the blood to flow more smoothly and the heart to pump more efficiently. Chlorthalidone is a diuretic that removes extra water and certain electrolytes from the body. Over time it also relaxes blood vessels and improves blood flow. Together, Azilsartan+chlorthalidone helps treat high blood pressure.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Azilsartan+chlorthalidone
- Nausea
- Taste changes
- Stomach upset
- Diarrhoea
- Headache
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Decreased blood pressure (hypotension)
Drug Warnings
Do not stop taking Azilsartan+chlorthalidone without your doctor's advice. Sudden stopping of Azilsartan+chlorthalidone may cause changes in your blood pressure. Inform your doctor about gout, electrolyte imbalance, dehydration, heart, kidney or liver problems. Consult your doctor before using Azilsartan+chlorthalidone if you are breastfeeding. Avoid taking Azilsartan+chlorthalidone if you are pregnant. Drive or operate machinery only if you are alert, as Azilsartan+chlorthalidone may cause dizziness. Avoid alcohol consumption as it may cause unpleasant side effects. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medications to rule out any side effects.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Azilsartan+chlorthalidone may interact with other blood pressure treating medicines (e.g. metoprolol, potassium chloride), pain killers (aspirin), supplement (e.g. calcium carbonate), and medicine used as a laxative to relieve occasional constipation (e.g. magnesium hydroxide).
Drug-Food Interactions: Minimize intake of potassium-rich foods and avoid potassium supplements, grapefruit or its juice, and alcohol consumption while taking Azilsartan+chlorthalidone.
Drug-Disease Interactions: People with low blood pressure, heart, kidney or liver problems or severe dehydration, hyperkalaemia, hypokalaemia, high cholesterol levels, electrolyte imbalance, asthma, lupus, gout, thyroid disorders, and diabetes should consult the doctor before taking Azilsartan+chlorthalidone.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAvoid alcohol consumption with Azilsartan+chlorthalidone as it may cause increased dizziness.
Pregnancy
cautionAzilsartan+chlorthalidone is not recommended for use during pregnancy since it may harm the baby. Consult your doctor before taking the Azilsartan+chlorthalidone if you plan to become pregnant or are already pregnant.
Breast Feeding
cautionPlease consult your doctor before taking Azilsartan+chlorthalidone if you are breastfeeding. Your doctor will decide if Azilsartan+chlorthalidone can be taken during lactation or not.
Driving
cautionAzilsartan+chlorthalidone may cause side effects like dizziness or tiredness. Hence, it is recommended not to drive or operate machinery until you are alert.
Liver
cautionLet your doctor know if you have/had the liver disease before taking Azilsartan+chlorthalidone. Your doctor may adjust the dose accordingly.
Kidney
cautionLet your doctor know if you have/had kidney disease before taking the Azilsartan+chlorthalidone. Your doctor may adjust the dose accordingly.
Children
unsafeSafety and efficacy of Azilsartan+chlorthalidone have not been established in children.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Do regular physical activity or exercise.
- Limit sodium chloride intake (table salt) in your daily diet.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Avoid chronic stress, as it can raise your blood pressure. Try to enjoy and spend time with your loved ones to cope with stress.
- Try including heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acid-containing foods in your daily diet. You can also use low-fat cooking oils.
- A low salt/sodium diet and regular exercise are recommended along with Azilsartan+chlorthalidone for effective results.
Special Advise
- Keep a check on your daily blood pressure, and if you notice any fluctuations, please consult a doctor.
- Thiazide diuretics like Chlorthalidone may increase serum triglyceride and cholesterol levels. Hence it is advised to monitor your cholesterol levels regularly.
- Chlorthalidone in Azilsartan+chlorthalidone may interfere with specific lab tests like parathyroid and protein-bound iodide tests; hence, inform the person doing the tests that you are taking Azilsartan+chlorthalidone.
- Your doctor may advise you to get a regular kidney function test and blood examinations for potassium levels and other electrolytes while using Azilsartan+chlorthalidone to rule out any renal impairment.
- Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels is advised in diabetic patients while using Azilsartan+chlorthalidone.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Hypertension: Hypertension is a medical condition in which blood pressure is elevated persistently in the arteries. It is considered an essential risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and can be caused due to obesity, diabetes, smoking, high salt intake, stress, lack of physical activity or ageing. Blood pressure is measured in the ratio of systolic pressure to diastolic pressure. Systolic pressure is the pressure when the heart pumps blood out. On the other hand, diastolic pressure is the pressure when your heart is at the resting stage between heartbeats. The ideal blood pressure range lies between 90/60 mmHg and 120/80 mmHg. It is considered high blood pressure if the blood pressure is 140/90 mmHg or greater.
FAQs
Azilsartan+chlorthalidone works by relaxing and widening the blood vessels. It also prevents fluid retention due to excess salt build-up. This helps the heart pump blood easily throughout the body, lowering blood pressure.
Azilsartan+chlorthalidone can cause high levels of potassium in the blood leading to hyperkalaemia. Hence it is not recommended to use potassium supplements along with Azilsartan+chlorthalidone. However, consult your doctor if you are already taking other medicines before starting Azilsartan+chlorthalidone.
Chlorthalidone in Azilsartan+chlorthalidone may affect blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Hence, it is advised to regularly monitor your sugar levels while taking Azilsartan+chlorthalidone. Your doctor may adjust the dose accordingly. Please seek medical advice for more information before starting Azilsartan+chlorthalidone.
Even though your blood pressure becomes normal after using Azilsartan+chlorthalidone, it may switch back to high ranges if you stop using it. Therefore, continue taking Azilsartan+chlorthalidone for as long as your doctor has advised.
Azilsartan+chlorthalidone may cause dehydration. It is advised to drink plenty of fluids and avoid heavy exercises and sports to prevent dehydration. If you experience extreme thirst and dry mouth for a longer period, please seek medical advice.
Consult your doctor before taking Azilsartan+chlorthalidone with other medicines as Azilsartan+chlorthalidone may increase the rate of gastrointestinal transit, which may affect the absorption of other orally administered medicines taken simultaneously.
