Hypersensitivity Reactions to ARBs: How Common?

Angioedema developed in a white male patient who was taking an angiotensin-receptor blocker (ARB). How frequent is such a reaction?

— MD

Among patients in whom angioedema developed while they were being treated with an ARB, 50% had previously had a similar reaction to angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, according to one report.¹ The overall frequency of angioedema with ACE inhibitors is very low; however, it is important not to prescribe ARBs for patients who have a history of angioedema in reaction to ACE inhibitors.

— Reza Abdi, MD
  Instructor in Medicine  
  Harvard Medical School  
  Cambridge, Mass