Angiotensin II receptor blockers treat high blood pressure. Find out when your doctor may prescribe them.
By Mayo Clinic StaffAngiotensin II receptor blockers help relax your veins and arteries to lower your blood pressure and make it easier for your heart to pump blood.
Angiotensin is a chemical in your body that narrows your blood vessels. This narrowing can increase your blood pressure and force your heart to work harder.
Angiotensin II receptor blockers block the action of angiotensin II. As a result, the medication allows your veins and arteries to widen (dilate).
Several angiotensin II receptor blockers are available. Which one is best for you depends on your health and the condition being treated.
Examples of angiotensin II receptor blockers include:
- Azilsartan (Edarbi)
- Candesartan (Atacand)
- Eprosartan
- Irbesartan (Avapro)
- Losartan (Cozaar)
- Olmesartan (Benicar)
- Telmisartan (Micardis)
- Valsartan (Diovan)
In addition to treating high blood pressure, angiotensin II receptor blockers may prevent, treat or improve symptoms in people who have:
- Chronic kidney diseases
- Heart failure
- Kidney failure in diabetes
Few people have side effects when taking angiotensin II receptor blockers. Possible side effects can include:
- Dizziness
- Higher than normal potassium levels in the blood (hyperkalemia)
- Swelling of the skin due to a buildup of fluid (angioedema)
Some people taking the angiotensin II receptor blocker olmesartan have reported intestinal problems. Talk to your doctor if you develop severe diarrhea or lose a lot of weight while taking this medication.
Don't take angiotensin II receptor blockers if you're pregnant or plan to become pregnant because the drugs can harm a developing fetus.
Show References
- Types of blood pressure medications. American Heart Association. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/changes-you-can-make-to-manage-high-blood-pressure/types-of-blood-pressure-medications. Accessed June 25, 2019.
- Townsend RR. Major side effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed June 27, 2019.
- Bonow RO, et al., eds. Systemic hypertension: Management. In: Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2019. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed June 27, 2019.
- Mann JFE, et al. Renin-angiotensin system inhibition in the treatment of hypertension. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed June 27, 2019.
- Bakris GL. Treatment of hypertension in patients with diabetes mellitus. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed June 27, 2019.
Original article: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/in-depth/angiotensin-II-receptor-blockers/ART-20045009