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Pharmacy Author:

Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD

Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD

Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.

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Medical and Pharmacy Editor:

Jay W. Marks, MD

Jay W. Marks, MD

Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

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In this Article

• What are angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), and how do they work?
• For what conditions are ARBs used?
• Are there any differences among the different types of ARBs?
• What are the side effects of ARBs?
• With which drugs do ARBs interact?
• What are the available ARBs?
• Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers Index

With which drugs do ARBs interact?

ARBs have few interactions with other drugs. Since ARBs may increase blood levels of potassium, the use of potassium supplements, salt substitutes (which often contain potassium), or other drugs that increase potassium may result in excessive blood potassium levels and cardiac arrhythmias. ARBs may also increase the blood concentration of lithium (Eskalith) and lead to an increase in side effects from lithium. Rifampin (Rifadin) reduces the blood levels of losartan, and fluconazole (Diflucan) reduces the conversion of losartan to its active form. These effects could decrease the effects of losartan.

What are the available ARBs?

The following is a list of currently available ARBs:

• candesartan (Atacand),
  
  
• eprosartan (Teveten),
  
  
• irbesartan (Avapro),
  
  
• telmisartan (Micardis),
  
  
• valsartan (Diovan),
  
  
• losartan (Cozaar), and
  
  
• olmesartan (Benicar).

REFERENCE:

FDA Prescribing Information

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