ARB
Medical abbreviation · Drug Class
| Stands for | Angiotensin II receptor blocker |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
ARB stands for Angiotensin II receptor blocker, a drug class abbreviation.
Blood pressure and heart failure drugs ending in "-sartan", such as losartan, valsartan and irbesartan, that block angiotensin II at its receptor. They offer benefits similar to ACE inhibitors but rarely cause cough.
Example: Switched lisinopril to ARB (losartan 50 mg daily) for persistent dry cough.
Usage notes
Losartan, approved in the US in 1995, was the first ARB. In 2018 several generic valsartan, losartan and irbesartan products were recalled worldwide after nitrosamine impurities were found. Combining an ARB with an ACE inhibitor raises the risk of kidney injury and high potassium without added benefit, so guidelines advise against it.
Related abbreviations
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- ARNI – Angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor
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- BAS – Bile acid sequestrant
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This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.