Efficacy of Losartan in Preventing Progression of COPD

Efficacy of Losartan in Preventing Progression of COPD

Evidence in animals shows that losartan can prevent or reverse inflammation and lung damage due to smoking. The goal of this study is to determine whether this drug which is also used to treat hypertension can stabilize or improve lung function in people who have from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Participants will be given either losartan in a dose of 50-100 mg per day for a period of one year. During that time, they will have lung function tests, breathing tests, and computed tomograms of the chest. These tests will determine whether there is inflammation in the lung and whether there is progressive involvement of the lung with COPD.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adults with COPD who are either active or former smokers

Exclusion Criteria:

• Clinical requirement or history of intolerance of angiotensin receptor blockers, serious heart, liver, kidney, neurological disease.