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An ARB is an angiotensin II receptor blocker, a medicine used to relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure. ARBs block the action of angiotensin II, a hormone that narrows blood vessels. These medicines are commonly used for high blood pressure, heart failure, and kidney protection in selected patients. ARBs are prescription medicines and should be taken only as directed.
read more about arb ...Angiotensin II can tighten blood vessels and raise blood pressure. ARBs block angiotensin II from attaching to its receptors, which lets blood vessels relax. This lowers resistance in the blood vessels and can reduce strain on the heart. ARBs can also help protect the kidneys in some patients with diabetes or chronic kidney disease.
ARBs are used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and certain kidney-related conditions. They can be prescribed when an ACE inhibitor causes a bothersome cough or is not a good fit. Some patients take ARBs with other blood pressure medicines to reach their treatment goal. The choice depends on blood pressure, kidney function, potassium levels, pregnancy status, and other medicines.
Common ARBs include losartan, valsartan, irbesartan, candesartan, olmesartan, telmisartan, azilsartan, and eprosartan. Some ARBs are sold alone, while others are combined with a diuretic or another blood pressure medicine. Combination products can make dosing simpler, but they can also add side effects from more than one drug. Patients should check labels carefully so they do not accidentally double up on similar medicines.
ARBs can cause dizziness, fatigue, headache, high potassium, low blood pressure, or changes in kidney function. Rarely, they can cause swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. ARBs should not be used during pregnancy because they can harm the developing baby. Seek medical care for fainting, severe weakness, trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or very low urine output.
Yes, ARBs are blood pressure medicines. They relax blood vessels by blocking angiotensin II, which helps lower blood pressure.
Yes, losartan is an ARB. Other examples include valsartan, irbesartan, candesartan, olmesartan, and telmisartan.
No, ARBs and ACE inhibitors work on the same hormone system but at different steps. ARBs block angiotensin II receptors, while ACE inhibitors reduce angiotensin II production.
Yes, ARBs can raise potassium in some patients. Blood tests help the prescriber monitor potassium and kidney function during treatment.
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Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/in-depth/angiotensin-ii-receptor-blockers/art-20045009. Date Accessed June 3, 2026.
Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARB). StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537027/. Date Accessed June 3, 2026.
Losartan: MedlinePlus Drug Information. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a695008.html. Date Accessed June 3, 2026.
Label: COZAAR- losartan potassium tablet, film coated. DailyMed. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=9949448f-c3b9-44ee-94ed-c1aca8c90f39. Date Accessed June 3, 2026.