Aliskiren

Summary

Aliskiren is a drug used to treat high blood pressure. It works as a direct renin inhibitor to block the conversion of angiotensinogen to angiotensin I. This decreases the glomerular filtration rate.

Clinically, aliskiren is used to lower blood pressure in order to treat hypertension.

Side effects of aliskiren include hypotension and hyperkalemia. Aliskiren is teratogenic and should be avoided in pregnancy. The drug can also cause angioedema. Aliskiren is contraindicated with ACE inhibitors or ARBs due to an increased risk of causing severe side effects.

Key Points

• Aliskiren
  • Mechanisms
    • Direct renin inhibitor
      • Blocks conversion of angiotensinogen to angiotensin I
    • ↓ GFR
  • Clinical Use
    • Treats Hypertension
      • Can be combined with other antihypertensive agents such as amlodipine or thiazide diuretics
  • Side Effects
    • Hyperkalemia
    • Hypotension
      • Relatively contraindicated in patients already taking ACEI or ARBs
        • May have synergistic effects on inducing hypotension
    • Angioedema
    • Teratogen
      • Contraindicated in pregnancy