How Do Angiotensin II Agonists Work?

Angiotensin agonists are a class of drugs used to increase blood pressure in adults with septic or distributive shock. Angiotensin agonists are drugs or naturally occurring substances that stimulate a receptor called the AT1 receptor. Angiotensin II is a peptide hormone of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) system. The RAAS system plays a crucial role in the regulation of blood pressure in the body. Renin is an enzyme produced by the kidney, which acts on a blood protein to produce angiotensin.

The RAAS system regulates blood pressure through two important steps:

• Conversion of angiotensin I to active angiotensin II with the help of an enzyme known as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE).
• Angiotensin II interacts with the AT1 receptor to raise blood pressure.

In people with sepsis, there is a dysfunction of the ACE enzyme and a lowering of angiotensin II levels. As a result, the blood vessel dilates and blood pressure lowers drastically. Angiotensin agonists stimulate the AT1 receptor and constrict the blood vessel to raise blood pressure.

Angiotensin II agonists are indicated to:

• Increase blood pressure in adults with septic shock or another distributive shock,
• influences renal tubuli to retain sodium and water, and
• stimulates aldosterone release from the adrenal gland

The side effects of angiotensin agonists include:

• Fungal infection
• Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count)
• Confusion
• Tachycardia (fast heart rate)
• Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar level)
• Deep vein thrombosis (formation of blood clots in a vein located deep inside the body)
• Acidosis (a condition characterized by the presence of too much acid in the body fluids)
• Formation of blood clots

The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible side effects, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure these drugs do not cause any harm when you take them along with other medicines. Benzodiazepines may cause physical dependence. Hence, never stop taking your medication and never change your dose or frequency without consulting your doctor.

Drug names include:

• Giapreza
• Synthetic human angiotensin II