AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:
To study the efficacy, beneficial and adverse effects of losartan in comparison to enalapril in cases of mild to moderate hypertension during the period of January 2003 to January 2005.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:
In the present study 48 patients of stage 1 and II hypertension without any other complications were included from the Department of General Medicine. They are divided into two groups 'A' & 'B'. The group 'A' was subjected to losartan potassium 50 - 100'nig/day and group 'B' to enalapril maleate 5-10 mg/day to maintain the BP below 140/90 mmHg.

All the patients were subjected to detailed history and clinical examination at the time of presentation. Baseline investigations like nemogram, urine for albumin, sugar and microscopic examination, FBS, serum urea, creatinine, sodium, potassium , uric acid, total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol, LFT, ECG, X-ray chest and USG abdomen were done. All cases were critically evaluated at the time of discharge and were followed up fortnightly for 3 months. During each visit patient is enquired for any adverse effect, BP measured and was investigated for FBS, serum urea, creatinine , sodium , potassium and cholesterol. At the end of 3 months all investigation were repeated.

OBSERVATION:
In the present study it was observed that response rate to BP control is 90.9% with losartan group and 86.5% with enalapril group. Higher doses were required in 20% cases of losarton group and 30% cases of enalapril group. BP reduction was more .with losartan group.

There was no significant alteration in FBS, serum urea, creatinine, sodium and potassium, lipid profile, LFT and hemogram.

In losartan treated group a significant reduction in uric acid level (from 4.75±0.7 mg% to 3.24±0,48 mg%) in comparison to enalapril (4.5±0.71 mf% to 4.03 ±0,47 mg%) was seen.

No serious side effects were seen in both groups. However 10% cases of enalapril group developed dry cough. Overall incidence of adverse effects like weakness, dizziness were less with losartan (15%) than enalapril (25%). However due to small number of cases included in the present study the incidence of adverse effects may not represent the true incidence.

CONCLUSION:
The present study shows that losartan is a potent, safe antihypertensive agent along with uric acid lowering effect and is an useful adjunct to the antihypertensive therapeutic armamentarium.