ARBs versus ACE Inhibitors
They form a major class of antihypertensive drugs.
They work by lowering the action of the hormone angiotensin 2.
These are the drugs that treat –
- High blood pressure
- Heart failure
- Kidney disorders
Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers-
Angiotensin 2 is a hormone. It narrows the blood vessels.
Angiotensin 2 blocker stops the binding of angiotensin- 2 to the receptors.
It stops the working of Angiotensin II.
It relaxes blood vessels. This widens the veins/arteries.
It reduces strain on the heart and kidneys.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor –
These drugs block the enzyme forming angiotensin -2.
It stops the formation of the angiotensin hormone.
It inhibits the hormone that constricts the blood vessels.
It also reduces the release of aldosterone and thus increases salt excretion from the kidneys.
It reduces fluid volume in the body.
Which antihypertensive drug causes cough?
ACE inhibitors cause dry cough.
These block the breakdown of bradykinin.
Bradykinin deposits in the lungs.
It causes itching in the throat.
What are the ACE inhibitors’ side effects?
- Dry cough
- Hypotension
- Hyperkalemia
- Tiredness
- Extreme weakness
- Headache /drowsiness
- Mild skin rash
- Altered taste
What are the ARBs side effects?
- High potassium
- Dizziness /Lightheadedness
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Stomach upset
- Back/joint pain
When does the doctor prescribe ACE inhibitors or ARBs?
ACE inhibitors are the first choice used to control high BP.
If a person shows a persistent cough or swelling in the face or throat.
ACE inhibitors are changed to ARBs.
Do these drugs prevent damage to the heart and kidneys?
Heart protection –
The ARBs and the ACE inhibitors reduce the strain on the heart.
These smooth the blood flow and reduce the extra workload on the heart.
They also reduce the blood volume by excreting extra fluid.
These are widely used after a heart attack, it prevents heart muscles from structural changes.
These are used to manage heart-failure
Kidney protection-
These relax the tiny blood vessels in the kidneys.
It reduces blood pressure.
High blood pressure injures the tiny nephrons.
It reduces the filtration load.
The precautions while using ACE inhibitors or ARBs-
They must be avoided in pregnancy.
Do not take potassium food.
Do not stand up at once; it can cause a fall in BP.
Maintain hydration
The leading contract drug manufacturer-
Aprazer Healthcare is a pharmaceutical manufacturer and exporter.
We are global drug distributors. We export the widest range of antihypertensives to countries in Asia, Africa, and America.
We have the strongest distribution network.
Our antihypertensive product portfolio includes –
ARBs (Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers)-
- Losartan
- Valsartan
- Telmisartan
ACE (Angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitor-
- Lisinopril
- Ramipril
Beta blockers – Nebivolol
Alpha–beta blockers – Labetalol
