Which of the following is an ARB?

Which of the following is an ARB?

• A. Irbesartan
• B. Benazepril
• C. Lisinopril
• D. Amlodipine

Answer: (A)

ARBs, or angiotensin II receptor blockers, block the AT1 receptor so angiotensin II cannot cause vasoconstriction or stimulate aldosterone release. Irbesartan is one of these drugs, so it fits the ARB class. Benazepril and lisinopril are ACE inhibitors; they stop the enzyme that makes angiotensin II, which lowers angles of the renin–angiotensin system but can raise bradykinin and cause a cough. Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker, lowering blood pressure by inhibiting calcium entry into smooth muscle, not by blocking the angiotensin system. Therefore, irbesartan is the ARB.

ARBs, or angiotensin II receptor blockers, block the AT1 receptor so angiotensin II cannot cause vasoconstriction or stimulate aldosterone release. Irbesartan is one of these drugs, so it fits the ARB class. Benazepril and lisinopril are ACE inhibitors; they stop the enzyme that makes angiotensin II, which lowers angles of the renin–angiotensin system but can raise bradykinin and cause a cough. Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker, lowering blood pressure by inhibiting calcium entry into smooth muscle, not by blocking the angiotensin system. Therefore, irbesartan is the ARB.