Which of the following is an ARB?

Which of the following is an ARB?

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

Answer: (A)

Irbesartan is an ARB because it blocks the receptor for angiotensin II, preventing the vasoconstrictive and aldosterone-promoting effects of that hormone. This class—angiotensin II receptor blockers—lowers blood pressure by stopping angiotensin II from binding to its receptor. The other options belong to different drug classes: Benazepril and Lisinopril are ACE inhibitors, which inhibit the enzyme that makes angiotensin II (and can raise bradykinin, sometimes causing a cough). Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker, which lowers blood pressure by inhibiting calcium entry in vascular smooth muscle to cause vasodilation. So the agent that fits the ARB class is Irbesartan.

Irbesartan is an ARB because it blocks the receptor for angiotensin II, preventing the vasoconstrictive and aldosterone-promoting effects of that hormone. This class—angiotensin II receptor blockers—lowers blood pressure by stopping angiotensin II from binding to its receptor.

The other options belong to different drug classes: Benazepril and Lisinopril are ACE inhibitors, which inhibit the enzyme that makes angiotensin II (and can raise bradykinin, sometimes causing a cough). Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker, which lowers blood pressure by inhibiting calcium entry in vascular smooth muscle to cause vasodilation.

So the agent that fits the ARB class is Irbesartan.