How Do ARB-CCB-Diuretic Combos Work?

Angiotensin II receptor blocker/calcium channel blocker/diuretic (ARB/CCB/diuretic) combination drugs are used for the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure). Hypertension is one of the major risk factors for cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and stroke.

ARBs or angiotensin II receptor antagonists work by reducing the activity of angiotensin II (a hormone that narrows your blood vessels and contributes to salt and water retention in the body). They block the receptors that the hormone acts on, particularly AT1 receptors, which are found in the heart, blood vessels and kidneys. Blocking the activity of angiotensin II helps to lower blood pressure.

CCBs also known as calcium channel antagonists work by blocking the entry of calcium into the cells through voltage-gated calcium channels present in the smooth muscle of arteries. This causes dilation of the arteries, an increase in the free flow of blood, and a subsequent reduction in blood pressure.

Diuretics also known as water pills are drugs that cause diuresis (increase in the production of urine by the kidneys). These drugs work on kidneys and lower the amount of salt and water in your body, which helps to lower your blood pressure.

• ARB/CCB/diuretic combos are used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) in patients who have been previously titrated on the individual components (ie, ARBs, CCBs and diuretics).
• They may be used as add-on/switch therapy to provide additional blood pressure lowering for patient not adequately controlled on agents from 2 of the antihypertensive classes (ie, ARBs, CCBs, diuretics)

Side effects associated with ARB/CCB/diuretic combos include:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Tiredness
• Diarrhea
• Muscle spasms
• Upper respiratory tract infections
• Swelling of hands and feet
• Nausea and vomiting
• Urinary tract infections
• Change in the volume of urine
• Pain and swelling of joints, hands, feet, and ankles
• Hypotension (low blood pressure)
• Hyperkalemia (high potassium levels in the blood)
• Hypokalemia (low potassium levels in the blood)
• Hyponatremia (low sodium levels in the blood)
• Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeats)
• Syncope (loss of consciousness)
• Severe muscular weakness and pain
• Serious allergic reactions
• Decrease in white blood cells and platelets
• Angioedema (swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat, life-threatening in some cases as it may obstruct breathing)

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. Never stop taking your medication and never change your dose or frequency without consulting your doctor.

Generic and brand names of ARB/CCB/diuretic combos drugs include:

• Olmesartan/amlodipine/hydrochlorothiazide (Tribenzor)
• Valsartan/amlodipine/hydrochlorothiazide (Exforge HCT)