A new class of antihypertensive therapy: angiotensin II receptor antagonists.
Despite the availability of safe and efficacious antihypertensive agents, hypertension continues to be a major source of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Losartan, the first of a new class of agents, the angiotensin II receptor antagonists, can be administered as monotherapy in the treatment of hypertension or to complement existing therapy. The angiotensin II receptor antagonists block the effects of angiotensin II through preferential binding to angiotensin II receptor subtype AT1 on the cell membrane. Compared with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, they may provide more complete blockade of the renin-angiotensin system and be associated with a lower frequency of cough as a side effect.
Division of Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill 27599-7360, USA.
M L
ML
Ellis
J H
JH
Patterson
D057911:Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001713:Biphenyl Compounds / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007093:Imidazoles / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019808:Losartan; D012084:Renin-Angiotensin System / Q000187:drug effects; D013777:Tetrazoles / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use
D057911:Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D001713:Biphenyl Compounds; D007093:Imidazoles; D013777:Tetrazoles; C066026:losartan carboxylic acid; D019808:Losartan