HOW DO CCB/RENIN INHIBITOR/HCTZ COMBOS WORK?
Calcium channel blocker (CCB)/renin inhibitor/hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) combos are triple-combination drugs used for treating extremely high blood pressure.
CCBs block the influx of calcium ions into the blood vessels, thus reversing the constriction of blood vessels. Calcium ions are responsible for constricting the blood vessels; thus, blocking calcium ions leads to dilation of the blood vessels. As a result, the blood flow in the arteries is increased, leading to decreased blood pressure.
Renin inhibitors work by inhibiting a hormone system called the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). The RAAS system plays an important role in the regulation of blood pressure in the body. Renin is an enzyme produced by the kidneys, which acts on a blood protein to produce angiotensin.
The RAAS system regulates blood pressure by two steps:
- Conversion of angiotensin I into active angiotensin II with the help of an enzyme known as angiotensin-converting enzyme.
- Angiotensin II interacts with the angiotensin II type 1 receptor to raise blood pressure.
By blocking the RAAS system, renin inhibitors reduce blood pressure.
HCTZ increases sodium and chloride excretion through urine, thereby reducing the excess blood pressure.
CCB/renin inhibitor/HCTZ combos can lead to a significant decrease in blood pressure.
HOW ARE CCB/RENIN INHIBITOR/HCTZ COMBOS USED?
CCB/renin inhibitor/HCTZ combos are beneficial for treating severe hypertension.
WHAT ARE SIDE EFFECTS OF CCB/RENIN INHIBITOR/HCTZ COMBOS?
CCB/renin inhibitor/HCTZ combos can cause the following side effects:
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Palpitation
- Flushing
- Sleepiness
- Rash
- Fatigue
- Itching
- Nausea
- Indigestion
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness
- Diarrhea
- Cough
- Decreased sexual ability
- Low blood pressure
- Disturbance in the electrolyte level
- Glucose intolerance
The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible side effects, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure these drugs do not cause any harm when you take them along with other medicines. Never stop taking your medication and never change your dose or frequency without consulting your doctor.
WHAT ARE NAMES OF CCB/RENIN INHIBITOR/HCTZ COMBOS?
Generic and brand names of CCB/renin inhibitor/HCTZ combos include:
- Aliskiren/amlodipine/hydrochlorothiazide
- Amturnide
