Posted on 04/21/2020 6:34:07 AM PDT by sonrise57
Does Losartan block the receptor used by the Coronavirus? Medically reviewed by Carmen Fookes, BPharm Last updated on Mar 30, 2020.
Official Answer by Drugs.com
Losartan is not a receptor, but it does block a chemical (angiotensin II), from binding to a receptor, type 1 angiotensin 2 (AT1), which lowers blood pressure.
Losartan does not block the virus causing COVID-19, called SARS-CoV-2, but it may reduce the activity of the renin-angiotensin system, which is overactive in people with high blood pressure, which may increase their risk of developing lung complications from COVID-19.
Some animal studies found losartan beneficial at reducing severe simulated lung injury in mice exposed to other viruses, such as SARS. Few human studies have been conducted.
For now, any beneficial effects of losartan are just a hypothesis (suggestion). It is not a good idea to institute any medical therapy based on an untested hypothesis since unexpected harms may outweigh any benefits.
For people already taking losartan or any other ARB, the advice from the medical community is to keep taking it unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
(Excerpt) Read more at drugs.com ...
May I ask what your usual BP med was? VA was backlogged on Amlodipine but finally came through. Was down to about 4 pills!
Did you just recently change to Losartan? May I ask from what?
I was switched from Valsartan to Losartan a year or so ago BECAUSE of China.
A slightly better generic ARB: Telmisartan.
Best method of avoiding lung infections is hard exercise forcing lungs to work overtime. That flushes out all the little condo’s germs and viruses love to build in your lungs.
I’ve been on it for years.
Just a “small” risk of cancer...
https://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/valsartan-losatran-bp-med-recalls-2018-19
Valsartan is my usual.
“Best method of avoiding lung infections is hard exercise forcing lungs to work overtime. That flushes out all the little condo’s germs and viruses love to build in your lungs.”
Just stay clear of others, since you’re also inhaling deeply...
I would bet a healthy blood pressure has a better relationship with success in fighting the virus.
I’m also on Losartan and want to share a quick story:
My insurance is through Aetna and the prescription (generic) would cost me $3/mo. Recently went for a refill and Aenta raised the price to $70/mo. CVS wanted $200/mo to fill the prescription without insurance. Walmart will sell it to me directly for $11/mo and Costco sold it to me for $10/mo.
It’s criminal that: they can raise it so much in a single month. I can purchase it cheaper without insurance. CVS price gouges.
I was switched from Valsartan.
Yes. ARBs have been known for their effect for over a month.
Institutionally, ARBs don’t exist. Just like hydroxychloroquine.
Shameful new chapter to my book about what I derisively-label ‘M&M’...
Did, not know that. Thanks for the heads up. I may ask my Doc to make the change permanent.
CVS is outrageous in drug pricing. Walgreens not far behind! Wallys/Sams much, much better. No Costco in this area.
The previous brand of Valsartan I was taking was part of that recall. I was getting the script from Costco. Now I get my scripts from Walgreens and the brand of Valsartan I was on was not recalled.
All I know is losartan rocks as a BP med! It works great, no side effects.
Yes— that is true.
Drug pricing makes no sense at all. The only thing I can think of is that big corporations purchase meds like commodities. Like maybe they have options on them or something.
You are right, public Gyms are not safe right now. I use the sub-division’s club house Gym and usually I am the only one there. Old people in Florida do not seem to exercise much in Gyms. They prefer strolling on beaches which we have miles of them here near Palm Coast. I owe my exercise routine the good health at age 80. Keeps me out of the doctor’s office.
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