ARB blood pressure medicines: a patient guide

ARB means angiotensin II receptor blocker. Medicines in this class include names ending in “sartan”. They may be used for hypertension and for selected heart or kidney conditions, depending on the person's overall health.

By relaxing blood vessels and changing how the kidneys handle salt, an ARB can reduce pressure within the circulation. You may not feel different when it is working because high blood pressure often causes no noticeable symptoms.

The medicine can raise potassium or change kidney function, particularly after starting treatment, changing the dose, becoming dehydrated or combining it with certain other medicines. Blood-pressure readings and blood tests help the prescriber decide whether the dose remains suitable.

Take the dose at a consistent time as directed and do not double a missed dose. Keep a list of medicines and supplements, including anti-inflammatory painkillers and potassium-containing products, because combinations may affect the kidneys, potassium level or blood pressure.

Tell the prescriber promptly if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, vomiting repeatedly, having persistent diarrhoea or unable to drink normally. Do not stop an ARB simply because a home reading improves; the lower reading may reflect the medicine's effect.

Arrange medical advice for persistent dizziness, faint feelings, unusual weakness, muscle symptoms, reduced urination or troublesome side effects. A clinician may review hydration, blood pressure, kidney function, potassium and interacting medicines.

Call emergency services for swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing, collapse, new one-sided weakness, facial droop, speech difficulty or severe chest pressure. Do not take another dose while awaiting advice if there are signs of a serious allergic reaction.

Confirm the reason for your ARB, your home blood-pressure target, when kidney function and potassium should be checked, and what to do during an illness that causes dehydration. Ask which non-prescription pain medicines and salt substitutes are suitable for you.