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Type of Medication: Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs)
Losartan (Cozaar)
Irbesartan (Avapro)
Valsartan (Diovan)
Candesartan (Atacand)
Olmesartan (Benicar)
Telmisartan (Micardis)
Eprosartan (Teveten)

*A good way to spot ARBs is by the ending –sartan on the medication’s name.

How do ARBs work
ARBs are medications that act on the hormone system within your body. The most simple explanation is that these medications block the action of a hormone called Angiotensin 2 by not allowing this active hormone to communicate with the body. Angiotensin 2 is a hormone that normally causes blood vessels to thin down and constrict, thus blocking this hormone from talking with the blood vessels causes them to relax. Blocking this hormone also lowers the amount of salt and water in the body, decreasing the amount of water running through the pipes so to speak.

Who uses ARBs
ARBs are a class of medications most commonly used to treat high blood pressure. However, these medications also are used for heart failure (to decrease how hard the heart has to work), diabetes and chronic kidney disease.
Pregnant women and those patients with secondary hypertension (high blood pressure from kidney issues) should not use these medications.

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