Anesthesia Implications

Causes increases in BUN, serum potassium (hyperkalemia), increases serum creatinine.

Associated with profound hypotension during induction and maintenance of general anesthesia.

Discontinuance prior to surgery is controversial, but if the drug is discontinued, it should be restarted as soon as clinically feasible.

May enhance the adverse/toxic effects of ACE inhibitors and NSAIDS (significant decrease in renal function).

Heparin can increase the hyperkalemic effect of this drug.

Classification: Angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB)