azilsartan

Azilsartan medoxomil (trade name Edarb) is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) that lowers blood pressure by blocking the action of angiotensin II, a vasopressor hormone. It is indicated for the treatment of hypertension to lower blood pressure which reduces the risk of fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular events, primarily strokes and myocardial infarctions. Azilsartan medoxomil may be used either alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents such as chlorthalidone (CLD). As an ARB, azilsartan medoxomil selectively inhibits angiotensin II from binding to the angiotensin II type-1 receptor (AT1). This receptor inhibition provides the antihypertensive activity of azilsartan medoxomil because it blocks the pressor effects of angiotensin II. Azilsartan medoxomil is a prodrug of azilsartan. It is hydrolyzed to the active moiety, azilsartan, in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract during the absorption phase. Azilsartan medoxomil, in combination with the thiazide-like diuretic chlorthalidone, was more effective in lowering systolic BP than azilsartan plus HCTZ. — NCATS