Pharmacology · patient case with 1 question
Losartan and metformin
Scenario: A patient box lists many medications along with BP and HbA1c values. What are LOSARTAN and METFORMIN for?
Question 1
What are losartan and metformin used to treat?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Hypertension and diabetes
- A. Losartan is used in heart failure in some settings, but metformin has nothing to do with thyroid disease.
- B. Correct. LOSARTAN is an ANGIOTENSIN II RECEPTOR BLOCKER (ARB) used for hypertension — it blocks angiotensin II at the AT1 receptor. METFORMIN is a biguanide for type 2 DIABETES — it reduces hepatic gluconeogenesis and improves peripheral insulin sensitivity.
- C. Losartan is not an antiarrhythmic.
- D. Neither drug treats hyperlipidemia; that would be a statin such as atorvastatin or simvastatin.
Note: Drug-suffix shortcuts: '-sartan' = ARB (losartan, valsartan, candesartan); '-pril' = ACE INHIBITOR (lisinopril, enalapril). ACE inhibitors cause a DRY COUGH and angioedema; ARBs generally do not — which is why patients are switched.