Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)
- AT1 blockers without bradykinin buildup
- HTN, HFrEF, albuminuric CKD
- Similar renal/K risks to ACE inhibitors
- Much less cough; less angioedema
- Losartan has a uricosuric effect
- Avoid in pregnancy
- Do not routinely combine with ACE inhibitor
Class at a glance
- AT1 blockers without bradykinin buildup
Practical pearls
- Much less cough; less angioedema
Clinical role
- HTN, HFrEF, albuminuric CKD
- Losartan has a uricosuric effect
- Do not routinely combine with ACE inhibitor
Safety / monitoring
- Similar renal/K risks to ACE inhibitors
- Avoid in pregnancy
Pearls
- Candesartan, valsartan FDA-approved for HF; losartan off-label
- HF: titrate by doubling every 1–2 weeks
- Reduce HF hospitalizations; mortality benefit less certain
Self-check
- When should Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) generally be avoided?
Pregnancy. - Should Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) routinely be combined with ACE inhibitor?
No.
Drugs in this class (8)
Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) prescription history
Animated chart of estimated U.S. prescriptions per year, RAAS inhibitors (1981–2026). ARBs highlighted from 1995.
All drug classes · Open Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) in the interactive console ↗