Sartan angiotensin II receptor antagonists are drugs whose International Nonproprietary Names (INNs) follow the “-sartan” suffix. They block the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1), which reduces blood vessel constriction and lowers blood pressure.
What are common INN names for sartan (ARB) drugs?
Common ARBs with INN names ending in “-sartan” include:
- Losartan
- Valsartan
- Irbesartan
- Candesartan
- Telmisartan
- Eprosartan
- Olmesartan
- Azilsartan
- Olmesartan medoxomil (a prodrug form; the marketed INN reflects the salt/chemical form)
How do you recognize an INN “sartan” on a prescription or label?
In most cases, the generic name ends in “-sartan,” indicating it’s an ARB class member (for example, “losartan” or “valsartan”). These are distinct from:
- ACE inhibitors, which usually do not end in “-pril”
- Direct renin inhibitors, which use different naming
- Other blood pressure medicines with unrelated INN suffixes
Why is the “sartan” suffix linked to blocking the AT1 receptor?
The suffix is used for ARBs: medicines that act as angiotensin II receptor antagonists, specifically blocking the AT1 receptor, which mediates angiotensin II’s effects on blood pressure and kidney physiology.
Are there exceptions or “near-miss” names?
Some products include specific salts/prodrugs in the name (for example, “olmesartan medoxomil”). The core INN still identifies the ARB, while the added term indicates the chemical form used in the medication.