Angiotensin receptor blockers: Pharmacology and clinical significance

Several imidazole derivatives that bind specifically to the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (the angiotensin receptor blockers, or ARE), have been deve loped in recent years and made available to clinicians. Preclinical studies revealed some differences in pharmacokinetic parameters and in vitro effec ts, However, most of the reported physiologic effects associated with ARE a dministration are similar to those of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibit ors (ACEI). In short-term clinical studies, the efficacy of ARE in reducing BP (BP) was similar to that of the ACEI, whereas (with a few exceptions) t he side-effect profile was comparable to that of placebo. Whether targeting antihypertensive treatment with such a high specificity within the renin c ascade carries major clinical advantages over inhibiting angiotensin-conver ting enzyme remains to be demonstrated.