Comparative pharmacology of the angiotensin II receptor antagonists.

The non-peptide angiotensin II (AII) receptor antagonists are a new class of compounds that are continuing to be developed as therapeutic agents for the treatment of hypertension, heart failure (HF) and chronic renal disease (CRD). Several of these compounds are currently available for therapeutic use in the USA and the European community with several more in clinical trials and in development. Compounds in this new class are as effective as angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors in treating hypertensive patients and appeared to have a similar therapeutic profile to ACE inhibitors in patients with HF and CRD. One clinical advantage of the AII receptor antagonists over ACE inhibitors is an improved side-effect profile with the absence of the persistent dry cough associated with ACE inhibitor therapy. To date, it is clear that the AII receptor antagonists are effective antihypertensive agents. Clinical trials are currently in progress to determine the therapeutic efficacy of these drugs in the treatment of HF and progressive renal disease.