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Pharmacology · patient case question

What are losartan and metformin used to treat?

Patient case: Losartan and metformin

Scenario: A patient box lists many medications along with BP and HbA1c values. What are LOSARTAN and METFORMIN for?

  1. Heart failure and hypothyroidism
  2. Hypertension and diabetes
  3. Arrhythmia and diabetes
  4. Hypertension and hyperlipidemia
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.

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