Top 15 Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs)

Top 15 Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs): Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are a group of medications used primarily for treating high blood pressure and heart failure. They work by blocking angiotensin II from binding to angiotensin I receptors, preventing blood vessels from narrowing and allowing blood to flow more easily. ARBs are an important treatment option for patients who cannot tolerate ACE inhibitors due to side effects like coughing. Also, they provide similar cardiovascular protection and blood pressure reduction as ACE inhibitors, with fewer side effects.Information Guide Nigeria

ARBs were first approved for medical use in the 1990s and have since become widely used either alone or together with other agents for hypertension management. In addition, some of the benefits of ARBs include risk reduction in stroke, improved blood flow, controlled atrial fibrillation, and slowed progression of diabetic nephropathy. ARBs are often considered the first line of treatment for patients with comorbid diabetes and hypertension.

With many ARBs available, it can be difficult to determine which one is most appropriate for a patient. Factors such as cost, side effects, patient tolerance, and the specific cardiovascular conditions being treated all influence the choice of the optimal ARB. To provide clarity on the options, let’s examine the top 15 most commonly prescribed ARBs, their uses, and the key distinctions between them.Angiotensin Receptor Blockers 

Top 15 Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs)

1. Losartan (Cozaar)

Losartan was the first ARB approved for use, initially in 1995. It blocks angiotensin II receptor type 1. Losartan is prescribed for hypertension, diabetic kidney disease, and left ventricular hypertrophy. It is also one of the most effective Angiotensin Receptor Blockers. 

Some key points about losartan:

• Usually prescribed at 50-100 mg once daily, can be increased to a maximum of 150 mg per day.
• Shown to lower blood pressure for 24 hours with a single dose.
• Causes fewer side effects like cough compared to ACE inhibitors.
• Available as both brand name Cozaar and generic losartan.

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2. Valsartan (Diovan)

Valsartan gained FDA approval in 1996 and has since become widely used in place of ACE inhibitors. It selectively blocks angiotensin type 1 receptors.How I got introduced to drugs – Toyin Abraham

Key facts about valsartan:

• Start at 80-160 mg once daily, which can increase to a maximum of 320 mg per day.
• Produces smooth 24 hour blood pressure reduction.
• Causes less dizziness than some other ARBs.
• Available as brand name Diovan and generic valsartan.

3. Irbesartan (Avapro)

Irbesartan binds selectively and reversibly to angiotensin 1 receptors. It was approved by the FDA in 1997.

Some quick irbesartan points:

• The usual starting dose is 150-300 mg daily, up to 300 mg maximum.
• Has a long duration of action with once daily dosing.
• Shown to have positive effects on insulin sensitivity.
• Available as brand name Avapro and as generic irbesartan.

4. Candesartan (Atacand)

Candesartan blocks angiotensin 1 receptors selectively and tightly without releasing. It received FDA approval in 1998.Top 15 AI Apps for Image and Articles

Candesartan facts:

• Start at 8-16 mg once daily, may increase to 32 mg daily maximum.
• Provides smooth 24 hour blood pressure control with one daily dose.
• May be less effective than other ARBs for heart failure treatment.
• Available as brand name Atacand and generic candesartan.

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5. Eprosartan (Teveten)

Eprosartan blocks angiotensin II receptor type 1 selectively. It is taken once or twice daily.

Key eprosartan details:

• The usual dosing is 600 mg once daily or 400 mg twice daily.
• Not considered first line agent, more evidence on other ARBs.
• May reduce proteinuria caused by diabetic kidney disease.
• Available as brand name Teveten and generic eprosartan.

6. Olmesartan (Benicar)

Olmesartan was approved by the FDA in 2002. Doctors recommend this selective angiotensin II receptor blocker for treating hypertension, either alone or in combination with other agents.Dollar to Naira

Olmesartan facts:

• The usual starting dose is 20-40 mg daily, which can increase to 40 mg maximum.
• Provides smooth 24 hour blood pressure control with one daily dose.
• Shown to reduce cardiovascular mortality in patients with stable angina.
• Available as brand name Benicar and generic olmesartan.

7. Telmisartan (Micardis)

Telmisartan was approved in 1998 and acts by blocking angiotensin II receptor type 1. It has a longer duration of action than some other ARBs.

Telmisartan details:

• Start at 40-80 mg once daily, can increase to 80 mg per day maximum.
• Causes smooth 24 hour blood pressure reduction with one daily dose.
• May provide benefits beyond just blood pressure control.
• Available as brand name Micardis and generic telmisartan.

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8. Azilsartan (Edarbi)

Azilsartan binds selectively and tightly to angiotensin 1 receptors. It was approved by the FDA in 2011.JAMB Result 

Azilsartan facts:

• The usual dosing is 40-80 mg once daily.
• Demonstrates strong blood pressure reduction in clinical studies.
• Often used together with chlorthalidone, a diuretic.
• Only available as brand name Edarbi.

9. Eprosartan and hydrochlorothiazide

Also, Eprosartan combined with hydrochlorothiazide works to control blood pressure through two complementary mechanisms – blocking angiotensin receptors and reducing fluid retention.

Key points:

• Single pill with 600 mg eprosartan and 12.5 mg hydrochlorothiazide.
• Allows lower dosing of each component compared to taking separately.
• May cause electrolyte imbalances from the diuretic.
• Available as brand name Teveten HCT.

10. Valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide (Diovan HCT)

Valsartan combined with hydrochlorothiazide produces significant reductions in blood pressure. It received FDA approval in 1998.NYSC Portal

Quick facts:

• Single tablet with 80, 160, or 320 mg valsartan and 12.5 mg hydrochlorothiazide.
• Provides smooth 24 hour blood pressure control.
• May improve cardiovascular outcomes compared to beta-blocker combination therapy.
• Available as brand name Diovan HCT.

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11. Olmesartan and hydrochlorothiazide (Benicar HCT)

The combination of Olmesartan and hydrochlorothiazide is used for high blood pressure in patients not controlled on either drug alone. Authorities approved it in 2003.Good Morning my love Messages

Details on olmesartan/hydrochlorothiazide:

• Single tablet with 20 or 40 mg olmesartan and 12.5 or 25 mg hydrochlorothiazide.
• Once daily dosing provides 24 hour blood pressure management.
• May cause side effects like hypotension, muscle cramps and high potassium levels.
• Available as Benicar HCT, no generic available.

12. Candesartan and hydrochlorothiazide (Atacand HCT)

The combination of candesartan and hydrochlorothiazide controls blood pressure through complementary mechanisms. It was approved in 1998.

Candesartan/hydrochlorothiazide facts:

• Single tablet with 16 or 32 mg candesartan and 6.25, 12.5 or 25 mg hydrochlorothiazide.
• Allows lower doses of each component compared to separate tablets.
• May interact with NSAIDs to reduce anti-hypertensive effects.
• Available as brand name Atacand HCT.

13. Irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide (Avalide)

Irbesartan combined with hydrochlorothiazide produces significant blood pressure reductions with once daily dosing. It was approved in 1997.Romantic Love Messages for her 

Key irbesartan/hydrochlorothiazide details:

• Single tablet with 150, 300 or 300 mg irbesartan and 12.5 mg hydrochlorothiazide.
• Provides 24 hour blood pressure control.
• Can cause side effects like dizziness, diarrhoea, nausea and headache.
• Available as brand name Avalide or generic combination.

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14. Losartan and hydrochlorothiazide (Hyzaar)

Losartan with hydrochlorothiazide results in a significant additional blood pressure reduction compared to either drug alone. It was first approved in 1995.

Losartan/hydrochlorothiazide quick facts:

• Single tablet with 50 or 100 mg losartan and 12.5 or 25 mg hydrochlorothiazide.
• Once daily dosing provides 24-hour coverage.
• May rarely cause rash, low blood pressure, or kidney problems.
• Available as brand name Hyzaar and generic losartan/hydrochlorothiazide.

15. Azilsartan and chlorthalidone (Edarbyclor)

Azilsartan paired with chlorthalidone reduces blood pressure through complementary mechanisms of blocking angiotensin receptors and reducing fluid. Also, the authorities approved this top Angiotensin Receptor Blocker in 2011.JAMB Portal

Azilsartan/chlorthalidone details:

• Single tablet with 40 or 80 mg azilsartan plus 12.5 or 25 mg chlorthalidone.
• Provides 24-hour blood pressure control.
• May cause dizziness, fatigue, muscle spasms, or diarrhoea.
• Only available as brand name Edarbyclor.

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Conclusion

Angiotensin receptor blockers are critical agents in controlling hypertension and protecting cardiovascular health. The many ARBs available each have unique properties, allowing doctors to select the one most appropriate for an individual patient’s needs and sensitivities. Also, when paired with diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide or chlorthalidone, ARBs provide enhanced blood pressure reduction in patients not responding sufficiently to either drug alone.

Of the most commonly prescribed ARBs, losartan, valsartan, and irbesartan have the most robust data supporting their efficacy and safety profiles. However, newer agents like azilsartan demonstrate powerful blood pressure lowering effects. Doctors weigh many variables like cost, dosing frequency, and side effects along with effectiveness when selecting which ARB to prescribe.

Used properly, ARBs safely reduce blood pressure, decrease strain on the heart, and protect kidney function for millions of patients. They represent vital life-saving medications when prescribed appropriately. For individuals unable to take ACE inhibitors, ARBs provide a key alternative option for controlling hypertension.

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