aliskiren, a renin inhibitor used as an antihypertensive agent. ▪ INDICATIONS: This drug is used to treat essential hypertension, alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents. ▪ CONTRAINDICATIONS: Use with angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) in patients with diabetes and renal failure. Second- and third-trimester pregnancy and known hypersensitivity to this drug prohibit its use. ▪ ADVERSE EFFECTS: Adverse effects of this drug include orthostatic hypotension, hypotension, headache, dizziness, renal stones, increased uric acid, rash, and hyperkalemia. Life-threatening side effects include angioedema. Patients with diabetes and renal failure are at significantly increased risk for complications.
