Azilsartan medoxomil for the treatment of hypertension

Abstract

The use of angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) represents a favorable approach for the control of blood pressure in patients with hypertension. Azilsartan medoxomil, a prodrug that undergoes rapid hydrolysis to its active moiety azilsartan, is an angiotensin AT(1) receptor antagonist with promising antihypertensive activity and a good safety profile. The agent has been evaluated as monotherapy and in combination with amlodipine or chlorthalidone in phase III trials in patients with essential hypertension. In 2011, azilsartan medoxomil was approved in the U.S. for the treatment of hypertension.