- Body system
- Cardiovascular
- Name stem
- -sartan
- Drug cards
- 1 in this guide
Drugs in this class
Other examples: Valsartan, Irbesartan, Olmesartan, Candesartan, Telmisartan, Sacubitril-valsartan (Entresto).
How angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) work
Block the AT1 receptor so angiotensin II cannot constrict vessels or stimulate aldosterone.
Uses
- Hypertension
- Heart failure
- Diabetic kidney disease
- Patients who cannot tolerate ACE inhibitors
Adverse effects
- Dizziness and hypotension
- Hyperkalemia
- Rise in creatinine
- Angioedema (rare)
Nursing considerations
- Monitor blood pressure, potassium and kidney function.
- Do not combine with an ACE inhibitor or aliskiren in most patients.
- Sacubitril-valsartan requires a 36-hour washout after an ACE inhibitor.
Patient teaching
- Avoid salt substitutes and potassium supplements unless prescribed.
- Report pregnancy right away.
Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) NCLEX practice questions
Answer each question to see the rationale.
3 questions. Choose an answer to see the rationale.
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Which suffix identifies an angiotensin II receptor blocker?
Show answer
Answer C: -sartan ARBs end in -sartan (losartan, valsartan). ACE inhibitors end in -pril.
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A patient taking losartan tells the nurse she is planning a pregnancy. What is the best response?
Show answer
Answer D: Talk to your provider before trying to conceive; this drug must be stopped in pregnancy Drugs acting on the renin-angiotensin system can injure the fetus; they are stopped as soon as pregnancy is planned or detected.
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Compared with ACE inhibitors, ARBs are less likely to cause which effect?
Show answer
Answer A: Dry cough ARBs do not block bradykinin breakdown, so cough is much less common. The other risks are shared.
Frequently asked questions
What are angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)?
ARBs (the -sartan drugs) block angiotensin II at its receptor. They work like ACE inhibitors without the cough, but share the risks of hyperkalemia and fetal toxicity.
How do angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) work?
Block the AT1 receptor so angiotensin II cannot constrict vessels or stimulate aldosterone.
What are examples of angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)?
Losartan, Valsartan, Irbesartan, Olmesartan, Candesartan, Telmisartan and Sacubitril-valsartan (Entresto).
What are the nursing considerations for angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)?
Monitor blood pressure, potassium and kidney function. Do not combine with an ACE inhibitor or aliskiren in most patients.