Final answer:
Patients who cannot tolerate ACE inhibitors due to cough or hypotension may switch to ARBs like candesartan or losartan, which block the action of angiotensin II differently, thereby reducing blood pressure without the same side effects.
Step-by-step explanation:
When patients experience side effects such as cough or hypotension from ACE inhibitors like Lisinopril or Captopril, an alternative class of medications known as Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs) can be prescribed. ARBs include candesartan (Atacand), eprosartan (Teveten), irbesartan (Avapro), losartan (Cozaar), telmisartan (Micardis), and valsartan (Diovan). These medications work differently than ACE inhibitors, as they do not block the ACE enzyme that converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II, rather, they prevent angiotensin II from binding to its receptors, thus lowering blood pressure without causing the typical ACE inhibitor side-effects.
ARBs are part of the antihypertensive medications and may also be beneficial in patients with heart failure or certain types of arrhythmias. However, similar to ACE inhibitors, ARBs must be used with caution during pregnancy due to the risk of adverse effects on fetal development.
Patients should work with their healthcare providers to find the most suitable medication to manage their hypertension or related health concerns. In some cases, a bradykinin-receptor antagonist such as icatibant may be recommended for conditions like hereditary angioedema, as per the study cited.