Loading...
Angiotensin-converting–enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs) block different steps of the renin-angiotensin system. Aliskiren (Tekturna) directly inhibits renin (the first step of the renin-angiotensin system) and is approved for treatment of hypertension. Although seemingly attractive, dual therapy with ACE inhibitors and ARBs is associated with elevated risks for acute kidney injury and hyperkalemia. Whether the same is true for dual therapy with aliskiren plus an ACE inhibitor or an ARB is unclear.
In this meta-analysis of 10 randomized controlled trials involving more than 4800 people, risk for hyperkalemia was significantly higher among patients receiving dual therapy with aliskiren plus an ACE inhibitor or an…