Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)

Question 1

What is it indicated for?

Answer 1

Hypertension
Chronic heart failure
Secondary prevention of major adverse cardiovascular events
Diabetic nephropathy and chronic kidney disease with proteinuria

Question 2

How does it work?

Answer 2

Blocks action angiotensin II which is a vasoconstrictor. It reduces peripheral vascular resistance lowering BP.

It also slows the progression of CKD

It also reduces secretions of aldosterone thereby promoting sodium and water excretion and reducing venous return so helps in heart failure

Question 3

What are the side effects of this class of drugs?

Answer 3

Hypotension (particularly after the first dose)
Hyperkalaemia
Renal failure

Question 4

What are the warnings for this drug class?

Answer 4

Renal artery stenosis
AKI in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding

Question 5

What drugs do they interact with?

Answer 5

Drugs that elevate the potassium levels such as potassium supplements, aldosterone antagonists and potassium-sparing diuretics

NSAIDS increased risk of nephrotoxicity

Question 6

What drugs are in this class?

Answer 6

Losartan
Candesartan
Valsartan