How It Works
Direct renin inhibitors block the enzyme
renin from triggering a process that helps regulate blood pressure. As a
result, blood vessels relax and widen, making it easier for blood to flow
through the vessels, which lowers blood pressure.
Direct renin
inhibitors, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, and angiotensin II
receptor blockers (ARBs) all target the same process that narrows blood
vessels. But each type of medicine blocks a different part of the
process.
Aliskiren can be used alone or in combination with a
diuretic or other medicines for high blood pressure.
How Well It Works
Direct renin inhibitors can lower
blood pressure in people with mild to moderate high blood pressure. This
medicine is effective when used alone or in combination with other medicines
for high blood pressure.1
Side Effects
The most common side effect of direct
renin inhibitors is diarrhea.
Other, more rare, side effects may
include:
- Allergic reaction with swelling in the face,
lips, tongue, or throat which may cause difficulty breathing or swallowing.
- Rash.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug
Reference is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
Direct renin inhibitors are the
newest type of medicine for high blood pressure. This medicine was approved by
the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2007. So long-term safety and
effectiveness are not yet known.
Direct renin inhibitors should
not be used by pregnant women. If you become pregnant, stop taking this
medicine and call your doctor.
Before taking a direct renin
inhibitor, tell your doctor if you have kidney problems. People with kidney
problems may need to have regular blood tests to make sure this medicine does
not reduce kidney function.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist
about possible interactions that aliskiren may have with your current
medicines. The amount of aliskiren in your body may change when you also take
furosemide (such as Lasix) or ketoconazole (such as Nizoral).
Complete the new medication information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?)
to help you understand this medication.
References
Citations
-
Aliskiren (Tekturna) for hypertension (2007).
Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics, 49(1258):
29–31.
