Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)

Generic name	Brand name
___ candesartan	Atacand®
___ eprosartan	Teveten®
___ irbesartan	Avapro®
___ losartan	Cozaar®
___ telmisartan	Micardis®
___ valsartan	Diovan®

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How do these medicines work?

Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are used to treat many conditions, such as hypertension (high blood pressure) and some heart conditions. They may also be prescribed for other conditions. They work by blocking the action of a substance in the body that causes blood vessels to tighten. As a result, blood vessels stay relaxed. This lowers blood pressure.

How should I give it?

These medicines come in pill form.

Give it at regular times to keep a steady level in the bloodstream. If your child is taking more than one dose daily, the last dose may be given at bedtime to avoid tiredness during the day.

Use this medicine exactly as prescribed, even if your child feels fine. Your child should be awake and alert when taking any medicine.

___ For children who cannot swallow pills:

• Crush it between 2 spoons or crush it inside a plastic bag or in folded
  paper.
• Mix the powder with a very small amount (about 1 teaspoon) of soft food, such as applesauce, chocolate syrup, ice cream, jelly, or yogurt. Make sure your child takes all of the mixture.

Other instructions:

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Are there any precautions about food or other medicines?

Follow your doctor's directions for using this medicine.

ARBs may be given with or without food.

Do not give salt substitutes or potassium supplements, unless recommended by your doctor. Avoid alcohol-containing foods, beverages, or non-prescription medicines (such as cough syrup) while taking this medicine.

Warning! Certain medicines interact with ARBs. It is very important to check with the doctor, nurse practitioner, or pharmacist before giving any other prescription or non-prescription medicines, herbs, or vitamins.

What should I do if a dose is missed?

If a dose is missed, and it is prescribed once daily, take the missed dose as soon as you remember that day. For medicines that are prescribed more often, follow these guidelines:

If it is prescribed:	Give it no closer than:
twice daily	6 hours from the next dose
3 times daily	3 hours from the next dose
4 times daily	skip the missed dose

If it is too close to the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with the regular schedule. Never give a double dose.

If your child vomits (throws up) within 30 minutes after receiving a dose, give it again. If your child vomits the second dose, do not repeat it again.

If your child misses or vomits two doses, please call the clinic.

What are the side effects?

Common

• low blood pressure
• sleepiness
• lightheadedness, dizziness
• tiredness, weakness

Occasional

• headache
• diarrhea
• respiratory infections (colds, flu)
• cough

The person taking this medicine should not drive, operate machinery, or do anything that could be dangerous (such as bicycling or riding a lawnmower) until it is clear that no risky side effects are present.

The dose may need to be increased slowly, to avoid side effects.

This medicine may make your child's skin more sensitive to the sun. Use sunscreen and protective clothing. Do not use sunlamps and tanning beds.

If your child has other side effects that you think are due to this medicine, please call your doctor or pharmacist.

When should I call the clinic?

• slow, fast, or irregular heartbeat, or chest pain that lasts longer than 15 minutes
• swelling in the face, hands, feet, mouth, or throat
• fainting or going unconscious (unaware of what is going on)
• confusion
• weakness
• numbness or tingling in hands, feet, or lips
• dry mouth, increased thirst
• muscle cramps, nausea, or vomiting
• trouble urinating
• fever, muscle, or joint pain
• pain in stomach
• yellow skin or eyes
• allergic reaction; signs include:
  - fever or chills
  - rash or hives
  - wheezing
  - trouble breathing - call 911

What else do I need to know?

Your doctor may ask your child to come to the clinic for examination to find out if the dose or the medicine needs to be changed.

You and your child should know the names of all the medicines he or she is taking. Share this information with anyone involved in your child's care. Please remember to bring the medicine container when your child comes to the clinic or emergency department.

Inform your doctor if your child has diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, or lupus. ARBs should not be taken during pregnancy.

Do not stop giving the medicine abruptly. Check with your doctor before stopping it.

Always make sure you have enough medicine on hand. Each time you refill your prescription, check to see how many refills are left. If no refills are left, the pharmacy will need 2 or 3 days to contact the doctor to renew the prescription.

Check the label and expiration date before giving each dose. Ask your pharmacist what to do with outdated or unused medicines. If there is no "take-back" program empty them into the trash.

Store all medicines in their original container and away from direct sunlight or heat. Do not store in humid places such as the bathroom. Keep them out of children's reach, locked up if possible.

If too much or the wrong kind of medicine is taken, call the Poison Control Center toll-free at 1-800-222-1222. If your child is unconscious or has a seizure, call 911.

Questions?

This is not specific to your child but provides general information. If you have any questions, please call the clinic or pharmacy.

Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota
Last reviewed 8/2015 ©Copyright

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