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continued:
Angiotensin II receptor blockers
Uses for angiotensin II receptor blockers
Doctors prescribe these drugs to prevent, treat or improve symptoms in a variety of conditions, such as:
- High blood pressure
- Heart failure
- Kidney failure in diabetes
- Chronic kidney diseases
- Hardening and thickening of the skin (scleroderma)
Side effects and cautions
Few people have side effects when taking angiotensin II receptor blockers, but possible side effects may include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Nasal congestion
- Back and leg pain
- Diarrhea
Rare but more serious side effects include:
- Kidney failure
- Liver failure
- Allergic reaction
- A drop in white blood cells
- Localized swelling of tissues (angioedema)
Because angiotensin II receptor blockers can cause birth defects, don't take them if you're pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Previous page(2 of 2)
- Reeder GS. Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and receptor blockers in acute myocardial infarction: Recommendations for use. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Nov. 13, 2008.
- Colucci WS. Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and receptor blockers in heart failure: Mechanisms of action. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Nov. 13, 2008.
- Initial antihypertensive therapy: Drugdex Consults. Micromedex Healthcare Series. http://www.micromedex.com/. Accessed Nov. 12, 2008.
- Blood pressure-lowering drugs. American Heart Association. http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=159. Accessed Nov. 12, 2008.
- Sheps SG, ed. Mayo Clinic 5 Steps to Controlling High Blood Pressure. Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research;2008:190.
