Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)
Also in: हिन्दी தமிழ் मराठी తెలుగు ಕನ್ನಡ বাংলা ગુજરાતી മലയാളം ਪੰਜਾਬੀ
Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are prescription medicines that lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels. They are used to treat high blood pressure and some heart and kidney conditions. Common examples are losartan and telmisartan. They must not be taken in pregnancy, and they should only be started or stopped on a doctor's advice.
Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.
How do Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) work?
ARBs block the receptor that the hormone angiotensin II attaches to. Without that signal the blood vessels relax and widen, the kidneys hold on to less salt and water, and blood pressure falls.
Active ingredients of this type
These active ingredients belong to Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). They are listed A to Z.
- Losartan: Losartan is a prescription medicine that lowers blood pressure.
- Olmesartan: Olmesartan is a prescription medicine that lowers blood pressure.
- Telmisartan: Telmisartan is a prescription medicine that lowers blood pressure.
Common questions
Are ARBs safe in pregnancy?
No. ARBs can seriously harm an unborn baby, so they are not taken in pregnancy. A woman who is pregnant, could become pregnant or is planning a baby should tell her doctor, who decides what to do. Never stop a prescribed ARB without speaking to the doctor.
Is an ARB the same as an ACE inhibitor?
They are different groups that act on the same hormone system. ACE inhibitors, such as ramipril, reduce angiotensin II being made. ARBs block the receptor it acts on. ACE inhibitors more often cause a dry cough. The two are usually not taken together unless a doctor decides.
Do I need blood tests while taking an ARB?
Doctors often check blood tests for potassium and kidney function when an ARB is started and from time to time afterwards. Follow your doctor's advice on tests, and report vomiting, diarrhoea or dehydration, which can affect the kidneys.
Sources
- Losartan: a medicine for high blood pressure. NHS (UK)
- Telmisartan tablets USP: prescribing information (Mylan, label revised 9/2021). DailyMed, US National Library of Medicine
- Micardis (telmisartan): EPAR medicine overview. European Medicines Agency
- ATC/DDD Index: C09CA07 Telmisartan. WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology
- National Formulary of India. Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission