azilsartan and chlorthalidone

What is the most important information I should know about azilsartan and chlorthalidone?

If you have diabetes, do not use azilsartan and chlorthalidone together with any medication that contains aliskiren (a blood pressure medicine).

What is azilsartan and chlorthalidone?

Azilsartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (sometimes called an ARB). Chlorthalidone is a thiazide diuretic (water pill).

Azilsartan and chlorthalidone is a combination medicine used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Lowering blood pressure may lower your risk of a stroke or heart attack.

Azilsartan and chlorthalidone may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking azilsartan and chlorthalidone?

If you have diabetes, do not use azilsartan and chlorthalidone together with any medication that contains aliskiren (a blood pressure medicine).

You may also need to avoid taking azilsartan and chlorthalidone with aliskiren if you have kidney disease.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• liver or kidney disease;
• gout;
• an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium in your blood);
• heart disease or a stroke; or
• if you are dehydrated.

Azilsartan and chlorthalidone can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your second or third trimester. However, having high blood pressure during pregnancy may cause complications such as diabetes or eclampsia (dangerously high blood pressure that can lead to medical problems in both mother and baby). Ask your doctor about a blood pressure medication that is safer to use during pregnancy.

How should I take azilsartan and chlorthalidone?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

You may take this medicine with or without food.

Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. Your kidney function may also need to be checked.

Keep using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while taking azilsartan and chlorthalidone?

What are the possible side effects of azilsartan and chlorthalidone?

• feeling like you might pass out;
• little or no urination;
• swelling, weight gain, feeling short of breath; or
• signs of electrolyte imbalance --dry mouth, extreme thirst, weakness, drowsiness, restless feeling, confusion, increased or decreased urination, nausea and vomiting, constipation, muscle pain or weakness, fast heart rate, or seizure (convulsions).

Common side effects may include:

• dizziness; or
• feeling tired.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect azilsartan and chlorthalidone?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• digoxin;
• lithium;
• a diuretic or "water pill"; or
• other heart or blood pressure medicines.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect azilsartan and chlorthalidone, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about azilsartan and chlorthalidone.