angiotensin II receptor blocker

(angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT1) antagonists, angiotensin receptor blockers)

A group of drugs that bind to and inhibit the angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT1) (angiotensin receptor), that has vasopressor effects and regulates aldosterone secretion.
Therefore, it blocks the arteriolar contraction and sodium retention effects of renin-angiotensin system.

It controls blood pressure and volume in the cardiovascular system.
(Indication)
• diabetic nephropathy: A common complication of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Over time, poorly controlled diabetes can cause damage to blood vessel clusters in the kidneys. This can lead to kidney damage and hypertension.
• hypertension: It can be the risk factor for development of congestive heart failure, after structural remodeling, left ventricular hypertrophy, and fibrosis.
• congestive heart failure: It occurs when the heart muscle doesn't pump blood well. The blood often backs up and leads to pulmonary edema causing shortness of breath.

(Examples)
• losartan
• valsartan
• telmisartan
• irbesartan
• candesartan
• olmesartan
• eprosartan
• azilsartan
• fimasartan

(Comparison to angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitor (ACE inhibitor))
• Both are the first-line antihypertensives in patients developing hypertension along with left-sided heart failure.
• Angiotensin II receptor blocker blocks the activation of the AT1 receptor, that promotes various intracellular signaling pathways resulting in hypertension, endothelial dysfunction, vascular remodeling, and end organ damage.
• ACE inhibitor inhibits the activity of angiotensin-converting enzyme, decreasing the formation of angiotensin II (vasoconstrictor) and increasing the level of bradykinin (peptide vasodilator).
• Angiotensin II receptor blocker produces less adverse effects.