Losartan

Losartan (rINN) (pronounced /loʊˈsɑrtən/) is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist drug used mainly to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Losartan was the first angiotensin II receptor antagonist to be marketed. It is currently marketed by Merck & Co. under the trade name Cozaar. As with all angiotensin II receptor antagonists, losartan is indicated for the treatment of hypertension. Losartan may also delay progression of diabetic nephropa... more

Losartan (rINN) (pronounced /loʊˈsɑrtən/) is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist drug used mainly to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Losartan was the first angiotensin II receptor antagonist to be marketed. It is currently marketed by Merck & Co. under the trade name Cozaar. As with all angiotensin II receptor antagonists, losartan is indicated for the treatment of hypertension. Losartan may also delay progression of diabetic nephropathy and is also indicated for the reduction of renal disease progression in patients with type 2 diabetes, hypertension and microalbuminuria (>30 mg/24 hours) or proteinuria (>900 mg/24 hours). Although angiotensin II receptor antagonists are not usually considered first-line, because of the proven efficacy and lower costs of thiazide diuretics and beta blockers, losartan may be used first-line in patients with increased cardiovascular risk. The LIFE study demonstrated that losartan was significantly superior to atenolol in the primary... less