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Pharmacology · single question

The mechanism of action of candesartan (an angiotensin receptor blocker) is:

  1. Inhibits renin from cleaving angiotensinogen to angiotensin I
  2. Directly blocks the angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor
  3. Inhibits ACE from converting angiotensin I to angiotensin II
  4. Blocks beta-1 adrenergic receptors in the heart
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. Directly blocks the angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor

  • A. Incorrect. Inhibiting renin is the mechanism of direct renin inhibitors (e.g., aliskiren), not ARBs.
  • B. CORRECT. Candesartan (an ARB) directly blocks the angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor, preventing angiotensin II from exerting its vasoconstrictive, aldosterone-stimulating, and sodium-retaining effects. This lowers blood pressure without causing bradykinin-mediated cough.
  • C. Incorrect. Inhibiting ACE conversion is the mechanism of ACE INHIBITORS (lisinopril, enalapril) — a different drug class. A key side effect of ACE inhibitors is a dry cough (from bradykinin accumulation), which ARBs do NOT cause.
  • D. Incorrect. Beta-1 adrenergic receptor blockade is the mechanism of beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol, propranolol), a completely different drug class.

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