What class of medications does losartan belong to?

Losartan is classified as an Angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). ARBs work by specifically blocking the action of angiotensin II, a substance in the body that causes blood vessels to constrict. By inhibiting this action, losartan helps to relax blood vessels, which lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow. This class of medications is often utilized in the management of hypertension and heart failure, as well as for protecting kidney function in patients with diabetes.

Losartan, along with other ARBs, targets the angiotensin II type 1 receptor. This selective action differentiates ARBs from other classes of antihypertensive medications, such as ACE inhibitors, which prevent the formation of angiotensin II but do not block its receptors directly. Therefore, the mechanism of action of losartan as an ARB makes it effective in treating conditions related to high blood pressure and heart issues.