Summary

Aliskiren is a direct renin inhibitor primarily used in the treatment of hypertension. Importantly, aliskiren is a teratogen, and should be avoided in pregnant women.

Key Points

• Aliskiren
  • MOA
    • Direct renin inhibitor
      • preventing renin-mediated conversion of angiotensinogen to angiotensin I
  • Indications
    • Hypertension
      • Can be combined with other antihypertensive agents such as amlodipine or hctz
  • Side Effects
    • Teratogen
      • Contraindicated in pregnancy
    • Effects of renin inhibition
      • Hyperkalemia
      • Decreased GFR
      • Angioedema
      • Relatively contraindicated in patients already taking ACEI or ARBs; synergistic effects may induce hypotension
    • Non-specific: diarrhea, cough, nausea