Losartan is an angiotensin receptor blocker used to treat hypertension and diabetic nephropathy, and is used to reduce the risk of stroke. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are used for a similar indication but are associated with a cough.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed · 10 references
Losartan reversibly and competitively prevents angiotensin II binding to the AT1 receptor in tissues like vascular smooth muscle and the adrenal gland. Losartan and its active metabolite bind the AT1 receptor with 1000 times more affinity than they bind to the AT2 receptor. The active metabolite of losartan is 10-40 times more potent by weight than unmetabolized losartan as an inhibitor of AT1 and is a non-competitive inhibitor. Losartan's prevention of angiotensin II binding causes vascular smooth muscle relaxation, lowering blood pressure.
Angiotensin II would otherwise bind to the AT1 receptor and induce vasoconstriction, raising blood pressure.
- Primary indication
- Losartan is indicated to treat hypertension in patients older than 6 years, reduce the risk of stroke in patients with hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy (though this benefit may not extend to patients with African...Curator reviewed · 7 structured indications
- Formula / weight
- C22H23ClN6O · 422.911 g/mol (avg)
- First approval
- Canada, 2012 · United States, 1995
- Code names
- DUP 89 · HGP-1405 · MK-0954 · MK594
- Brand names
Resolves to
PSIFNNKUMBGKDQ-UHFFFAOYSA-NSMILESCCCCC1=NC(Cl)=C(CO)N1CC1=CC=C(C=C1)C1=CC=CC=C1C1=NNN=N1What you can answer from here — as of September 16, 2026
Which drugs share a target with Losartan, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
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