Final answer:
Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), also known as angiotensin-2 receptor antagonists, are used to treat high blood pressure by blocking the effects of angiotensin II. It's important to note they are often used when ACE inhibitors cause side effects, should not be combined with ACE inhibitors, and may require a combination approach for effective blood pressure control.
Step-by-step explanation:
Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), also known as angiotensin-2 receptor antagonists, are medications primarily used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). They work by blocking the effects of angiotensin II, a hormone that causes blood vessels to constrict, thereby lowering blood pressure and reducing the workload on the heart. Examples of ARBs include losartan (Cozaar), telmisartan (Micardis), valsartan (Diovan), candesartan (Atacand), eprosartan (Teveten), and irbesartan (Avapro).
- ARBs are often prescribed when patients experience side effects with ACE inhibitors, another class of blood pressure medications.
- These medications may be used alone or in combination with other hypertensive medications, but ARBs should not be combined with ACE inhibitors.
- Treating hypertension often requires multiple medications to effectively control blood pressure.
- ARBs should be prescribed with a stepped care approach to reach target blood pressure levels.
- Some important side effects to monitor while on ARBs include dizziness, hyperkalemia (high potassium levels), and renal function changes, especially in patients with existing kidney conditions
Newer medications such as angiotensin-receptor neprilysin inhibitors (ARNIs) combine ARBs with a neprilysin inhibitor for an enhanced blood pressure lowering effect.
It is also important to contrast ARBs with other cardiovascular medications such as β-blockers, which have different mechanisms of action, such as blocking β-receptors associated with vasoconstriction and cardioacceleration.