Hypertension: ARBs vs ACE inhibitors? -

how do angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) differ from angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors? are they both nephrotoxic or ACE inhibitors only? which of the 2 drug classifications is more effective in treating hypertension? can u combine ARBs with calcium channel blockers? or is there a window period in switching from one class of antihypertensive to another. thank you very much to those who will answer.

Angiotensin II is a natural substance in your body that affects your cardiovascular system in many ways, such as by narrowing your blood vessels. This narrowing can increase your blood pressure and force your heart to work harder. Angiotensin II also stimulates the release of aldosterone, a hormone that increases your body s retention of sodium and water, which can lead to increased blood pressure. It can also thicken and stiffen the walls of your blood vessels and heart. Angiotensin II receptor blockers block the action of angiotensin II which allows blood vessels to widen (dilate). Angiotensin II receptor blockers are similar to angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. But while angiotensin II receptor blockers block the ACTION of angiotensin II, ACE inhibitors block the actual PRODUCTION of angiotensin II. Since ARBs medication effects are similar to those of ACE inhibitors, they are often used when an ACE inhibitor can not be tolerated by patients. Unlike the ACE inhibitors, angiotensin blockers do not cause a cough as a side effect. These are often substituted for ACE inhibitors when a cough develops in someone who is otherwise benefitting from the ACE inhibitor. They can either help or adversely affect kidney function and raise the potassium level just as ACE inhibitors may do. They have an antiinflammatory effect on the walls of the blood vessels. Calcium channel blockers are a class of drugs that block the entry of calcium into the muscle cells of the heart and the arteries. It is the entry of calcium into these cells that causes the heart to contract and arteries to narrow. By blocking the entry of calcium, CCBs decrease contraction of the heart and dilate (widen) the arteries. This helps to lower the blood pressure. Under special circumstances, your doctor might prescribe a calcium channel blocker along with other high blood pressure drugs. I don t know if this answer helps, but I couldn t find information to answer all your questions. I would suggest asking a pharmacist your questions, they should be able to answer them. They have access to specific drug information and they know how to interpret the information that they have. They can give you the actions, side effects, which drugs can be taken together without interacting, and which ones would be contraindicated in somebody with renal disease. They can also tell you if special precautions need to be taken if one drug is switched with another. I would also suggest talking to your father; see if he would ask the doctor about your concerns if you wrote them down for him. A good physician should be willing to answer these types of questions. Good luck.

That sounds like a question only a doctor can really answer.