High blood pressure, or as we all know it, "pressure" is a common health problem among many people in our country today. So, your doctor has prescribed a medicine for you to control this condition. Today we are going to talk about a special medicine that is given for such pressure, which is made up of a combination of two drugs. That is the combination of two drugs called Azilsartan and Chlorthalidone.
What kind of medicine is this? What exactly is happening?
Simply put, this helps control your high blood pressure in two ways. There are two different things that are contained in this pill.
1. Azilsartan (this is an ARB type of drug): This works by widening and relaxing the blood vessels (tubes that carry blood) in your body. Imagine that when a water pipe is clogged, the water flows very strongly, that is, with high pressure. Just as when you make the pipe a little bigger, the water pressure decreases, when the blood vessels widen, the blood can flow without being clogged, with low pressure. This lowers your blood pressure.
2. Chlorthalidone (a diuretic): This medication works by signaling your kidneys to excrete excess water and salt through urine. When your body loses fluid, the volume of blood in your blood vessels also decreases. This is another major cause of low blood pressure.
So because both of these methods work together, this medicine is very effective in controlling high blood pressure.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before prescribing this medication to you, it is essential that your doctor is aware of your complete health status. Be sure to tell him/her if you have any of the following conditions:
| Situation to be concerned about | Why should you inform? |
|---|---|
| Being pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | This is extremely important. This medicine can cause serious harm to the unborn baby. |
| Kidney or liver disease | Since this drug is excreted from the body through the kidneys and liver, it is important to be aware of the function of these organs. |
| Gout | The chlorthalidone contained in this medication can increase uric acid levels in the blood and aggravate gout. |
| Dehydration | If the body is already dehydrated, this medication may make the condition worse. |
| Decreased levels of salts such as sodium and potassium in the blood | Because this is a diuretic, it can further decrease already low salt levels. |
| Allergies to other medications, foods, or substances | To find out if you are allergic to this medicine or any of its ingredients. |
How should I use the medicine?
Correct use
Take this medicine with a glass of water. The most important thing is to take it at the same time every day . When you make this a habit, you will be less likely to forget to take your medicine. You can take it before or after a meal. However, some people may experience a slight stomach upset after taking this medicine. If this happens, take the medicine with a meal. Continue taking this medicine until your doctor tells you to stop.
What if I miss a dose of medicine?
Don't worry. Take your medicine as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose (e.g., a few hours), skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once.
What if you take too much medicine? (Overdose)
If you accidentally take more than the prescribed dose, do not take it lightly. Go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Things to consider when taking medication
Special notice for pregnant women and those trying to become pregnant: This medicine may cause serious harm to an unborn baby if taken during pregnancy. If you are pregnant, or plan to become pregnant in the near future, inform your doctor immediately and seek appropriate treatment.
- Dizziness: You may feel a little dizzy in the first few days after starting this medication. Therefore, it is wise to avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving, working at heights, or operating machinery, until your body adjusts to this medication. Especially if you are an elderly person, stand up slowly when you get up from a sitting position or when you get out of bed. This will reduce the chance of dizziness and falling.
- Alcohol: Drinking alcohol can increase dizziness, so it is best to limit or completely stop drinking alcohol while taking this medication.
- Be careful in the sun: This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to the sun than usual (photosensitivity). Therefore, if you are going out during the day, wear clothing that covers your skin, wear a hat, and use sunscreen.
- Other painkillers: If you need to take medicine for a cough, cold, or other pain, do not take medicine without first consulting your doctor. Some painkillers (especially `NSAIDs` like Ibuprofen and Diclofenac) and some cold medicines can increase your blood pressure.
- Salt Substitutes: Do not use salt substitutes available in the market without consulting your doctor. They may contain high levels of potassium, which may interact with this medication.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this one can cause side effects in some people. Some of these are serious, some are common. The important thing is to be aware of these and take immediate action if any serious symptoms occur.
| Serious side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic Reaction | Skin rash, severe itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing. |
| Excessive decrease in pressure | Severe dizziness, feeling faint, blurred vision. |
| Effect on the kidneys | Decreased urine output, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet. |
| Changes in potassium levels | Muscle twitching, unusual tiredness, fast or irregular heartbeat. |
| Gout flare-up | Severe pain, redness, and swelling, especially in a joint such as the big toe. |
| Eye problems | Sudden eye pain, blurred vision, or seeing rings around lights. |
| Usually not serious (but tell your doctor if it persists) | |
| Minor side effects | Dizziness, headache, fatigue, stomach upset, diarrhea. |
Take-Home Message
- Azilsartan and Chlorthalidone are a combination of two drugs that control high blood pressure.
- Take this medicine at the same time every day, exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
- Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant, thinking about becoming pregnant, or have any other medical conditions (especially kidney or liver disease).
- Dizziness may occur during the initial period of taking the medication, so be careful when performing tasks that require attention.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any serious side effects such as facial swelling, difficulty breathing, or severe joint pain.
- Never stop taking this medication suddenly without asking your doctor.
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