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Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker and Diuretic Combinations
The Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs) and Diuretic Combinations consist of two antihypertensive medications in one dosage form. These drugs are used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and can be helpful in persons who would rather take one pill as opposed to two separate pills. The ARB component helps to lower blood pressure by blocking angiotensin II, a hormone in the body that causes blood vessels to constrict. This constriction of blood vessels due to angiotensin II hormone is an important component of hypertension. Blocking the hormone causes blood vessels to relax or dilate, and thus ARBs help to reduce blood pressure. ARBs are generally best used for treating hypertension in patients who also have diabetes or heart failure and are intolerant to a related class of blood pressure lowering drugs, the ACE inhibitors. The diuretic component works within the kidneys to eliminate excess fluid and sodium and dilates blood vessels to help lower blood pressure. Drugs in the class
Telmisartan and Hydrochlorothiazide (Micardis HCT)
Losartan and Hydrochlorothiazide (Hyzaar)
Eprosartan, Hydrochlorothiazide Tablets (Tevetan HCT Tablets)
Candesartan and Hydrochlorothiazide (Atacand HCT)
Valsartan and Hydrochlorothiazide (Diovan HCT)
Olmesartan and Hydrochlorothiazide (Benicar HCT)
Irbesartan and Hydrochlorothiazide (Avalide) |