Renin Inhibitors for Treament of High Blood Pressure

Renin inhibitors are a relatively new class of drug. Currently there is one drug of this type, Aliskirin, approved by the FDA. The trade name is Tekturna in the US.

How Renin Inhibitors work

See an renin-angiotensin system for anl explanation of the control of blood pressure. Renin (not the same as rennin, used in the manufacture of cheese) is an enzyme circulating in the blood that is involved in a cascade of events that generates angiotensin II, a peptide, that causes constriction of blood vessels and an increase in blood volume. Both the constriction of blood vessels and the increase in blood volume cause an increase in blood pressure.

The net result of taking renin inhibitors is that there is less angiotensin II circulating in the blood, so blood vessels constrict less and the blood volume is descreased. The inside of the vessels being wider, causes blood pressure to drop since the walls of the blood vessels are exerting less pressure on the blood as it flows through. Additionally the lowered volume of blood also causes a drop in blood pressure.

Use of Tekturna

Tekturna is taken either alone, or in combination with other drugs if more than one drug is necessary to further lower blood pressure. Early evidence suggests that this drug is less effective in African Americans.

Tekturna is a once a day pill. This is an advantage since you only have to remember to take the pill once per day. Another potential advantage of Tekturna is that, since it is long lasting, there is likely to continual lower blood pressure at an even level throughout the day. Many people find that their blood pressure goes up and down during a 24 hour period. The better that blood pressure is controlled, the lower the risk of cardiovascular disease etc. Tekturna can be taken with and without food.

Potential Side Effects of Tekturna

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

The most commonly reported side effects are diarrhea and a cough.

Similar to most blood pressure lowering 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.