Renin inhibitors are used to control high blood pressure, according to MayoClinic.com. They work by blocking the enzymes that cause blood vessels to tighten, preventing the narrowed arteries that cause high blood pressure. Common renin inhibitors include the generic drug aliskiren. Renin inhibitors carry a risk of side effects.
Stomach and Abdominal Pain
Stomach and abdominal pain are side effects of renin inhibitors that are common but not considered serious unless they become severe, according to Drugs.com. The pain can be a localized ache or take the form of muscle aches and stomach discomfort.
Gastrointestinal Upset
Intestinal upset is a common but not serious side effect of renin inhibitors, according to Drugs.com. Signs of intestinal upset caused by renin inhibitors can include heartburn, vomiting or diarrhea.
Allergic Reactions
Some patients taking renin inhibitors have allergic reactions as a side effect. Drugs.com notes that this can appear as a skin rash on the body in addition to the more traditional signs of an allergic reaction. Tradition allergic reaction forms for renin inhibitors include swelling of the face or airways, hives and stomach pain.
Gout
Gout has been associated with renin inhibitors as a side effect, according to MediLexicon. MayoClinic.com notes that this is a rare side effect of renin inhibitors. Symptoms of gout associated with renin inhibitors include pain in the big toe, toe joints, foot and ankle joints.
Kidney Stones
MediLexicon notes that renin inhibitors have been linked to kidney stones. This side effect of renin inhibitors is a result of the medication's effects on the levels of renin being produced by the kidneys. Symptoms of kidney stones can include painful urination, blood in the urine and pain.
Low Blood Pressure
Drugs.com notes that renin inhibitors can cause low blood pressure. This is partly what the medication is supposed to do by preventing the normal restriction of the blood vessels, but in some patients the effect swings too far the other way. Symptoms of low blood pressure which may have been caused by renin inhibitors include feeling light-headed or fainting, having a weak pulse, or developing an uneven heart rate.
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