ARBs (Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers)
ARBs are blood pressure medications that block the action of angiotensin II, a hormone that causes blood vessels to constrict. They are used to treat hypertension, heart failure, and to protect the kidneys in diabetic patients.
Mechanism of Action
ARBs (Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers) work by blocking a specific receptor in your body called the AT1 receptor. This receptor is normally activated by a hormone called Angiotensin II, which causes blood vessels to narrow and raises blood pressure. By blocking this receptor, ARBs prevent Angiotensin II from doing its job, allowing blood vessels to relax and widen. This action helps to lower blood pressure and reduce the strain on your heart.
Clinical Uses
ARBs are primarily prescribed to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) to help prevent serious problems like heart attack and stroke. They are also widely used to protect the kidneys in people with diabetes and high blood pressure, and to treat heart failure. Some ARBs may also be used after a heart attack to improve heart function. They are often a good choice for patients who cannot tolerate ACE inhibitors, another common blood pressure medication.
Side Effects & Safety
The most common side effects of ARBs are dizziness, lightheadedness, and fatigue, especially when first starting the medication. A serious but less common side effect is kidney problems, so your doctor will monitor your kidney function. Unlike ACE inhibitors, ARBs rarely cause a dry cough. In rare cases, a severe allergic reaction with swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat (angioedema) can occur, which requires immediate medical attention. ARBs also carry a Black Box Warning because they can cause harm or death to an unborn baby and should not be used during pregnancy.
Conditions Treated
ARBs (Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers) medications are used to treat the following conditions:
ARBs (Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers) Medications (8)
Azilsartan kamedoxomil
Brand: Edarbi
Edarbi (azilsartan kamedoxomil) is a prescription medication used to treat high blood pressure in adults. It works by blocking certain natural substances that tighten blood vessels, allowing them to relax and widen, which helps to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of serious heart problems like strokes and heart attacks.
$200–$400/month/month
Candesartan
Brand: Candesartan
Candesartan is a medication belonging to a class called angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). It is primarily used to treat high blood pressure in adults and children, and also to manage heart failure in adults. This medicine works by helping to relax your blood vessels, which lowers blood pressure and reduces the strain on your heart.
$4–$25/month/month
Candesartan cilexetil
Brand: Candesartan Cilexetil
Candesartan Cilexetil is a medication known as an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) that helps relax blood vessels. It is primarily used to treat high blood pressure in adults and children, which helps reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. This medication also helps manage heart failure by improving symptoms and reducing hospitalizations.
$10–$50/month/month
Irbesartan
Brand: Irbesartan
IRBESARTAN (brand name: Irbesartan) is a ARBs. 1 INDICATIONS & USAGE Irbesartan tablet is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) indicated for: • Treatment of hypertension, to lower blood pressure. Lowering blood pressure reduces the risk of fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular events, primarily strokes and myocardial infarctions. ( 1.1 ) •…
$4-$25/month/month
Losartan potassium
Brand: Cozaar, Hyzaar (with hydrochlorothiazide)
Losartan potassium (Cozaar) is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) used to treat high blood pressure, protect the kidneys in type 2 diabetes, and reduce the risk of stroke in patients with hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy. Unlike ACE inhibitors, losartan does not cause a dry cough and carries a significantly lower risk of angioedema. It is also the only ARB with a clinically meaningful uricosuric (uric acid-lowering) effect, making it a preferred choice in patients with hypertension and gout.
$4–$15/month/month
Olmesartan medoxomil
Brand: olmesartan medoxomil
Olmesartan Medoxomil is a medication used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults and children aged six and older. It works by relaxing blood vessels, which helps to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of serious heart problems like strokes and heart attacks.
$15–$50/month/month
Telmisartan
Brand: Telmisartan
Telmisartan (brand name: Telmisartan) is a medication known as an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). It is primarily used to treat high blood pressure, helping to relax blood vessels so blood can flow more easily. By lowering blood pressure, Telmisartan helps reduce the risk of serious heart problems like strokes and heart attacks.
$10-$30/month/month
Valsartan
Brand: Valsartan
VALSARTAN (brand name: Valsartan) is a ARBs. 1 INDICATIONS & USAGE Valsartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) indicated for: Hypertension in adults and children six years and older, to lower blood pressure. Lowering blood pressure reduces the risk of fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular events, primarily strokes and myocardial…
$10–$40/month/month
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Medical Disclaimer
The information on RxGuide is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, pharmacist, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or medication. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.