Definition

Noun: * A pharmaceutical agent that blocks or reduces the activity of angiotensin II: An angiotensin II inhibitor is a type of medication that works by interfering with the hormone angiotensin II, which normally causes blood vessels to constrict and blood pressure to increase. By inhibiting this hormone, these agents help to relax and widen blood vessels, thereby lowering blood pressure.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The doctor prescribed an angiotensin II inhibitor to manage the patient's hypertension.
  • Angiotensin II inhibitors are often used when other blood pressure medications are not sufficient.
  • This particular angiotensin II inhibitor is known for its protective effects on the kidneys in diabetic patients.

Advanced Usage

• Therapeutic Class: In pharmacology, "angiotensin II inhibitor" refers to a specific class of cardiovascular drugs. They are distinct from, but related to, other classes like ACE inhibitors.
  • The study compared the efficacy of an angiotensin II inhibitor versus a beta-blocker.

Variants and Related Words

• ARB (Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker): This is a common synonym and the more frequently used clinical term for this class of drugs. All ARBs are angiotensin II inhibitors.
  • Losartan is a well-known ARB, or angiotensin II inhibitor.
• Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACE inhibitor): A related but different class of drugs that also affects the angiotensin system but at an earlier stage.

Synonyms

• Angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB)
• Angiotensin II receptor antagonist (a more technical synonym)

Noun

1. an agent that retards or restrains the action of angiotensin II