How Do ARBs Work?

Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) or angiotensin II receptor antagonists work by reducing the action of angiotensin II (a substance that narrows your blood vessels and contributes to salt and water retention in the body). ARBs are used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease. They may also be prescribed following a heart attack.

Blood vessels in the body are either tightened or widened to provide less blood or more blood to different parts of the body by signals (angiotensin II being one of the important signals) received by a type of protein called angiotensin receptors. These receptors are found in the heart, blood vessels, and kidney. ARBs block certain receptors of angiotensin II, thus blood vessels relax and widen (dilate). This action helps to lower blood pressure and prevent damage to the heart and kidneys.

ARBs also act directly on the hormones that regulate sodium and water balance. ARBs increase the release of water and salt (sodium) into the urine, which in turn lowers the blood pressure.

ARBs may be used for:

• High blood pressure
• Heart failure
• Chronic kidney disease
• Kidney disease caused by diabetes

ARBs have a similar effect to another group of medicines called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. ARBs are usually used when ACE inhibitors are not suitable to use.

Common side effects of ARBs include:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Confusion
• Severe vomiting and diarrhea
• Sinus problems and upper respiratory tract infection
• Cough
• Muscle cramps or weakness, back or leg pain
• Change of taste in the mouth (metallic or salty)

Other rare but severe side effects include:

• Angioedema (rapid edema, or swelling, of the area beneath the skin)
• Increased potassium levels in the blood (hyperkalemia)
• Organ failure
• Serious allergic reactions
• Decrease in white blood cells and platelets

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.

The most recent guidelines for the management of hypertension include ARBs. ARBs have consistently shown the benefit of lowering blood pressure and have demonstrated favorable tolerability. ARBs play a role in various mechanisms, including renal protection and uric acid reduction.

Generally, ACE inhibitors should remain the initial treatment of choice for hypertension. ARBs are used for patients who are unable to tolerate ACE inhibitors.

Drug names for ARBs include:

• Aprovel-EU-Sample
• Atacand
• Avapro
• Azilsartan
• Benicar
• Byvalson
• Candesartan
• Cozaar
• Diovan
• Edarbi
• Entresto
• Eprosartan
• Irbesartan
• Irbesartan-EU-Sample
• losartan
• Micardis
• Nebivolol/valsartan
• Olmesartan
• Sacubitril/valsartan
• Telmisartan
• Teveten
• Valsartan