HOW DO ARB/DIURETIC COMBOS WORK?
Angiotensin II receptor blocker/diuretic (ARB/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.
Diuretics also known as water pills are drugs that cause diuresis (increase in the production of urine by the kidneys). The diuretic component present in this combination drug works on the ascending limb of the loop of Henle of nephrons in the kidneys and eliminates sodium, chloride, and water from the body as urine. This results in decreased blood pressure as the blood volume decreases.
HOW ARE ARB/DIURETIC COMBOS USED?
- ARB/diuretic combos are used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) in patients not adequately controlled with monotherapy (single drug therapy), or as initial therapy in patients likely to need multiple drugs to help achieve blood pressure goals.
WHAT ARE SIDE EFFECTS OF ARB/DIURETIC COMBOS?
Common side effects of ARB/diuretic combos include:
- Dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Cough
- Headache
- Stomach upset
- Rash
- Itching
- Dry mouth
Serious side effects of ARB/diuretic combos may include:
- Hypotension (low blood pressure)
- Syncope (loss of consciousness)
- Hyperuricemia (high serum uric acid levels)
- Hypokalemia (low potassium levels in the blood)
- High blood urea nitrogen levels
- Hyperlipidemia (high blood cholesterol levels)
- Angioedema (abrupt and short-lived swelling of the skin and mucous membranes)
- Renal failure and decreased urine volume
- Liver function impairment
- Thrombocytopenia (decreased platelets count)
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.
WHAT ARE NAMES OF ARB/DIURETIC COMBOS?
Generic and brand names of ARB/diuretic combos drugs include:
