Paper I
Question
Losartan.
Answer
Losartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB).
MOA: losartan → selectively blocks AT1 receptors → prevents angiotensin II-mediated vasoconstriction and aldosterone secretion → ↓peripheral resistance, ↓sodium/water retention. Unlike ACE inhibitors, does not affect bradykinin metabolism.
Uses: hypertension, heart failure, diabetic nephropathy — particularly in patients who cannot tolerate ACE inhibitors.
Adverse effects: generally well tolerated; no dry cough (bradykinin spared, the key advantage over ACE inhibitors), hyperkalemia, first-dose hypotension, teratogenicity (contraindicated in pregnancy). Losartan specifically also has a uricosuric effect, useful in hypertensive patients with hyperuricemia.

