💊 Drug of the Day: LOSARTAN

🔍 Introduction

After calcium channel blockers like Amlodipine, the next powerful class in hypertension management is Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs) — and Losartan is the STAR drug of this group.

Losartan is not just a BP drug; it is a concept-based drug frequently asked in exams, viva, and MCQs.

🧪 Drug Profile (Quick View)

• Generic Name: Losartan Potassium

• Drug Class: Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB)

• Therapeutic Use:
  ✔ Hypertension
  ✔ Diabetic nephropathy
  ✔ Heart failure
  ✔ Stroke risk reduction

⚙️ Mechanism of Action (Easy Explanation)

Losartan blocks Angiotensin II at AT₁ receptors, which results in:

✔ Vasodilation
✔ Decreased aldosterone secretion
✔ Reduced sodium & water retention
✔ Lower blood pressure

📌 Exam Tip:

Losartan does NOT inhibit ACE → so less cough compared to ACE inhibitors.

💊 Dose (Exam-Friendly)

• Starting dose: 25–50 mg once daily

• Maximum dose: 100 mg/day

⚠️ Common Side Effects

• Dizziness

• Hypotension

• Hyperkalemia

• Rare: Kidney function changes

📌 Important Point:
✔ Safe alternative in patients who develop cough with ACE inhibitors.

🧠 Why Losartan is Important for Pharma Students?

✔ Frequently asked in Pharmacology exams
✔ ARB prototype drug
✔ Clear comparison with ACE inhibitors
✔ Used in real-world clinical practice

👉 If you understand Losartan, you understand the entire ARB class.

📘 Comparison Corner (Amlodipine vs Losartan)

Feature	Amlodipine	Losartan
Class	CCB	ARB
Action	Vasodilation	Blocks Ang II
Cough	No	No
Edema	Yes	Rare

🧩 MCQ Practice (Engagement Boost)

Q. Losartan lowers BP by blocking which receptor?
A) β₁
B) ACE
C) AT₁ ✔
D) AT₂

👉 Answer in comments before checking notes!

💬 Student Engagement Box

📌 Question for You:
Which is better for BP control in young patients — Amlodipine or Losartan?
👇 Comment your answer & reasoning!

🔜 Coming Next in “Drug of the Day” Series

➡️ Telmisartan
➡️ Atenolol
➡️ Metoprolol
➡️ Hydrochlorothiazide