Losartan

Losartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker that lowers blood pressure and is used to reduce cardiovascular and kidney risks in selected patients.

Angiotensin II receptor: A cell-surface receptor through which angiotensin II promotes vasoconstriction and other effects. Losartan blocks the AT1 subtype to blunt angiotensin II signaling.
Hypertension: Persistently elevated arterial blood pressure that increases the risk of cardiovascular and kidney disease. Losartan is prescribed to lower blood pressure in adults and some children.
ACE inhibitor: A drug that lowers angiotensin II production by inhibiting angiotensin-converting enzyme. ACE inhibitors act upstream, while losartan blocks angiotensin II receptors directly.
Hyperkalemia: An abnormally high concentration of potassium in the blood. Losartan can raise potassium, especially with kidney impairment or other potassium-raising drugs.
Renin–angiotensin system: A hormonal system that regulates blood pressure, fluid balance, and electrolyte balance. Losartan interrupts one of this system’s main blood-pressure pathways.
Diabetic nephropathy: Kidney damage caused by diabetes, often marked by albumin in urine and declining filtration. Losartan can slow kidney damage in patients with type 2 diabetes and hypertension.
Candesartan: An angiotensin II receptor blocker used to treat hypertension and heart failure. It shares losartan’s drug class but differs in dosing and clinical evidence.
Angioedema: Rapid swelling beneath the skin or mucous membranes that can threaten breathing. Rare cases occur with losartan, including in people with previous drug-related angioedema.
AT1 receptor antagonist: A drug that blocks the angiotensin II type 1 receptor. Losartan belongs to this drug class, also called angiotensin receptor blockers.
Chronic kidney disease: Long-lasting impairment of kidney structure or function that affects health. Losartan may reduce albuminuria and protect kidney function in selected patients.

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