Uses
This medication is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems.
This product contains two medications: azilsartan and chlorthalidone. Azilsartan works by relaxing blood vessels so blood can flow more easily. It belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). Chlorthalidone causes your body to get rid of extra salt and water by making more urine. It is called a "water pill" or diuretic.
How To Use
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking this product and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. If you take this drug too close to bedtime, you may need to wake up to urinate. It is best to take this medication at least 4 hours before your bedtime.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. Keep taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. It may take several weeks before you get the full benefit of this drug.
If you also take certain drugs to lower your cholesterol (bile acid-binding resins such as cholestyramine, colestipol), take azilsartan/chlorthalidone at least 2 hours before or at least 4 hours after these medications.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens (your blood pressure readings remain high or increase).
Side Effects
Dizziness or lightheadedness may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. If either of these effects lasts or gets worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
This product may cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Tell your doctor right away if you have any symptoms of dehydration or electrolyte imbalance, including unusual dry mouth/thirst, muscle cramps/weakness, slow/fast/irregular heartbeat, or confusion.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:
- fainting
- severe tiredness
- big toe/joint pain
- symptoms of a high potassium blood level (such as muscle weakness, slow/irregular heartbeat)
- signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine)
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including:
- decrease in vision
- eye pain
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Precautions
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to azilsartan or chlorthalidone; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- dehydration
- untreated mineral imbalance (such as high/low potassium, low magnesium, high calcium, low sodium)
- gout
- lupus
This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
Severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting may cause dehydration and cause you to feel lightheaded. Tell your doctor if you have severe diarrhea or vomiting. To prevent dehydration, drink plenty of fluids unless your doctor tells you not to.
If you have diabetes, this product may affect your blood sugar. Check your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the results with your doctor. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet.
This product may affect your potassium levels. Before using potassium supplements or salt substitutes that contain potassium, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor right away if you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially dizziness and change in the amount of urine (kidney problems).
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using this medication. Azilsartan may harm an unborn baby. If you become pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication. See also Warning section.
It is unknown if azilsartan passes into breast milk. Chlorthalidone passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Drug Interactions
See also How to Use and Precautions sections.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug include:
- aliskiren
- dofetilide
- lithium
- drugs that may increase the level of potassium in the blood (such as sparsentan, ACE inhibitors including benazepril/lisinopril, birth control pills containing drospirenone)
Some products have ingredients that could raise your blood pressure. Tell your pharmacist what products you are using, and ask how to use them safely (especially cough-and-cold products, diet aids, or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen/naproxen).
This medication may interfere with certain lab tests, possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.
Overdose
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Alberta residents can call PADIS (Poison and Drug Information Service) 24 hours a day at 1-800-332-1414. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe dizziness, fainting.
Notes
Do not share this medication with others.
Lifestyle changes that may help this medication work better include exercising, stopping smoking, and eating a low-cholesterol/low-fat diet. Consult your doctor for more details.
Lab and/or medical tests (including kidney function, blood mineral levels such as potassium) should be done while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
Have your blood pressure checked regularly while taking this medication. Learn how to monitor your own blood pressure at home, and share the results with your doctor.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
If you have questions about missing a dose or you don't have more medication, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Storage
Store in the original container at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
