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AT1-receptor antagonism in hypertension: what has been learned with irbesartan?

Author(s): Waeber B, Burnier M

Affiliation(s): University Hospital, Division of Pathophysiology, Lausanne, Switzerland. bwaeber@chuv.hospvd.ch

Publication date & source: 2003-05, Expert Rev Cardiovasc Ther., 1(1):23-33.

Publication type: Review

Irbesartan is a long-acting angiotensin II antagonist acting specifically at the level of the Type 1-receptor subtype (AT1-receptor). This compound lowers blood pressure dose-dependently in hypertensive patients and has a placebo-like tolerability. The antihypertensive efficacy of irbesartan is greatly enhanced by the coadministration of a diuretic, and fixed-dose combinations of irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide are now available. Irbesartan-based treatment appears especially effective for high-risk patients, such as those with diabetes, renal disease and cardiac hypertrophy. In patients with Type 2 diabetes, irbesartan delays the development of nephropathy as well as the progression of renal failure. Irbesartan may have antiatherosclerotic properties beyond those expected from blood pressure lowering per se: this AT1-blocker decreases the vascular oxidative stress and prevents the procoagulant as well as the pro-inflammatory effects of angiotensin II. Irbesartan given alone or in combination with a diuretic therefore represents a rational approach to treat hypertensive patients.

Page last updated: 2006-01-31

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