ARB or angiotensin II receptor blockers is a class of drugs to lower blood pressure in hypertensive conditions. It is also used in the treatment of heart failure and the prevention of kidney failure in people with diabetes or hypertension.
ARBs work by blocking the binding of angiotensin II to its receptors. Angiotensin II is a compound that has the effect of constricting blood vessels. By inhibiting the binding of angiotensin II to receptors, blood vessels can dilate, so blood flow can be smoother and blood pressure can decrease.
Widening blood vessels and decreasing blood pressure will also reduce the burden or work on the heart and prevent further kidney damage.
Warning Before Taking ARB
ARBs should only be taken according to a doctor's prescription. The following are some things you should pay attention to before taking ARBs:
- Do not take ARBs if you are allergic to these drugs. Tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- While taking ARBs, your doctor will ask you to check your blood pressure or kidney function regularly. Follow the schedule of controls and examinations given by the doctor so that your condition can be monitored.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have had angioedema, kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, bile duct disease, dehydration, high potassium levels, or are on a low-salt diet.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to a drug, a serious side effect, or an overdose after taking an ARB.
Side Effects and Dangers of ARB
There are several side effects that can occur after taking ARBs, including:
- Dizzy
- Orthostatic hypotension
- Diarrhea
- Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
- Headache
- Back pain or leg pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Cough
- Flu-like symptoms
- Metallic or salty taste on the tongue
Check with a doctor if the complaints mentioned above do not go away or get worse. In addition, you should also see a doctor immediately if you experience an allergic drug reaction or experience more serious side effects, such as:
- Slow, fast, or irregular heart rate
- Confusion
- Vomiting or diarrhea that occurs continuously
- Inflammation of the sinus cavities (sinusitis)
- Respiratory tract infection or bronchitis
- High levels of potassium in the blood (hyperkalemia)
- Angioedema
- Inflammation of the liver (hepatitis)
- Rhabdomyolysis
ARB Types and Trademarks
The following are the types of drugs that are included in this class: angiotensin II receptor blockers, equipped with trademarks and dosages that are tailored to the patient's condition and age:
Candesartan
Trademarks: Blopress Plus, Candefion, Candesartan Cilexetil, Candotens, Canderin, Candepress, Quatan, Unisia
To find out the dosage and more information about this drug, please visit the candesartan drug page.
Eprosartan
Trademark: Teveten
To find out the dosage and more information about this drug, please visit the erprosartan drug page.
Irbesartan
Trademarks: Aprovel, Coaprovel, Irbesartan, Irvell, Irtan, Tensira
To find out the dosage and more information about this drug, please visit the irbesartan drug page.
Losartan
Trademarks: Angioten, Cozaar, Insaar, Losargard, Losartan Potassium, Lifezar, Santesar
To find out the dosage and more information about this drug, please visit the Losartan drug page.
Olmesartan
Trademarks: Normetec, Olmetec, Olmetec Plus, Oloduo
To find out the dosage and more information about this drug, please visit the olmesartan drug page.
Telmisartan
Trademarks: Micardis, Nuzartan, Simtel, Telmisartan, Tinov, Twynsta
To find out the dosage and more information about this drug, please visit the telmisartan drug page.
Valsartan
Trademarks: Diovan, Exforge, Lapiva 5/80, Lapiva 5/160, Upero, Valesco, Varten, Vastan 80, Vastan 160
To find out the dosage and more information about this drug, please visit the valsartan drug page.
Azilsartan Medoxomil
Trademarks of Azilsartan Medoxomil:-
To treat hypertension in adults, the dose is 40 mg, once a day. The dose can be increased up to 80 mg per day.
