Azilsartan Medoxomil

Pharmaceuticals -> Listed in ZINC15

Pharmaceuticals -> Used in Switzerland

FDA approved drugs -> Active ingredient

EMA approved medicines: Human medicine

C - Cardiovascular system

QC - Cardiovascular system

Pharmacodynamic effects of azilsartan medoxomil are mediated by its active metabolite, azilsartan. Azilsartan inhibits the pressor effects of an angiotensin II infusion in a dose-related manner. At a single 32 mg dose, azilsartan inhibited the maximal pressor effect by approximately 90% at peak plasma concentrations and by 60% at 24 hours after administration. In healthy subjects receiving single and repeated doses of azilsartan medoxomil, plasma angiotensin I and II concentrations and plasma renin activity increased, while plasma aldosterone concentrations decreased. Like other ARBs, azilsartan causes dose-dependent decrease in peripheral resistance and decreases smooth muscle vascular tone. As azilsartan blocks the angiotensin II receptor, the negative regulatory feedback of angiotensin II on renin secretion is inhibited; however, the resulting increased plasma renin activity and angiotensin II circulating levels do not overcome the blood pressure-lowering effect of azilsartan. Blood pressure-lowering effects of antihypertensive agents can be reduced in patients of African descent. However, there are no recommended dosage adjustment of azilsartan on the basis of a patient’s sex, race, or degree of renal or hepatic impairment. Azilsartan medoxomil has negligible effects on serum potassium or sodium levels. Azilsartan does not affect the biosynthesis of angiotensin II nor bradykinin levels. It also does not bind to any ion channels that are involved in cardiovascular regulation.

The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system regulates blood pressure. Angiotensin II is a peptide hormone that is a principal pressor agent in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. It is a potent, direct vasoconstrictor that binds to the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1 receptor) to stimulate the synthesis and release of aldosterone and promote cardiac stimulation. Angiotensin II promotes renal tubular reabsorption of sodium, resulting in water retention. It also inhibits further secretion of renin. AT1 receptors are highly expressed in vascular smooth muscle and the adrenal gland. Azilsartan medoxomil is a prodrug that is hydrolyzed to its active metabolite, azilsartan, in the gastrointestinal tract following oral administration. Azilsartan selectively binds to AT1 receptors as an antagonist, blocking vasoconstrictor and aldosterone-secreting effects of angiotensin II. Azilsartan has more than a 10,000-fold greater affinity for the AT1 receptor than for the AT2 receptor, which is predominantly involved in cardiovascular homeostasis. Azilsartan appears to dissociate from AT1 receptors much more slowly than other ARBs, which explains its longer duration of action when compared to other ARBs.