Examples
| candesartan cilexetil |
Atacand |
| eprosartan mesylate |
Teveten |
| irbesartan |
Avapro |
| losartan |
Cozaar, Hyzaar |
| olmesartan |
Benicar |
| telmisartan |
Micardis |
| valsartan |
Diovan |
How It Works
These medicines block the action of a
hormone that causes blood vessels to narrow. As a
result, blood vessels may relax and open up. This makes it easier for blood to
flow through the vessels, which reduces blood pressure. Also, these drugs
increase the release of sodium and water into the urine, which also lowers
blood pressure.
Why It Is Used
Angiotensin II receptor blockers
(ARBs) may be used alone or combined with other medicine—often a diuretic—to
treat
high blood pressure.
ARBs may be used by
people who cannot take ACE inhibitor medicines. ACE inhibitors can cause an
annoying cough. This cough may be hard for some people to live with. So doctors
may prescribe an ARB instead. ARBs are less likely to cause a cough.
Who should not take ARBs
These drugs should not be
taken by women who are pregnant or may become pregnant.
People
with advanced kidney failure may require regular blood tests to make sure these
medicines do not reduce kidney function or raise potassium levels.
How Well It Works
Angiotensin II receptor blockers
(ARBs) reduce blood pressure as effectively as angiotensin-converting enzyme
(ACE) inhibitors but are less likely to cause the cough that is associated with
ACE inhibitors.
ARBs may be combined with another medicine, such
as a diuretic, into one pill. An example is eprosartan mesylate
(Teveten).
Side Effects
Side effects include:
- Diarrhea.
- Stomach
problems.
- Muscle cramps.
- Back and leg
pain.
- Dizziness.
- Insomnia.
- Nasal
congestion.
- Sinus problems.
- Upper respiratory
infection.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug
Reference is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
Pregnant women should not take
ARBs.
ARBs may interact with other medicines such as
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs),
antacids, potassium supplements, certain diuretics, and lithium. If you are
taking one of these medicines, talk with your doctor before taking an
ARB.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?)
to help you understand this medication.
