Comparative antihypertensive effects of angiotensin II receptor antagonists.

Blockade of the renin-angiotensin system is recognized as an effective approach for the treatment of hypertension and congestive heart failure. It is possible to antagonize the effects of angiotensin II (AngII) by blocking its receptors, using nonpeptide receptor antagonists. Six angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) have been approved for the treatment of hypertension: losartan, valsartan, irbesartan, candesartan, telmisartan, and eprosartan. These new drugs are highly selective for the AT1 receptor subtype and induce dose-dependent inhibition of the BP response to exogenous AngII. Numerous double-blind, placebo-controlled studies have demonstrated that ARB are efficacious for treating mild, moderate, and severe hypertension. When compared with other classes of antihypertensive agents, ARB are as effective as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, calcium antagonists, thiazide diuretics, and beta-blockers. One advantage of ARB as a class is their excellent tolerability and side effect profile. Several large clinical trials of ARB are now under way to demonstrate their benefits in hypertension, heart failure, and type II diabetic nephropathy.