Question 1

How do you remember Losartan?

Accepted Answer

Losartan breaks down as LOS = lose + ART-AN = angiotensin receptor antagonist. Break losartan into LOS (lose), ART (Angiotensin Receptor) and AN (ANtagonist). You lose the Angiotensin Receptor. Angiotensin II raises blood pressure by docking at that receptor and clamping the vessels tight, so losartan blocks it and that never happens. Lose the AR, vasodilation occurs, blood pressure drops.

Question 2

What class of drug is Losartan?

Accepted Answer

Losartan is a Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker • Antihypertensive • No Cough.

Question 3

How is Losartan tested on the USMLE?

Accepted Answer

Losartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker that antagonizes the AT1 receptor. Blocking it causes vasodilation and reduces aldosterone, lowering blood pressure. Every '-sartan' blocks the AT1 receptor.

Question 4

A 58-year-old man on lisinopril for hypertension develops a persistent dry cough. He is switched to losartan and the cough resolves within two weeks while his blood pressure stays controlled. What best explains why the cough resolved?

Accepted Answer

A - ACE also breaks down bradykinin, so blocking the enzyme lets bradykinin build up and irritate the airway, producing the classic dry cough. Losartan works at the AT1 receptor instead, downstream of ACE, so bradykinin metabolism is untouched and the cough goes away. B is wrong because losartan does not inhibit ACE at all, and C and D describe mechanisms it does not have.

Losartan

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