ARBs: How They Work, Common Drugs, Side Effects

If your doctor mentions "ARBs," they're talking about a group of blood pressure medicines that block angiotensin II receptors. That reduces blood vessel tightening, lowers blood pressure, and eases the heart's workload. ARBs are a go-to choice for people who can't take ACE inhibitors because of a cough.

Common ARBs include losartan, valsartan, candesartan, irbesartan, olmesartan, and telmisartan. Doses and schedules vary: losartan often starts at 50 mg once daily, while valsartan commonly begins at 80–160 mg daily. Your doctor will pick the right drug and dose based on your blood pressure, other conditions, and medicines you already take.

When doctors prescribe ARBs

ARBs treat high blood pressure, protect the kidneys in type 2 diabetes with protein in the urine, and help manage heart failure after a heart attack. They lower the risk of stroke and slow down kidney damage in many cases. If you have chronic kidney disease or certain heart conditions, an ARB might be recommended instead of other options.

People often prefer ARBs because they cause less cough and fewer angioedema episodes than ACE inhibitors. That makes them easier to tolerate long term. Still, they are not for everyone — pregnant people, for example, should avoid ARBs because they can harm the fetus.

Safety tips & interactions

Before starting an ARB, tell your doctor about other meds you take, especially potassium supplements, potassium-sparing diuretics, NSAIDs like ibuprofen, and other blood pressure drugs. Combining ARBs with potassium-raising products can increase blood potassium to dangerous levels. NSAIDs can reduce ARB effectiveness and harm kidney function when used long term.

Common side effects include dizziness, lightheadedness, and occasionally increased potassium or changes in kidney tests. Many people feel fine after the first few doses, but get a blood test within a few weeks to check kidney function and potassium. If you feel faint, have swelling of the face or throat, or severe allergic signs, seek medical care right away.

If you buy medicines online, use licensed pharmacies with clear contact details and prescription requirements. Avoid sites that sell prescription ARBs without asking for a prescription. Check reviews, look for verified pharmacy seals, and when in doubt, ask your healthcare provider where to order safely.

Want more practical info? On this site you can find articles about alternatives for high blood pressure, medication comparisons, and safe online pharmacy guides. Read specific drug guides for losartan or valsartan if you want dose ranges, side effect lists, and monitoring tips tailored to each medicine.

Quick practical checklist: take your ARB at the same time every day, avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol when starting treatment, report persistent dizziness or muscle weakness, keep regular blood tests, and never stop the drug suddenly without checking with your doctor. If switching from an ACE inhibitor, your doctor may wait a day before starting an ARB. Store medicines in a cool dry place and use the pharmacy label to track doses. If cost is an issue, ask about generics — most ARBs are affordable in generic form and reliable.