TUESDAY, Dec. 20, 2011 (HealthDay News) -- Edarbyclor (azilsartan medoxomil and chlorthalidone) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat high blood pressure in adults, maker Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. said Tuesday in a news release.
The drug combines Edarbi, an angiotensin II receptor blocker, with the diuretic chlorthalidone. The former blocks the actions of a natural hormone, allowing blood vessels to stay relaxed and open. Diuretics increase the flow of urine from the body, which helps lower blood pressure.
In clinical testing, the combination drug lowered blood pressure "significantly more" than either drug taken alone, Takeda said. The most common adverse reactions included dizziness and fatigue.
High blood pressure affects about 75 million Americans, or nearly one in three adults, the Japanese drug maker said. This includes more than half of people aged 60 and older.
More information
The U.S. National Heart Lung and Blood Institute has more about lowering blood pressure.
