Edarbi alternatives: What can I take instead of Edarbi?

In this article:

• What can I take in place of Edarbi?
• Compare Edarbi alternatives
• Top 5 Edarbi alternatives
• Natural alternatives to Edarbi
• How to switch to an Edarbi alternative

In this article

• What can I take in place of Edarbi?
• Compare Edarbi alternatives
• Top 5 Edarbi alternatives
• Natural alternatives to Edarbi
• How to switch to an Edarbi alternative

Edarbi (azilsartan medoxomil) is a prescription drug that lowers blood pressure in adults diagnosed with hypertension, either prescribed alone or in combination with other hypertension medications. It is one of the newer members of a class of medications known as angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), a family of drugs that relax blood vessels to reduce blood pressure. Edarbi has some advantages over other ARBs, but because of its price and other possible issues, it may not be right for everyone. Although switching to the Edarbi generic may partly ease the cost concerns, there are many lower-priced Edarbi alternatives that can be prescribed instead. 

RELATED: Hypertension resources & financial assistance

What can I take in place of Edarbi?

There are many treatment options for hypertension available today.

Healthcare providers often begin blood pressure treatment with angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, ARBs, calcium channel blockers, beta blockers, or diuretics. The decision to start patients on one drug or the other is based not only on high blood pressure, but on other issues, as well. The most common first-line treatment is ACE inhibitors, which are drugs that work similarly to ARBs like Edarbi. 

Beta blockers and calcium channel blockers slow the pace and force with which the heart is beating to move blood through the body. These drugs make some people dizzy or cause them to feel sluggish, while for others, they work great.

Diuretics are drugs that work to remove excess fluid retained in the vascular system. For some, these are effective enough alone to lower blood pressure. For many, a combination with another drug like an ARB may be necessary. There are some patients who cannot be on diuretics long term, as they can cause a severe electrolyte imbalance in patients who can’t consistently intake enough fluid.

Other significant antihypertensives include ARBs and alpha receptor blockers. Healthcare providers have a lot to choose from when looking for the right combination for patients in the treatment of hypertension.  

Compare Edarbi alternatives
Drug name	Price without insurance	SingleCare price	Savings options
Edarbi (azilsartan)	$378 for 30, 80 mg tablets	$277 for 30, 80 mg tablets of brand-name Edarbi at Kroger	See latest prices
Generic Edarbi (azilsartan)	$345 for 30, 80 mg tablets	$105 for 30, 80 mg tablets of generic Edarbi at CVS Pharmacy	See latest prices
Cozaar (losartan)	$243 for 30, 100 mg tablets	$9 for 30, 100 mg tablets of generic Cozaar at Kroger	See latest prices
Zestril (lisinopril)	$1,434 for 90, 10 mg tablets	$7 for 90, 10 mg tablets of generic Zestril at Kroger	See latest prices
Toprol XL (metoprolol succinate ER)	$161 for 90, 25 mg tablets	$9 for 90, 25 mg tablets of generic Toprol XL at Kroger	See latest prices
Norvasc (amlodipine)	$434 for 30, 10 mg tablets	$4 for 30, 10 mg tablets of generic Norvasc at Kroger	See latest prices
Hyzaar (losartan and hydrochlorothiazide)	$198 per 30, 50–12.5 mg tablets	$4 per 30, 50–12.5 mg tablets of generic Hyzaar at Walmart	See latest prices

Top 5 Edarbi alternatives

The following are some of the most common alternatives to Edarbi.

1. Other angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)

Even if Edarbi is not the right fit, it is possible that another ARB could be. ARBs work by blocking the hormone angiotensin II at the AT1 receptor. This leads to a reduction in vascular resistance throughout the body’s system and lowers blood pressure. Edarbi is only approved to treat hypertension, but other ARBs carry additional approved indications, such as stroke prophylaxis, treatment of diabetic nephropathy, and reduction of cardiovascular mortality. Edarbi is dosed once daily, while many other ARBs can be taken once or twice daily. It is possible that an alternative angiotensin II receptor antagonist could work even if Edarbi does not.

Examples of ARBs: Cozaar (losartan), Diovan (valsartan), Benicar (olmesartan), Atacand (candesartan), Avapro (irbesartan), Micardis (telmisartan)

2. Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors)

Angiotensin converting enzyme is responsible for the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II. Angiotensin II ultimately goes on to cause potent vasoconstriction in the cardiovascular system. By inhibiting ACE, vasoconstriction is limited, and blood pressure is generally better controlled. 

ACE inhibitors have been on the market for a long time, and the relative effectiveness of each member of the class is roughly equal. Side effects are not very common, but can include a bothersome cough. Once the cough starts to occur, a patient will need to discontinue the medication in order for the cough to go away. In addition to hypertension, ACE inhibitors are useful in patients who have a history of heart failure, myocardial infarction (heart attack), and those with both diabetes and chronic kidney disease.

Examples of ACE inhibitors: Lotensin (benazepril), Zestril (lisinopril), Vasotec (enalapril), captopril, quinapril, fosinopril, moexipril, ramipril, trandolapril

3. Beta blockers

Beta blockers work to treat hypertension by relaxing the smooth muscle of the cardiovascular system and slowing the pace at which the heart beats. Beta blockers are not used as a first-line therapy for uncomplicated hypertension. Instead, they’re used when high blood pressure is also associated with angina, prior history of heart attack, or heart failure. 

There are some important considerations before starting beta blockers. Patients with asthma should only take cardioselective beta blockers so as not to exacerbate asthma symptoms. These include Bystolic (nebivolol) and Toprol XL (metoprolol ER), among a few others. Doctors may consider a few other factors before deciding if a beta blocker is a good fit, and if so, which one. 

Examples of beta blockers: Toprol XL (metoprolol ER), Bystolic (nebivolol), Tenormin (atenolol), Lopressor (metoprolol tartrate), bisoprolol 

4. Calcium channel blockers

Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) can be used first-line as monotherapy for hypertension and angina, sometimes simply referred to as “chest pain.” CCBs selectively inhibit calcium channels on cardiac myocytes, vascular smooth muscle, and sinoatrial and atrioventricular nodes. There are two classes of CCBs: dihydropyridines and non-dihydropyridines (DHPs and non-DHPs). DHPs affect the vascular smooth muscle more, and non-DHPs affect the cardiac myocytes more. Due to the vasodilatory effects, this class of drugs is known to cause peripheral edema and postural hypotension (low blood pressure), which can lead to headaches.

Examples of calcium channel blockers: Norvasc (amlodipine), Cardizem (diltiazem), Procardia XL (nifedipine), verapamil ER, felodipine

5. Combination drugs

Combination blood pressure medications can be helpful when treating hypertension. Many patients require more than one active ingredient to get their blood pressure under control. If they are able to have both of those ingredients in one dosage form, this decreases their pill burden and may make it easier for them to remain compliant with their drug regimen, which is really important. 

One of the most common combinations is one of the above-listed medications along with a diuretic, typically a thiazide diuretic. These drugs work by excreting excess sodium, chloride, and water from the vascular system. 

For many, thiazide diuretics alone are not enough, so thiazide diuretic therapy is added to other blood pressure drugs. Conveniently, these combinations often exist as one pill in a commercially available combination drug. The thiazide diuretic typically used is hydrochlorothiazide, or HCTZ for short. There are even combinations that combine three classes of antihypertensive drugs for those who need them.

Examples of combination drugs: Hyzaar (losartan/HCTZ), Diovan HCT (valsartan/ HCTZ), Benicar HCT (olmesartan/ HCTZ), Lotensin HCT (benazepril/ HCTZ), Exforge HCT (amlodipine/valsartan/ HCTZ)

Natural alternatives to Edarbi 

There are some lifestyle habits and changes that are really important for lowering and maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. There is evidence that eating healthy and limiting salt intake can be effective in lowering blood pressure. It is also important to only drink a minimal amount of alcohol. Drinking large amounts or binge drinking has negative effects on blood pressure and overall health. These things may also help an individual maintain an overall healthy weight.

It is important to exercise regularly and incorporate as much physical activity into a day as possible. 

While it may sound easier than it is, managing stress is important. Plan to get eight hours of sleep each night. Avoid smoking and limit caffeine. Participating in meditation and counseling can also be very helpful.

There have been over-the-counter supplements that have historically been thought to play a role in blood pressure. One that has at least some evidence of a small effect on lowering blood pressure is magnesium. Although turmeric may play a positive role in lowering blood pressure, evidence seems to be inconclusive at best.

It is important to know that drinking a lot of water, especially for a short period of time, will actually increase blood pressure levels.

How to switch to an Edarbi alternative

It is important not to stop current hypertension therapies without speaking to a healthcare provider. Be prepared to speak about the aspects that are of greatest concern, whether it is price, side effects, pill burden, or something else. Remember, blood pressure medications have serious side effects, so it is important to speak to a healthcare provider about all aspects of the change in medication.