Two of the most common medications used to treat kidney failure are ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). They both help those with kidney failure because they contain angiotensin II, which is a hormone that regulates blood pressure.
ARBs and ACE inhibitors can also be used to treat high blood pressure, a common complication of kidney disease. ARBs and ACE inhibitors can help with high blood pressure because they slow the progression of kidney disease, and improve kidney function. Thereby reducing the pressure placed on the heart and helping to reduce the risk of heart failure.
Another reason that you may be ACE inhibitors or ARBs is if you have, or are at risk of hypertension. Once again this is because ACE inhibitors or ARBs can reduce your blood pressure and thereby minimize the risk of complications from hypertension.
Benefits of medication in kidney disease
What are ACE Inhibitors?
ACE inhibitors A specific class of drug. They are used to treat high blood pressure and work by blocking the action of the angiotensin-converting enzyme. angiotensin-converting enzyme or angiotensin II as it is also known is crucial to the regulation of blood pressure. ACE inhibitors block angiotensin II and so improve both blood flow and pressure.
There are several benefits to using ACE inhibitors. the first is that bacon boosts the function of the kidneys in people experiencing kidney disease full stop while the second is that ACE inhibitors can also be used to effectively reduce blood pressure. Additionally, ACE inhibitors can help minimize the risk of stroke and heart attack in those people with kidney disease
What are Angiotensin Receptor Blockers?
Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are primarily used to treat high blood pressure. They also work by blocking the hormone angiotensin II, which increases blood pressure by narrowing the vessels in the body.
Potential side effects of medications
ACE inhibitors and ARBs are generally well-tolerated, but they can cause side effects in some people.
The potential side effects of ACE inhibitors
ACE inhibitors can cause a number of potential side effects, including dizziness, headache, fatigue, nausea, and diarrhea.
In some patients, ACE inhibitors can sometimes cause a dry cough and a skin rash.
Some patients may also experience swelling around the lips, throat, tongue, and face. This is a condition known as angioedema, which can be life-threatening if it causes obstruction of the airways.
Potential side effects of ARBs
ARBs are also generally well-tolerated, but common side effects do include dizziness, headache, and fatigue. ARBs are also known to sometimes cause a small drop in blood pressure when you stand up from sitting or lying down.
A sample list of medications (trade and generic names)
ACE inhibitors: |
Angiotensin receptor blockers: |
Trade name (Generic name) |
Trade name (Generic name) |
Cozaar (losartan) |
Univasc (moexipril) |
Diovan (valsartan) |
Capoten (captopril) |
Atacand (candesartan) |
Mavik (trandolapril) |
Avapro, Avalide (irbesartan) |
Altace (ramipril) |
Benicar, Azor, Tribenzor (olmesartan) |
Accupril (quinapril) |
Micardis (telmisartan) |
Monopril (fosinopril) |
Teveten, Edarbi (azilsartan) |
Prinivil, Zestril (lisinopril) |
Exforge (amlodipine/valsartan) |
Vasotec (enalapril) |
Uniretic (moexipril/HCTZ) |
Lotensin (benazepril) |