Mechanism of action: Angiotensin 2 receptor antagonist hypertension works by blocking the binding site of angiotensin 2 preventing the change to angiotensin 1, therefore, reducing vasoconstriction, causing dilation of vessels including renal arteriole dilation which promotes excretion of sodium and water in the kidneys, reducing blood volume, and BP working as an antihypertensive and diuretic.
Indicated for use in persons with hypertension, heart failure, and diabetic kidney disease.
Contraindicated in persons with cholestasis. Use in caution in elderly and when taking in combination with diuretics due to the decrease in circulatory volume, decrease in BP and reduced sodium. Persons renal function and electrolytes should be tested regularly, monitor BP as clinically indicated. A decrease in eGFR or increase in creatine from baseline levels should consider stopping medication.
Side effects include hypotension, dizziness, vertigo, headache, and hyperkaleamia.
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