Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers

Question 1

Actions ARBs

Answer 1

Similar to ACE inhibitors, except ARB inhibitors block the ACTIONS of angiotensin 2 (while ACE inhibitors block the production of angiotensin 2)

Question 2

ARBs Mechanism of action

Answer 2

-block access of angiotensin 2 to its receptors in blood vessels, the adrenals & all other tissues
-dilation of arterioles and veins
-ARBS can prevent angiotensin 2 from inducing pathologic changes in cardiac structure
-decreases release of aldosterone (by blocking angiotensin 2 receptors in adrenals), thereby increasing renal excretion of water and sodium)

Question 3

Therapeutic Uses (ARBs)

Answer 3

-Hypertension
-HF (only valsartan & candesartan)
-Diabetic Nephropathy (irbesartan & losartan). these drugs delayed the development of overt nephropathy & slowed progression of established nephropathy
-MI (only valsartan)
-Stroke Prevention (losartan)
-prevention of MI, stroke, & death in patients @ high cardiovascular risk
-diabetic retinopathy

Question 4

Adverse Effects (ARBs)

Answer 4

-does not cause clinically significant hyperkalemia
-Angioedema: possibly by increased bradykinin availability
-fetal harm: if taken in 2nd or 3rd trimester
-renal failure

Question 5

Azilsartan

Answer 5

-Hypertension

Question 6

Candesartan

Answer 6

-Hypertension
-HF

Question 7

Eprosartan

Answer 7

-Hypertension

Question 8

Irbesartan

Answer 8

-Hypertension
-Diabetic Nephropathy

Question 9

Losartan

Answer 9

-Hypertension
-Stroke Prevention
-Diabetic Nephropathy

Question 10

Olmesartan

Answer 10

-Hypertension

Question 11

Telmisartan

Answer 11

-Hypertension
-Prevention of MI, Stroke, and Death in people at high risk for CVD but who can’t take an ACE inhibitor