ARB meaning in pharmacology
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ARB Definition in Pharmacology
In pharmacology, "ARB" most commonly stands for "Angiotensin Receptor Blocker." ARBs are a class of drugs used primarily to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), heart failure, and to protect the kidneys, especially in people with diabetes or other risk factors for cardiovascular disease 1234.
Angiotensin Receptor Blockers: Mechanism and Use
ARBs work by blocking the action of angiotensin II, a hormone that causes blood vessels to constrict. By blocking the angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor, ARBs help blood vessels relax, which lowers blood pressure and reduces the strain on the heart 1234. This mechanism also helps prevent or slow the progression of cardiovascular and kidney diseases 134.
Clinical Benefits and Tolerability of ARBs
ARBs are recommended as a first-line treatment for hypertension in major international guidelines, alongside ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, and thiazide diuretics . They are considered effective and safe, with a favorable side effect profile compared to some other antihypertensive drugs. ARBs are often better tolerated than ACE inhibitors, particularly because they are less likely to cause cough or angioedema 13.
Additional Effects and Variability Among ARBs
Beyond blood pressure control, ARBs have shown protective effects against cardiovascular and kidney damage, and some evidence suggests they may have benefits in metabolic conditions like insulin resistance and diabetes 36. Different ARBs may have unique properties, such as varying durations of action, tissue penetration, and additional effects like partial activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ), which can influence metabolism 246.
Other Meanings of ARB in Pharmacology
While "ARB" most commonly refers to angiotensin receptor blockers, it can also refer to "Arbidol," an antiviral drug used in Russia and China for the treatment and prevention of influenza and other viral infections . However, in the context of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, ARB almost always means angiotensin receptor blocker.
Conclusion
In summary, ARB in pharmacology typically refers to angiotensin receptor blockers, a widely used and well-tolerated class of drugs for managing hypertension, heart failure, and protecting against cardiovascular and kidney diseases. They work by blocking the effects of angiotensin II, leading to blood vessel relaxation and organ protection, and are recommended as a first-line therapy in many clinical guidelines 12346.
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