These accomplish the same thing as an ACE inhibitor but without the cough. So it will be utilized for patients that cannot tolerate the side effects of ACE inhibitors. In this case Angiotensin 2 is produced but the receptors are blocked. The receptors are located in the blood vessels, so they don’t get constricted and the BP goes down. When aldosterone is released in the adrenal glands, aldosterone is not affected. It has the same exact effect of ACE inhibitors but the mechanism of action is different.
So again, the advantage is that you don’t get the cough. The indications are the same thing: Hypertension.
Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARB)
Hint: They all end in -sartan.
- Irbesartan (Avapro) – p.o.
- Losartan (Cozaar) – p.o.
- Valsartan (Diovan) – p.o.
- Candesartan (Atacand) – p.o.
- Telmisartan (Micardis) – p.o.
