Medications for diabetic nephropathy help protect your kidneys from further damage. They work by relaxing blood vessels and reducing the strain on your kidneys. Common classes include angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. Both classes are taken as oral pills. ARBs used for diabetic nephropathy include losartan (Cozaar) and irbesartan (Avapro). Captopril is an ACE inhibitor used for the condition.
