Angiotensin II receptor blocker

Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), formally angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT₁) antagonists, also known as angiotensin receptor blockers, angiotensin II receptor antagonists, or AT₁ receptor antagonists, are a group of pharmaceuticals that bind to and inhibit the angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT₁) and thereby block the arteriolar contraction and sodium retention effects of renin–angiotensin system.

Their main uses are in the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetic nephropathy (kidney damage due to diabetes) and congestive heart failure. They ''selectively'' block the activation of the AT₁ receptor, preventing the binding of angiotensin II compared to ACE inhibitors.

ARBs and the similar-attributed ACE inhibitors are both indicated as the first-line antihypertensives in patients developing hypertension along with left-sided heart failure. However, ARBs appear to produce less adverse effects compared to ACE inhibitors. Provided by Wikipedia