Angiotensin II Receptor Blocking Drugs

AT1–receptor antagonists, or sartans, are a group of pharmaceuticals that modulate the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Their main use is in hypertension, diabetic nephropathy, and CHF.

ARBs do not inhibit ACE; they do not cause an increase in bradykinin, which contributes to the vasodilation produced by ACE inhibitors and also some of the side effects of ACE inhibitors (cough and angioedema).

Dementia: It has been found that pts with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia are up to 50% less likely to have to be admitted to a nursing home or to die if they were taking an ARB.

Rebound Htn if drug is withdrawn acutely, especially with longer-acting agents.

Refractory hypotension in pts undergoing general anesthesia. BP responds to vasopressin agonists.

Questionable increased risk of MI with ARBs.