Helixtalk - Rosalind Franklin University's College Of Pharmacy Podcast

In this episode, we review the pharmacology, indications, adverse effects, monitoring, and unique drug characteristics of angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs).  Key Concepts ARBs are equally efficacious as ACE inhibitors when used for hypertension, heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), chronic kidney disease (CKD) with proteinuria, and post-MI care. Some limited evidence suggests that they might be better in reducing albuminuria in patients with diabetes. ARBs are generally better tolerated than ACEi due to a lower risk of angioedema and dry cough.  While most ARBs are comparable to each other, small differences exists regarding hepatic metabolism (CYP metabolism for losartan, telmisartan, and azilsartan), degree of blood pressure lowering (generally better with azilsartan, olmesartan, valsartan, and candesartan), and additional pharmacological effects (telmisartan with PPAR-Y agonism, losartan with uricosuric effect). ARBs are contraindicated in pregnancy, those with bilateral renal artery s