Direct renin inhibitor

The direct renin inhibitors are the most recent class of medicines marketed since 2009 to treat hypertension. The direct renin inhibitors produce a large fall in blood pressure .

How do the direct renin inhibitors work?

Just like the angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin 2 receptor antagonists, the direct renin inhibitors block the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. They are an alternative treatment or can be used in combination with renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors, calcium blockers and diuretics.

Do they have contraindications or precautions?

This class of medicines is tolerated similarly to the angiotensin 2 receptor antagonist class. The commonest side effects are back pain, episodes of constipation, diarrhea, asthenia, headaches and sore throats.

Sources:

• Merck Manual – 4^th edition
• Comité français de lutte contre l'hypertension artérielle (French hypertension committee), website accessed on 17 June 2011
• Pharmacorama, website accessed on 17 June 2011