Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs)

Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) lower blood pressure and make it easier for the heart to work. Read about the types of ARBs, how they work and possible side effects.

Types of ARBs

  • candesartan, also called Candestar, Candesartan Viatris
  • losartan, also called Losartan Actavis

ARBs are also prescribed in combination with diuretics (water tablets). These medicines are called:

  • losartan and hydrochlorothiazide
  • candesartan and hydrochlorothiazide, also called Apo-Candesartan HCTZ.

How do ARBs work?

ARBs widen your blood vessels and lower your blood pressure, making it easier for your heart to pump.

ARBs are used to treat a range of conditions including:

They are also used to stop people with diabetes getting kidney disease.

Side effects of ARBs

Common side effects include:

  • dizziness
  • nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting (being sick)
  • headache
  • higher than normal potassium levels in the blood.

Call 111 if you have:

  • swelling of your face, eyes, mouth, lips or tongue, as this could be an allergic reaction. This reaction is rare, but it can happen even if you have been taking ARBs for a while.

Talk to your doctor if the side effects are worrying you. Don't stop taking your medication without talking to your doctor first. It may take a while for the medication to work, but the benefits usually outweigh the side effects.

What checks do I need?

You will need to get regular blood tests to check your potassium levels and kidney function.

What if I miss a dose of ARBs?

It's important to take your ARBs daily, as prescribed, and not to skip a dose.

If you forget to take dose, take it immediately, then continue as normal the following day. However, if it's almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue as normal.

Do NOT take a double dose.

What else do I need to know?

Tell your doctor if you're taking any:

  • vitamins
  • supplements
  • natural medicines
  • medicines bought from a pharmacy without a prescription
  • alternative therapies.

These can sometimes make your heart medications less effective.

Talk to your pharmacist before taking NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), such as ibuprofen (e.g. Nurofen) or diclofenac (e.g. Voltaren). These can be harmful when taken with ARBs.

You should not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice if you are taking losartan.

You should not take ARBs if you are pregnant. Talk to your doctor if you're planning a pregnancy, become pregnant or are breastfeeding.

If you are sick while taking ARBs, consider following a sick day plan.

Related treatments and conditions

Blood pressure

Heart failure

Search for another heart medication