Angiotensin II receptor blockers

Angiotensin II receptor blockers

Angiotensin II receptor blockers

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Mechanism of Action - The '-sartan' Blockade

  • Highly selective, competitive antagonists of the Angiotensin II Type 1 (AT1) receptor.
    • Directly block the downstream effects of Angiotensin II, including vasoconstriction, aldosterone release, and sympathetic activation.
    • Leads to arterial and venous dilation (↓ afterload & preload) and decreased sodium/water retention.
  • Crucially, ARBs do not inhibit Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE).
    • This means they do not interfere with bradykinin breakdown, thus avoiding the side effects of dry cough and angioedema.

⭐ ARBs lead to a compensatory rise in plasma renin and Angiotensin II. The clinical effects of these high levels are negated by the receptor blockade, but this mechanism highlights the body's feedback loop.

RAAS pathway and ARB drug targets

The '-sartans' - Our Blocker Brigade

  • Examples: Losartan, Valsartan, Irbesartan, Candesartan.
  • Mechanism: Selectively block angiotensin II at AT1 receptors, inhibiting vasoconstriction and aldosterone secretion to ↓ BP.
  • Clinical Edge: No effect on bradykinin, thus no cough; lower angioedema risk vs. ACEi.
  • ⚠️ Cautions: Hyperkalemia, hypotension, teratogenic.
  • 📌 Mnemonic: A "Sultan" (Sartan) blocks King Angiotensin's throne.

⭐ Losartan is uniquely uricosuric, promoting uric acid excretion, beneficial for hypertensive patients with gout.

Clinical Uses - Beyond Blood Pressure

  • Diabetic Nephropathy (Type 2)

    • Slows progression of kidney disease.
    • Reduces proteinuria, offering renoprotection independent of BP lowering.
    • First-line choice in diabetic patients, even if normotensive with microalbuminuria.
  • Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction (HFrEF)

    • Reduces morbidity and mortality.
    • Key alternative for patients intolerant to ACE inhibitors (e.g., due to cough).
  • Post-Myocardial Infarction (MI)

    • Used in patients with LV systolic dysfunction or heart failure after an MI.

⭐ ARBs are the go-to alternative for patients who develop the characteristic dry cough with ACE inhibitors. This is because ARBs do not lead to an increase in bradykinin levels, the culprit behind the cough.

Adverse Effects & CIs - Danger Zones

  • Key Adverse Effects:

    • Hypotension & dizziness.
    • Hyperkalemia: Risk ↑ with K+ supplements, K+-sparing diuretics, or renal failure.
    • Acute Renal Failure: Especially in bilateral renal artery stenosis.
  • ⚠️ Key Contraindications:

    • Pregnancy (Category D): BLACK BOX WARNING due to teratogenicity.
    • Bilateral renal artery stenosis.
    • History of angioedema with ARBs.
    • Co-administration with aliskiren in patients with diabetes.

⭐ A major advantage over ACE inhibitors is the lack of bradykinin-mediated side effects, resulting in a much lower incidence of persistent dry cough and angioedema.

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • ARBs, the "-sartans," selectively block Angiotensin II at the AT1 receptor, causing vasodilation and ↓ aldosterone.
  • Unlike ACE inhibitors, they do not affect bradykinin levels, thus avoiding the characteristic dry cough.
  • Key uses include hypertension, heart failure, and proteinuric CKD, especially in diabetics.
  • Monitor for adverse effects like hyperkalemia, hypotension, and acute renal failure.
  • Absolutely contraindicated in pregnancy due to teratogenicity and in bilateral renal artery stenosis.

Practice Questions: Angiotensin II receptor blockers

Test your understanding with these related questions

A 52-year-old man comes to the physician for a routine health maintenance examination. He feels well. His blood pressure is 125/70 mm Hg. His glomerular filtration rate is calculated to be 105 mL/min/1.73 m2 and glucose clearance is calculated to be 103 mL/min. This patient is most likely being treated with which of the following agents?

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Flashcards: Angiotensin II receptor blockers

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What effect do ACE inhibitors have on levels of angiotensin II? _____

TAP TO REVEAL ANSWER

What effect do ACE inhibitors have on levels of angiotensin II? _____

Decreased AT II

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