ARBs
The no-cough alternative
Every generic name in this class ends in -sartan. High blood pressure and heart failure — often for patients who couldn't tolerate an ACE inhibitor.
Blocks the angiotensin II receptor itself, so the vessel-tightening signal never lands.
The 7 arbs in the PTCB Top 200
| Generic | Brand | Common use |
|---|---|---|
| Losartan | Cozaar | hypertension |
| Hydrochlorothiazide / Losartan | Hyzaar | hypertension |
| Valsartan | Diovan | hypertension, HF |
| Olmesartan | Benicar | hypertension |
| Irbesartan | Avapro | hypertension |
| Telmisartan | Micardis | hypertension |
| Sacubitril / Valsartan | Entresto | heart failure (HFrEF) |
Tap any generic name for its full drug guide — brand↔generic, side effects, interactions and the exam tip.
What to know for the exam
- check_circleEvery generic name ends in -sartan.
- check_circleChosen when an ACE inhibitor caused a dry cough.
- check_circleCommonly combined with hydrochlorothiazide in one tablet.
- check_circleSacubitril/valsartan is a heart-failure combination built on an ARB.
Contraindicated in pregnancy, exactly like ACE inhibitors — the two classes share that warning.
-sartan is the ARB signal. ARBs and ACE inhibitors are not used together.
Drill arbs the way the PTCE asks them
RxReflex groups the Top 200 drugs into classes like this one, then quizzes you on brand↔generic, class, side effects and interactions. Plus a guided Learn path, pharmacy math and 40+ cheat sheets. Free to start.
Frequently asked
What does the suffix -sartan mean? add
A generic drug name ending in -sartan identifies it as one of the arbs. High blood pressure and heart failure — often for patients who couldn't tolerate an ACE inhibitor.
What drugs are in the arbs class? add
Losartan, Hydrochlorothiazide / Losartan, Valsartan, Olmesartan, Irbesartan, Telmisartan, Sacubitril / Valsartan. All are in the PTCB Top 200.
What are arbs used for? add
High blood pressure and heart failure — often for patients who couldn't tolerate an ACE inhibitor.
How do arbs work? add
Blocks the angiotensin II receptor itself, so the vessel-tightening signal never lands.
Last reviewed August 7, 2026. For education only — not medical advice. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the PTCB.