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Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs)


Generic Name Brand Name
candesartan Atacand
eprosartan Teveten
irbesartan Avapro
losartan Cozaar
olmesartan Benicar
telmisartan Micardis
valsartan Diovan

Angiotensin II receptor blockers combined with diuretic

Generic Name Brand Name
irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide Avalide
losartan and hydrochlorothiazide Hyzaar

How It Works

Angiotensin II receptor blockers inhibit a substance that causes blood vessels to narrow (constrict). As a result, blood vessels relax and widen (dilate), making it easier for blood to flow through the vessels, which reduces blood pressure. These medicines also increase the release of water and salt (sodium) to the urine, which in turn lowers blood pressure as well.

Preventing the blood vessels from constricting helps improve blood flow, which reduces the backup of blood in the heart and lungs. It also decreases the pressure that the left ventricle of the heart must pump against.

Angiotensin II receptor blockers also act directly on the hormones that regulate sodium and water balance.

Why It Is Used

Angiotensin II receptor blockers can be used to treat coronary artery disease or heart failure in some people who cannot tolerate ACE inhibitors or who have kidney disease from diabetes (diabetic nephropathy) and in people with type 2 diabetes.

An angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) may be used instead of an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor if you are not able to tolerate certain side effects of an ACE inhibitor. ACE inhibitors can cause an annoying cough. This cough may be hard for some people to live with. So doctors may prescribe an ARB instead, because ARBs are less likely to cause a cough.

How Well It Works

ARBs can lower the risk of death from heart failure. ARBs also reduce the number of people with heart failure who need to go into the hospital. ARBs have been shown to work as well as ACE inhibitors for heart failure.1 ARBs are less likely to cause the cough that is associated with ACE inhibitors.

If you are taking an ARB because you have diabetes and early signs of kidney problems, or have kidney disease, these medicines can slow or prevent further damage to your kidneys.2

Side Effects


Here are some important things to think about:


Call 911 or other emergency services right away if you have:

  • Trouble breathing.

Call your doctor if you have:

  • Hives.

Common side effects of this medicine include:

  • Dizziness or lightheadedness.
  • Sinus problems, such as a stuffy nose or a runny nose.
  • Stomach problems.


What To Think About

Tell your doctor about all of the other medicines that you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines. ARBs may interact with other medicines such as NSAID pain relievers (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), antacids, potassium supplements, certain diuretics, and lithium. If you are taking one of these medicines, talk with your doctor before taking an ARB.

Taking medicine



For tips on taking medicine for heart failure, see:

Click here to view an Actionset.Heart Failure: Taking Medicines Properly.

Advice for women








  2. Drugs for hypertension (2009). Treatment Guidelines From The Medical Letter, 7(77): 1–10.


By Healthwise Staff
Rakesh K. Pai, MD, FACC - Cardiology, Electrophysiology
Margaret Hetherington, PHM, BsC - Pharmacy
Last Revised November 8, 2013

Last Revised: November 8, 2013

Author: Healthwise Staff


