| name | ARBs (Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers) |
| classification | Antihypertensive, Antihyperlipidemic (some ARBs) |
| pharmacokinetics | | absorption | Generally well absorbed orally, with peak plasma concentrations achieved within 1-4 hours. | | distribution | Distributed throughout the body, with relatively high concentrations in the kidneys and blood vessels. | | metabolism | Metabolized primarily in the liver. Some ARBs may have active metabolites. | | excretion | Excreted primarily in the urine, with a portion excreted in the feces. |
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| suggested dosage | Dosage varies greatly depending on the specific ARB and the patient's condition. Consult a doctor for appropriate dosage. Initial dosages are typically lower and titrated up as needed. Patients may need different doses depending on individual needs for controlling blood pressure. |
| indications | | 1 | Hypertension (high blood pressure) | | 2 | Heart failure | | 3 | Diabetic nephropathy (kidney damage due to diabetes) | | 4 | Chronic kidney disease (CKD) | | 5 | Left ventricular hypertrophy (thickening of the heart muscle) |
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| safety in pregnancy | Some ARBs are considered relatively safe during pregnancy, while others may have more significant risks. Consult a physician for personalized advice during pregnancy. There may be some increased risk of certain adverse outcomes, including kidney problems and decreased fetal growth. |
| safety in breastfeeding | Some ARBs are considered safe in breastfeeding, while others may have more significant risks. Consult a doctor for personalized advice during breastfeeding. |
| side effects | | 1 | Dizziness | | 2 | Headache | | 3 | Fatigue | | 4 | Lightheadedness | | 5 | Cough | | 6 | Diarrhea | | 7 | Nausea | | 8 | Vomiting | | 9 | Upper respiratory tract infection | | 10 | Hypotension (low blood pressure) (especially at high doses or with concomitant medications) | | 11 | Kidney problems (in rare cases) | | 12 | Muscle pain | | 13 | Changes in blood sugar (rare) |
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| contraindications | | 1 | Hypersensitivity (allergy) to ARBs | | 2 | Severe kidney disease | | 3 | Severe liver disease | | 4 | Pregnancy (in some cases, see specific ARB details) | | 5 | Concurrent use with other medications that may lower blood pressure substantially, especially in patients with pre-existing low blood pressure. |
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| interactions | | specific | | 1 | Concomitant use with other antihypertensives can lead to additive blood pressure lowering effects and potentially dangerous hypotension | | 2 | Certain medications that affect kidney function can increase the risk of side effects. | | 3 | Some medications may increase blood levels of the ARB or affect the metabolism of the ARB, and therefore require dose adjustment. | | 4 | NSAIDs and diuretics can reduce the effectiveness of ARBs. |
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| warnings and precautions | | 1 | Monitor blood pressure closely during initial treatment and dosage adjustments. | | 2 | Monitor kidney function regularly, especially in patients with pre-existing kidney problems or those on concomitant medications affecting kidney function. | | 3 | Gradually titrate the dosage to prevent abrupt drops in blood pressure. | | 4 | Caution in patients with dehydration or hyponatremia (low sodium levels in the blood). | | 5 | Assess for other underlying health conditions that may impact ARB therapy. |
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| additional informations | | specific notes | ARBs differ in their specific pharmacokinetic properties, and the most suitable medication for an individual may depend on age, kidney function, other concomitant conditions, and other factors. Always consult with a medical professional for advice. Blood tests for renal function and electrolyte levels may be needed periodically. | | patient specific factors | Individual response to ARBs varies. Patients should report any unusual symptoms to their doctor. |
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