Azilsartan alone and in combination for the treatment of hypertension – clinical utility and patient considerations

Jocelyn D Jones,1 Sylvia H Jackson,1 Charlie Colquitt21College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Florida A&M University, Jacksonville, FL, USA; 2College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Florida A&M University, Tampa, FL, USAAbstract: Hypertension is a common disease that leads to significant cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Adequate blood pressure control is essential in preventing end organ complications. One of the most popular antihypertensive strategies for the treatment of elevated blood pressure is to attenuate the actions of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. The agents include the angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), direct renin inhibitors, and aldosterone antagonists. The ARBs inhibit the action of angiotensin II by binding to the angiotensin II type 1 receptor. The inhibition of angiotensin II results in a dose dependent decrease in peripheral resistance, reduction in vascular smooth muscle contraction, and reduced synthesis of aldosterone in the kidneys. Azilsartan medoxomil is a highly selective ARB. It was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in February 2011 for the treatment of hypertension in adults. It is the eighth ARB to be added to the market. This article will discuss the pharmacologic and clinical characteristics of azilsartan medoxomil to help differentiate it from other ARBs that are used for the management of hypertension.Keywords: hypertension, azilsartan medoxomil, angiotensin II receptor blocker, AR