Anti-hypertensive ( Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers)
Drugs:
- Azilsartan
- Candesartan
- Eprosartan
- Irbesartan
- Losartan
- Olmesartan
- Telmisartan
- Valsartan
Mechanism of action:
The angiotensin II receptor blocker works by inhibiting the angiotensin II receptor located on the endothelial blood vessels. When this receptor is inhibited, vasodillation occurs for both arteriolar and venous, which ultimately leads to a reduction in blood pressure.
Pharmacological action:
These drugs dilate both arterioles and veins, so the work of the heart is reduced due to a .reduction in both preload and afterload
These drugs also help prevent angina, myocardial infarction, and cardiac failure because these drugs do not increase myocardial contractility , same as drugs of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE i ) and these drugs do not increase bradykinin levels which means that it does not cause cough (unlike ACE inhibitors that raise the level of bradykinin and cause coogh).
They have compelling indications for use in hypertension patients with (alternative to ACE inhibitors) such as :
- High coronary disease risk
- Heart failure
- Myocardial infarction
- Stroke
- Chronic kidney disease
Angiotensin II receptor blocker is used in patients with severe angioedema or cough that was due to the use of ACE inhibitors.
Side effect:
- Fever
- Rash
- Altered taste
- Hyperkalemia ( A higher than normal level of potassium in the blood)
- Hypertension
Contraindications:
Angiotensin II receptor blocker should not be used during pregnancy and lactation because it causes fetal malformations.