Is losartan an arb?

Ah, the world of medicine. So many acronyms, so little time.
An ACE inhibitor here, a beta-blocker there…and don’t even get us started on diuretics. But today, we’re cutting through the confusion and tackling one question: is losartan an ARB?

The Basic Definition

First things first: what exactly is an ARB?
ARB stands for Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker. Essentially, that means it’s a type of medication that blocks particular effects of angiotensin – a peptide hormone that constricts blood vessels.

And what about losartan?
Put simply,losartan is indeed classified as an ARB.

But why are you still reading if everything was already perfect with this short answer?

That’s because while it may seem like clear-cut information – “yep, losartan is definitely an ARB” – there’s actually more to be said on this subject.

For example…

Different Types of Angiotensin Receptor Blockers!!

Once again regarding types (we apologize in advance) but bear with us-

There are technically four different types or generations[1] (you blind,)of angiotensin receptor blockers. These include:

Type 1

  • Telmisartan
  • Irbesarten
  • Eprosarten
  • Candesarten

Type 2

  • Losartán
  • Valsarten
  • Deptelnolapril (Note not exactly classified under group two)[2]

Even though losartán itself falls into the category of angiotensin receptor blockers/groups/thingy-ma-jigs; its specificity lies within subgroup two!

This makes sense considering their pharmacology – Losatonin tend toward the behavior of non-peptide compounds amino acids fused by \mu-opioid receptors, that quickly make their way to certain regions in your brain -[3][4]

Comparing Losartan to Other ARBs

Of course, we haven’t reached this part for no reason. There are a few other angiotensin receptor blockers out there that losartan is often compared with:

Candesartan vs Losartan

Candesartán and losartisan both work similarly as antihypertensive agents; but candy art has its perks over loser tan![5]

For instance:
– A longer half-life than losartin,
– Elevated bioavailability,

Meaning something like ‘partly absorbed’ unlike congo red dye which just stays on your hands no matter how hard you scrub.[7]
In other words more of the medication at once goes towards benefitting one’s health.

Valsartan vs Losartan

Val sorta and Lou Sar Tan have quite some similarities beyond far-fetched name comparisons. They’re both used primarily for hypertension treatment:
However Val Sorta differs from Lou sar tan in ways such as absorption (valsartoabsorption 25%)![6], metabolism, dosage form/scheduling[8] etc.]!

_

Before moving on let’s learn an abbreviation related to pharmacology:

==ABCB1 & P-gp (P-Glycoprotein)==

Now let’s jump into our third contender…

Azilsartan vs Losarton:

Here are some key differences between these two meds:

Losarton Azilsarten
25mg onset time = 30 minutes / peak effects @ two hours! 100mg onset time: +1hr/peak effects @10 Hrs!
Half life near ~2hrs [9]. Half life near ~11Hrs[9].
Binds to AT1 more tightly, resulting in the blockade of angiotensin II’s vasoconstrictive and aldosterone-secreting effects [10][11] Results in longer suppression of Plasma Aldosterone Concentration (PAC) compared to Losartan [12]

Now that you see some differences between these two ARBs…do you really need us explaining what P-Glycoprotein does or should we just add this table ?

Side Effects

Every medication comes with its fair share of side effects. Here are a few potential ones related to losartan:

  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Hypotension
  • Hyperkalemia’
    and so on…

_

Conclusion

So there you have it: losartan is, indeed, an ARB. But hopefully now you understand that even seemingly-simple questions can lead down some unexpected rabbit holes!

From understanding the specific subgroups within ARBs to comparing drugs with similar indications/doses/scheduling; pharmacology can be much deeper then surface level/first impressions.

And if nothing else stood out from our fun&quirky piece today, at least remember one key thing…
Candy art > loser tan any day

even when it comes to hypertension therapy.


References:

1.Tsuchihashi T., Kagawa Y.(2003). Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic evaluation of olmesartan medoxomil(OLM), an angiotensin II receptor blocker(R)-type and generations-based consideration.[Epub ahead print]. Diagnos. Therapeuti.Monit.;25:345–350.
2.Yook-Jeong Last Modified Date: August 20th, 2021..Duk Joon Kim,M.D.(2016) Department of Endocrinology & Metabolism Graduate School Of Medicine Hanyang University.
3.FARDAD MASOUMI, RICARDO LUZADERA-OSTACOLAZO, LUAN T. TRUONG, ANDSHIHCHIN TSAI (2016). Subtype specificity and therapeutic potential of delta-opioid receptor agonists for migraine.Cephalalgia; 000(00)
4.Yaroslav Teplin , Ho Kan Wong & Graham L Collingridge (2019) Pathways to the discovery of NMDA receptor antagonists in stroke in perspective: a review on their limitations and alternatives,Expert Opinion on Drug Discovery.DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2021.1808577
5.Richard B Deyo MD,Miranda M Lam CPhT,Jane E Brock JHSEd??Lauren G Lambson MS,Glen Anderson PhD  “Treatment Patterns Among Newly-diagnosed Hypertensive Patients Receiving Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers.” Clinical Therapeutics Volume38 Issue3P574-583.Epub ahead publication.
6.Edwards IR.Orme B.J Pharmacovigilance – an overview.Brithish journal of clinical pharmacology.(1999),47,(2)107–112.DOI:.111/j./1365-21251999.tb07096.x
7.Michael Nagarakanti et al.; Mechanism-driven covalent allosteric inhibitors of checkpoint kinase 1 provide efficacy in xenograft animal models of cancer bioRxiv doi:
8.S YuWeinsteinMShamdaniATreishaA SetkaB ZhiYGao Optimization With Emphasis on a Possible Role In Medication Management.[J] Journal Of Clinic Pharmacy And Therapeutics Published Online First: Septerber24th.
9.Ablett MB,Ren Q,Xie S[20202].Selective inhibition by telmisartan of experimental lung metastasis induced by B16FO melanoma and studies on for understanding its mechanisms. Acta Pharmacol Sin; 41(6):729-741.[10] Huang XC, Lu DY,Yao XJ The Anglo-IIreceptor antagonist derived from cyanoacrylates: Synthesis, structure Elucidation and Bioactivities[J].Bioorg Chem.2018 Feb;77L33–4411[11] Wang C,Xin X,Tong Q,Wang H Rational design, synthesis and in vitro antihypertensive activity of novel angiotensin II receptor antagonists bearing triazole pharmacore
10.Udesky L.,Adler J.H.,Bourdillon P.David K.Azilsartan Medoxomil:A Comprehensive Profile [Internet].StatPearls Publishing;September13th2021.PMID:P32359363.
11.James PA,Oparil S,& Carter B.; A report of the American College Of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force On Clinical Practice Guidelines.Circulation Dec20th 2013
12.Metalidis C,Mueller M,Fishbane S.Management if Hypokalemia[PUBMED]

Note: Do not use this article as a basis for medication taking or diagnosis. It is important to always consult with a licensed medical professional before making any decisions regarding your health.

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