Losartan is a selective, competitive angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT1) antagonist, reducing the end organ responses to angiotensin II. Losartan administration results in a decrease in total peripheral resistance (afterload) and cardiac venous return (preload). All of the physiological effects of angiotensin II, including release of aldosterone, are antagonized in the presence of losartan. Reduction in blood pressure occurs independently of the status of the renin–angiotensin system. As a result of losartan dosing, plasma renin activity increases due to removal of the angiotensin II feedback.
FDA-approved since 1995, approved to treat hypertension and diabetic nephropathy.
Am J Nephrol. 2020 Mar 28;1-6. DOI: 10.1159/000507417.
Gustavo H Marin. Facts and Reflections on COVID-19 and Anti-Hypertensives Drugs. Drug Discov Ther. 2020 Mar 26. DOI: 10.5582/ddt.2020.01017.
David Gurwitz. Angiotensin Receptor Blockers as Tentative SARS-CoV-2 Therapeutics. Drug Dev Res. 2020 Mar 4. DOI: 10.1002/ddr.21656.