Angiotensin receptor blockers
Other names: angiotensin II inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor antagonists, ARBs
What are Angiotensin receptor blockers?
Angiotensin receptor blockers (also called ARBs or angiotensin II inhibitors) are medicines that dilate (widen) blood vessels, and are used in the treatment of conditions such as high blood pressure (hypertension), heart failure, or kidney disease in people with diabetes.
ARBs work by blocking the action of a natural chemical called angiotensin II. Angiotensin II is a potent vasoconstrictor (causes blood vessels to constrict [narrow]). This narrowing can cause high blood pressure and poor blood flow through the kidneys. ARBs prevent angiotensin II from binding to angiotensin II receptors located in muscles surrounding blood vessels, thereby allowing those blood vessels to dilate, reducing blood pressure and improving symptoms of heart failure and progression of kidney disease due to diabetes. Angiotensin II also has effects on noradrenaline (noradrenaline contributes to vasoconstriction and increases heart rate), aldosterone secretion from the adrenal cortex, and sodium re-absorption and water retention by the kidneys.
List of Angiotensin receptor blockers
Drug Name | Avg. Rating | Reviews |
---|---|---|
losartan systemic (Pro) Brand names: Cozaar, Arbli |
581 reviews | |
olmesartan systemic (Pro) Brand name: Benicar |
200 reviews | |
candesartan systemic (Pro) Brand name: Atacand |
170 reviews | |
valsartan systemic (Pro) Brand name: Diovan |
152 reviews | |
irbesartan systemic (Pro) Brand name: Avapro |
110 reviews | |
telmisartan systemic (Pro) Brand name: Micardis |
90 reviews | |
azilsartan medoxomil systemic (Pro) Brand name: Edarbi |
48 reviews | |
eprosartan systemic | No reviews | |
For ratings, users were asked how effective they found the medicine while considering positive/adverse effects and ease of use (1 = not effective, 10 = most effective). |
See also
Medical conditions treated or associated with angiotensin receptor blockers:
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.