Examples
| Brand Name | Chemical Name |
| Atacand | candesartan cilexetil |
| Teveten | eprosartan mesylate |
| Avapro | irbesartan |
| Cozaar, Hyzaar | losartan |
| Benicar | olmesartan |
| Micardis | telmisartan |
| Diovan | valsartan |
How It Works
These medicines block the action of a hormone that causes blood vessels to narrow. As a result, blood vessels may relax and open up. This makes it easier for blood to flow through the vessels, which reduces blood pressure. Additionally, these drugs increase the release of sodium and water into the urine, which also lowers blood pressure.
Why It Is Used
Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) may be used alone or combined with other medicine—often a diuretic—to treat high blood pressure.
ARBs may be used by people who cannot take ACE inhibitor medicines. ACE inhibitors can cause an annoying cough. This cough may be hard for some people to live with. So doctors may prescribe an ARB instead.
Who should not take ARBs
These drugs should not be taken by women who are pregnant or may become pregnant.
People with advanced kidney failure may require regular blood tests to make sure these medicines do not reduce kidney function or raise potassium levels.
How Well It Works
Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) reduce blood pressure as effectively as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors but without some of the side effects (such as a cough) associated with ACE inhibitors.1
Eprosartan mesylate (Teveten) is a recently approved ARB that is combined with a diuretic.
Side Effects
Side effects include:
- Diarrhea.
- Stomach problems.
- Muscle cramps.
- Back and leg pain.
- Dizziness.
- Insomnia.
- Nasal congestion.
- Sinus problems.
- Upper respiratory infection.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
Pregnant women should not take ARBs.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF)
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Credits
| Author | Robin Parks, MS |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Robert A. Kloner, MD, PhD - Cardiology |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Ruth Schneider, MPH, RD - Diet and Nutrition |
| Last Updated | April 24, 2007 |
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