Best Angiotensin 2 Receptor Blocker for hypertension
Top-rated pick: Micardis — pharmaranks score 72/100, the highest of the 8 Angiotensin 2 Receptor Blocker drugs used for hypertension, ranked by our independent FDA recall-safety score. Compare them with all treatments for hypertension or the full Angiotensin 2 Receptor Blocker class. Not medical advice — always consult a professional.
Quick answer: Of the 8 angiotensin 2 receptor blocker drugs we rate for hypertension, all are available as lower-cost generics, and most are tablet. Our ranking reflects each drug’s FDA recall-safety record — not clinical effectiveness for hypertension; the right choice depends on your situation, so confirm it with your prescriber.
How angiotensin 2 receptor blocker work
Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) block the AT1 receptor that the hormone angiotensin II uses to tighten blood vessels and make the body hold onto salt and water. With that receptor blocked, vessels relax and widen, so blood pressure falls.
Source: Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARB) - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf
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Top angiotensin 2 receptor blocker for hypertension: 1. Micardis · 2. Atacand · 3. Avapro
| # | Drug | Rating | Type | Form | Generic? | Pharmacy pays | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 72/100 | Prescription | Tablet | Generic | $5 | View → | |
| 2 | 70/100 | Prescription | Tablet | Generic | $16 | View → | |
| 3 | 70/100 | Prescription | Tablet | Generic | $3 | View → | |
| 4 | 70/100 | Prescription | Tablet | Generic | $2 | View → | |
| 5 | 70/100 | Prescription | Tablet | Generic | $4 | View → | |
| 6 | 66/100 | Prescription | Tablet | Generic | $3 | View → | |
| 7 | Not yet rated | Prescription | Suspension | Generic | $1 | View → | |
| 8 | Not yet rated | Prescription | Tablet | Generic | $5 | View → |
Full ranking · 8 drugs
micardis
PrescriptionFDA-sourced
Micardis (Telmisartan) is an angiotensin 2 receptor blocker used to treat Diabetic Nephropathies, Heart Failure, Hypertension, Left Ventricular Dysfunction.
Pharmacy pays
From ~$3.15/30· 3 forms Save up to 78% in classatacand
Boxed warningPrescriptionFDA-sourced
Atacand (Candesartan Cilexetil) is an angiotensin 2 receptor blocker used to treat Diabetic Nephropathies, Heart Failure, Hypertension, Left Ventricular Dysfunction.
Pharmacy pays
From ~$14.66/30· 4 forms Save up to 94% in class
avapro
Boxed warningPrescriptionFDA-sourced
Avapro (Irbesartan) is an angiotensin 2 receptor blocker used to treat Diabetic Nephropathies, Hypertension, Left Ventricular Dysfunction.
Pharmacy pays
From ~$2.45/30· 3 forms Save up to 70% in classbenicar
Boxed warningPrescriptionFDA-sourced
Benicar (Olmesartan Medoxomil) is an angiotensin 2 receptor blocker used to treat Diabetic Nephropathies, Heart Failure, Hypertension, Left Ventricular Dysfunction.
Pharmacy pays
From ~$1.73/30· 3 forms Save up to 55% in classvalsartan
Boxed warningPrescriptionFDA-sourced
Valsartan is an angiotensin 2 receptor blocker used to treat Diabetic Nephropathies, Heart Failure, Hypertension, Left Ventricular Dysfunction.
Pharmacy pays
From ~$3.00/30· 4 forms Save up to 72% in classirbesartan
PrescriptionFDA-sourced
Irbesartan is an angiotensin 2 receptor blocker used to treat Diabetic Nephropathies, Hypertension, Left Ventricular Dysfunction.
Pharmacy pays
From ~$2.45/30· 3 forms Save up to 70% in classarbli
Boxed warningPrescriptionFDA-sourced
Arbli (Losartan Potassium) is an angiotensin 2 receptor blocker used to treat Diabetic Nephropathies, Heart Failure, Hypertension, Left Ventricular Hypertrophy.
Pharmacy pays
From ~$0.64/30· 3 formstelmisartan
Boxed warningPrescriptionFDA-sourced
Telmisartan is an angiotensin 2 receptor blocker used to treat Diabetic Nephropathies, Heart Failure, Hypertension, Left Ventricular Dysfunction.
Pharmacy pays
From ~$3.15/30· 3 forms Save up to 78% in classFrequently asked
- What is the best angiotensin 2 receptor blocker for hypertension?
- By our independent recall-safety rating — not an efficacy measure — micardis ranks highest among Angiotensin 2 Receptor Blocker drugs used for hypertension. Always consult a professional.
- Which angiotensin 2 receptor blocker drugs treat hypertension?
- pharmaranks lists 8 Angiotensin 2 Receptor Blocker products used for hypertension, per NIH RxClass drug-classification data — each independently rated and ranked above.
- How are these ranked?
- By our independent score, currently based on FDA regulatory recall-safety data (the methodology blends additional sources as they come online). See the How we rate page.