Skip to main content

Does Losartan block COVID-19 Coronavirus Receptors?

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on July 21, 2025.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

Losartan (Cozaar) does not directly block SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus receptors, but this angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB), may influence COVID-19 outcomes through its effects on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). Losartan works by blocking angiotensin II from binding to angiotensin II type 1 receptors (AT1) in the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, and lungs, reducing the activity of RAAS, which lowers blood pressure and may modulate the inflammatory response.

Losartan appears safe to continue during COVID-19 infections for patients with established indications, but should not be started solely for coronavirus protection without proper medical evaluation.

How losartan works in relation to COVID-19:

Clinical trial evidence: Losartan and COVID-19 outcomes

At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, losartan attracted interest from the medical community because losartan was used in some preclinical studies to determine its effectiveness against the SARS virus that first appeared in 2002. Animal studies showed losartan reduced severe lung injury in mice exposed to SARS coronavirus and H5N1 influenza. SARS was also a coronavirus and is like SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Subsequent research has reported:

References

Read next

Can you eat bananas when taking losartan?

Most people taking losartan can eat bananas, or any other food naturally high in potassium. But people with poor kidney function, heart failure, a history of high potassium, or who also take certain diuretics, such as spironolactone, should be cautious about eating foods high in potassium and ask their doctor to monitor their potassium levels. Continue reading

What is the best time of day to take blood pressure medication?

Research has suggested that taking your blood pressure medication at night instead of in the morning can provide better blood pressure control at night without compromising daytime blood pressure control and reduce your overall risk of dying because of cardiovascular disease by 45%. Continue reading

How long does it take for magnesium supplements to work?

In general, most people can expect to feel some benefits of magnesium supplementation—such as muscle relaxation or better sleep—within a few days to two weeks, depending on the form and individual health status. Correcting a magnesium deficiency typically requires one to three months of consistent use.

Continue reading

See also:

Related medical questions

Drug information

Related support groups