Which medication in the regimen is an antihypertensive agent?

• A. Ferrous sulfate
• B. Furosemide
• C. Losartan
• D. Calcium acetate

Answer: (C)

Antihypertensive action comes from drugs that lower vascular resistance or reduce circulating volume. Losartan is an antihypertensive because it blocks the angiotensin II receptor, preventing vasoconstriction and decreasing aldosterone-driven sodium and water retention, which lowers blood pressure. A diuretic like furosemide can contribute to BP reduction by reducing volume, but its primary use is fluid removal in edema or heart failure rather than serving as the main antihypertensive in a regimen. Ferrous sulfate and calcium acetate are for iron supplementation and phosphate binding, not blood pressure control. Therefore, losartan is the medication that functions as the antihypertensive agent.