Also called angiotensin 2 receptor blockers, these medicines treat high blood pressure. Find out when you might need them.
By Mayo Clinic StaffAngiotensin 2 receptor blockers are a type of medicine used to treat high blood pressure. This type of medicine also may be called angiotensin II receptor blockers.
Angiotensin is a chemical in the body that narrows the blood vessels. When blood vessels are narrow, blood pressure can go up.
Angiotensin 2 receptor blockers stop the action of angiotensin 2. As a result, the medicine helps relax the veins and arteries in the body, lowering blood pressure.
Several angiotensin 2 receptor blockers are available. Which one is best for you depends on your health and the condition being treated.
Examples of angiotensin 2 receptor blockers include:
- Azilsartan (Edarbi).
- Candesartan (Atacand).
- Irbesartan (Avapro).
- Losartan (Cozaar).
- Olmesartan (Benicar).
- Telmisartan (Micardis).
- Valsartan (Diovan).
In addition to treating high blood pressure, angiotensin 2 receptor blockers may prevent, treat or improve symptoms in people who have:
- Chronic kidney disease.
- Heart failure.
- Kidney failure due to diabetes.
Possible side effects of angiotensin 2 receptor blockers can include:
- Dizziness.
- Too much potassium in the blood.
- Swelling of the skin due to extra fluid.
Some people taking the angiotensin 2 receptor blocker olmesartan (Benicar) have reported digestive problems. Talk to your health care team if you have severe diarrhea or lose a lot of weight while taking this medicine.
Don't take angiotensin 2 receptor blockers if you're pregnant or you plan to become pregnant. The medicines can harm a developing baby while growing in the womb.
Talk to your health care team if you have any questions about the medicines you take.
Show References
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- Townsend RR. Major side effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed March 17, 2023.
- Libby P, et al., eds. Systemic hypertension: Mechanisms, diagnosis and treatment. In: Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 12th ed. Elsevier; 2022. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed March 17, 2023.
- Mann JFE, et al. Renin-angiotensin system inhibition in the treatment of hypertension. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed March 17, 2023.
- Bakris GL. Treatment of hypertension in patients with diabetes mellitus. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed March 17, 2023.
- Whelton PK, et al. 2017 ACC/AHA/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/AGS/APhA/ASH/ASPC/NMA/PCNA guideline for the prevention, detection, evaluation, and management of high blood pressure in adults: A report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines. Hypertension. 2018; doi:10.1161/HYP.0000000000000065.
Original article: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/in-depth/angiotensin-ii-receptor-blockers/art-20045009