Losartan
Prescription ·Exploratory record · not publication-reviewed ·Updated July 13, 2026
Losartan was the first ARB approved for clinical use and has strong evidence from the LIFE trial for stroke reduction in hypertensive patients with left ventricular hypertrophy. It is also approved for diabetic nephropathy and has a unique uricosuric property among ARBs.
Exploratory record, not a reviewed medical publication.
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What the research says.
A quick, data-only summary. The full evidence, dosing, and sources are below.
Losartan was the first ARB approved for clinical use and has strong evidence from the LIFE trial for stroke reduction in hypertensive patients with left ventricular hypertrophy. NutriStack rates the supporting evidence as strong. Common adult dosing is 25–100 mg daily in 1–2 divided doses (as prescribed by your physician), though a prescriber sets the actual dose. With long-term use it can deplete zinc. This profile indexes 12 sources.
The bottom line
Evidence rating strong. Most-documented uses: reduces blood pressure effectively, reduces stroke risk in hypertensive patients with lvh (life trial), slows progression of diabetic nephropathy. 12 sources indexed (2008–2025), with 0 interaction records on file.
How it works, mechanistically.
Core mechanism
Selectively blocks the angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor, preventing angiotensin II from causing vasoconstriction, aldosterone release, and sympathetic stimulation. Unlike ACE inhibitors, does not affect bradykinin metabolism, resulting in lower rates of cough and angioedema. Active metabolite EXP3174 is 10–40 times more potent than losartan.2,9
Dosing & protocol.
Can be taken with or without food; food slows absorption slightly but does not reduce overall bioavailability10
What it depletes.
Nutrients this medication can lower over time, and what to replace.
Zinc
MildARB therapy can modestly increase urinary zinc losses in some users, though typically less than ACE inhibitors.
Full safety detail.
Sources, by evidence tier.
Numbered references. Citations throughout the page link here.
Meta-analyses & systematic reviews
7- 1Impact of Losartan on Portal Hypertension and Liver Cirrhosis: A Systematic ReviewPMIDAvasthi D, Zerilli N, Shaikh F et al. · Cureus · 2025
Avasthi D, Zerilli N, Shaikh F et al.. Impact of Losartan on Portal Hypertension and Liver Cirrhosis: A Systematic Review. Cureus. 2025
- 2Comparative efficacy and safety of six angiotensin II receptor blockers in hypertensive patients: a network meta-analysisPMIDZhang Z, Yang H, Guo H · International Journal of Clinical Pharmacy · 2024
Among six ARBs compared for hypertension management, losartan demonstrated comparable blood pressure lowering efficacy and safety, with telmisartan and olmesartan showing slightly greater BP reduction
- 3Efficacy of single-pill combination in uncontrolled essential hypertension: A systematic review and network meta-analysisPMIDXie M, Tang T, Liang H · Clinical Cardiology · 2023
Single-pill combinations including ARB-based regimens were significantly more effective in achieving blood pressure control compared to monotherapy in patients with uncontrolled essential hypertension
- 4Effects of losartan in patients with NAFLD: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trialPMIDMeng C, Song Z, Zhang L et al. · Open life sciences · 2023
Meng C, Song Z, Zhang L et al.. Effects of losartan in patients with NAFLD: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trial. Open life sciences. 2023
- 5Meta-analysis of the effectiveness and safety of Shenyankangfu tablets combined with losartan potassium in the treatment of chronic glomerulonephritisPMIDFeng PF, Chen XF, Sheng N et al. · PloS one · 2022
Feng PF, Chen XF, Sheng N et al.. Meta-analysis of the effectiveness and safety of Shenyankangfu tablets combined with losartan potassium in the treatment of chronic glomerulonephritis. PloS one. 2022
- 6A meta-analysis of randomized trials of telmisartan versus losartan for reduction of ambulatory blood pressurePMIDTakagi H, Niwa M, Mizuno Y et al. · Hypertension research : official journal of the Japanese Society of Hypertension · 2013
Takagi H, Niwa M, Mizuno Y et al.. A meta-analysis of randomized trials of telmisartan versus losartan for reduction of ambulatory blood pressure. Hypertension research : official journal of the Japanese Society of Hypertension. 2013
- 7Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing telmisartan with losartan in the treatment of patients with hypertensionPMIDXi GL, Cheng JW, Lu GC · American journal of hypertension · 2008
Xi GL, Cheng JW, Lu GC. Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing telmisartan with losartan in the treatment of patients with hypertension. American journal of hypertension. 2008
Reference material
5- 8Dahlof B et al. Cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in the Losartan Intervention For Endpoint reduction in hypertension study (LIFE). Lancet. 2002.Source linkedPMID
- 9Brenner BM et al. Effects of losartan on renal and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes and nephropathy (RENAAL). N Engl J Med. 2001.Source linkedPMID
- 10Karavadra B et al. A systematic review of commencing full-dose antihypertensives in newly diagnosed hypertension. Blood Press. 2025.Source linkedPMID
- 11Lai X, Dong Z, Wu S et al.. Efficacy and Safety of Chinese Herbal Medicine Compared With Losartan for Mild Essential Hypertension: A Randomized, Multicenter, Double-Blind, Noninferiority Trial. Circulation. Cardiovascular quality and outcomes. 2022Source linkedPMID
- 12Abdelghaffar M, Güell JL, Moura-Coelho N. Topical losartan ophthalmic drops - a review of corneal wound healing and topical losartan for managing corneal haze and potential future indications. Graefe's archive for clinical and experimental ophthalmology = Albrecht von Graefes Archiv fur klinische und experimentelle Ophthalmologie. 2025Source linkedPMID
Common questions.
Quick answers about Losartan, drawn from the data on this page.
What is Losartan?
Losartan was the first ARB approved for clinical use and has strong evidence from the LIFE trial for stroke reduction in hypertensive patients with left ventricular hypertrophy. It is also approved for diabetic nephropathy and has a unique uricosuric property among ARBs.
What is Losartan used for?
Commonly cited benefits of Losartan include: Reduces blood pressure effectively; Reduces stroke risk in hypertensive patients with LVH (LIFE trial); Slows progression of diabetic nephropathy; Modest uricosuric effect (lowers uric acid). NutriStack rates the overall evidence as strong.
What is a typical dose of Losartan?
A typical adult dose of Losartan is 25–100 mg daily in 1–2 divided doses (as prescribed by your physician). The commonly recommended form is Oral tablet. These are general ranges, not personalized advice; confirm the right dose with a clinician.
What are the side effects of Losartan?
Reported side effects include dizziness, hyperkalemia, hypotension, upper respiratory infection, back pain, diarrhea. This is educational information; check with a healthcare professional before use.
How strong is the evidence for Losartan?
NutriStack rates this as Strong, meaning multiple high-quality meta-analyses or systematic reviews converge on the same finding. Full tier criteria are at https://nutristackapp.com/methodology/evidence-tiers.
Use this with your stack
Losartan in NutriStack.
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