ARB brand and generic names
Start with the single-ingredient ARBs, then add the combination as a separate identity. Some product labels include longer ingredient names than the short names commonly used in study lists.
Single-ingredient ARBs
| Brand name | Generic name | Class or type |
|---|---|---|
| Cozaar | losartan | ARBs |
| Diovan | valsartan | ARBs |
| Avapro | irbesartan | ARBs |
| Benicar | olmesartan | ARBs |
| Atacand | candesartan cilexetil | ARBs |
An ARB with a thiazide diuretic
| Brand name | Generic name | Class or type |
|---|---|---|
| Hyzaar | hydrochlorothiazide, losartan | ARB / thiazide |
Hyzaar contains losartan and hydrochlorothiazide. The thiazide is a second active ingredient, not a formulation of losartan.
Understanding ARBs
ARB expands to angiotensin II receptor blocker. ACE inhibitors act at a different point in the same broader hormone system; ACE stands for angiotensin-converting enzyme. Learning those expansions helps keep ARBs and ACE inhibitors as separate classes instead of treating them as one blood-pressure-drug list.
You may see olmesartan medoxomil on Benicar labeling and candesartan cilexetil on Atacand labeling. Medoxomil and cilexetil are part of the ingredient identities on those products. Candesartan cilexetil is converted to candesartan in the body. Recognize the familiar -sartan part without assuming the remaining words are another active drug.
Combination products present a different situation: Hyzaar has two active ingredients. Its answer is losartan plus hydrochlorothiazide, even if a study question is focused on the ARB component.
Naming patterns and memory tips
Read the full ending in losartan, valsartan, irbesartan, olmesartan, and candesartan. The -sartan pattern gives you a strong organizing clue for these examples. The brand names do not share an equally useful pattern, so learn each brand association directly.
Contrast the group with -pril names such as lisinopril and benazepril. A short mixed set might contain Cozaar—losartan, Diovan—valsartan, Zestril—lisinopril, and Lotensin—benazepril. Name the generic before naming the class so recognition of the suffix does not hide a missing brand pair.
Commonly confused ARB names
Cozaar and Hyzaar
Cozaar pairs with losartan alone. Hyzaar adds hydrochlorothiazide. Their similar brand endings make a useful comparison, but the generic answers are not identical.
Losartan and lisinopril
Losartan is an ARB; lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor. Read past the similar opening letters to -sartan or -pril before assigning a class.
Diovan and a product containing valsartan
Diovan pairs with valsartan. Entresto contains sacubitril and valsartan. Finding valsartan in the ingredient list does not make Entresto another name for valsartan alone.