Angiotensin Receptor Blockers in the Treatment of High Blood Pressure

Angiotensin receptor blockers are also known as Angiotensin II receptor antagonists or inhibitors. List of Angiotensin Receptor Blockers

How Angiotensin Receptor Blockers work

See an explanation of the renin-angiotensin system. Briefly, the body generates a protein called angiotensin II that causes blood vessels to constrict and the blood volume to increase. Both of these effects cause an increase in blood pressure.

Angiotensin II binds to receptor proteins, called angiotensin receptors, that are on the outer surface of muscle cells of blood vessels. When angiotensin II binds to the receptor, this signals the muscle cells to contract which makes the blood vessel smaller.

Angiotensin receptor blockers work by reducing the amount of angiotensin II that is able to bind to the receptors. If there is less binding of angiotensin II, the blood vessels are more relaxed, the inside diameter of the blood vessels is greater, and so blood pressure is lower.

Use of Angiotensin Receptor Blockers

This class of drugs is often used for patients who cannot tolerate ACE inhibitors. They may be prescribed for those who also have diabetes or heart failure. This class of drugs has been shown to slow the rate of damage that diabetes causes in the kidney (diabetic glomerulopathy)

Potential Side Effects of Angiotensin Receptor Blockers

As with all blood pressure-lowering drugs, if blood pressure gets too low, then dizziness and lightheadedness may occur.

Other side effects may include cough, diarrhea, stomach ache, headache, insomnia, muscle cramps and a salty or metallic taste in the mouth.

As with ACE inhibitors there is a low risk of angioedema. If there is a sudden swelling of the skin or mucous membranes of the face, or throat, or hands and/or an itchy rash, do not take any more medication and consult a physician.

Angiotensin receptor blockers should not be taken by women who are pregnant, or likely to become pregnant.

As with all drugs, there may be side effects when this drug is taken in combination with certain other drugs. Make sure that your health care provider is aware of any, and all, prescription drugs, non-prescription drugs, herbal supplements, nutritional supplements and vitamins that are being taken.