Renin inhibitors

Question 1

Aliskiren

Answer 1

Directly inhibits renin (Acts earlier than ACEi and ARB in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system); it is about as effective as ACEi, ARB, and TZD in treating HTN

(metabolized by CYP 3A4, subject to many drug interactions)

Question 2

Aliskiren side effects

Answer 2

diarrhea (esp. at high doses), cough & angio edema (but less than an ACEi); CI-ed in pregnancy

Question 3

With which drugs should Aliskiren not be combined with to treat HTN?

Answer 3

ACEi and ARB