MHVI Owners Manual . Medications . Angiotensin II Receptor Antagonists

Names
candesartan (Atacand)
irbesartan (Avapro)
losartan (Cozaar, Hyzaar)
telmisartan (Micardis)
valsartan (Diovan)

Q. Why has my doctor prescribed this type of medication?
A. Angiotensin II receptor antagonists are medications that lower blood pressure by blocking a hormone in the body that can constrict blood vessels. They are used to treat:

Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Congestive heart failure (CHF)

This category of medications is one of several different kinds of anti-hypertensives. Please also refer to the sections of this manual that describes beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, adrenergic blockers, miscellaneous antihypertensives and diuretics.

Q. Are there any special precautions that I need to be aware of before I start this type of medication?
A. Please carefully review the general guidelines in this section. Talk with your doctor, nurse and/or pharmacist. Tell them if you:

Are taking any other medication, prescription or non-prescription, including vitamins and herbs, especially any other high blood pressure medicine
Have any other medical conditions, especially kidney disease

Q. What is the proper way to take these medications?
A. Follow these guidelines:

Take these medications exactly as directed. Do not change the dosage without consulting your doctor.
Restrict salt in your diet.
Do not take this medication on an empty stomach.

Q. What are the possible side effects of this type of medication?
A. Although Angiotensin II receptor antagonists are usually well tolerated, the following may occur: dizziness, faintness, headache, nausea, sleep disturbances, or cough. Call your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms. These drugs can also cause your kidney function to deteriorate or your potassium level to elevate. Your doctor may ask you to get a blood test occasionally to check on these.