Losartan was the first
angiotensin AT1 receptor blocker (ARB) approved by US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the
treatment of
hypertension. In addition to its established
antihypertensive and end organ effects, several benefits of
losartan beyond its
antihypertensive effect have been demonstrated in clinical trials. Apart from its class effects of ARBs,
losartan has pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties that are unique to it. It has shown considerable benefits as
uricosuric agent, in
erectile dysfunction and in prevention of
stroke in
hypertension patients with
left ventricular hypertrophy. This
review presents the benefits of
losartan beyond being a hypertensive agent and associated clinical outcomes.