Generic
Losartan Potassium
110 brands available in the market
At a glance
Losartan Potassium is an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) used for high blood pressure, heart failure, and diabetic nephropathy. It relaxes blood vessels to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Description
Losartan Potassium is the first non-peptide orally active angiotensin II receptor blocker. It binds to the AT1 receptor found in many tissues (vascular smooth muscle, adrenal gland, kidneys, and heart) and reduces several important biological actions including vasoconstriction and the release of aldosterone responsible for hypertension.
Indications
- Hypertension
- Heart failure
- Diabetic nephropathy - to delay progression of renal disease in type 2 diabetics with proteinuria
- Prevention of heart attack and stroke
Therapeutic class
Angiotensin-II Receptor Blockers
Pharmacological class
Angiotensin Receptor Blocker (ARB)
Pharmacology
Losartan blocks the AT1 receptor, antagonizing angiotensin II's vasoconstricting and aldosterone-secreting effects, resulting in vasodilation and blood pressure reduction.
Mechanism of action
Relaxes blood vessels to lower blood pressure and reduce the heart's workload.
Dosage
Hypertension (Adult): 50 mg once daily; may increase to 100 mg/day (single or 2 divided doses)
Intravascular volume depletion: 25 mg once daily
Diabetic nephropathy (Type 2): 50 mg once daily; may increase to 100 mg
Children (6 years, 20-50 kg): 0.7 mg/kg (max 50 mg/day); >50 kg: 1.4 mg/kg (max 100 mg/day)
Administration
- Swallow tablet whole; do not chew, crush or break
- May be taken with or without food, but at a fixed time is preferable
- Take at the same time each day
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, skip it and continue with your normal schedule. Do not double the dose.
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Dizziness
- Decreased blood pressure
- Hypoglycemia
- Increased potassium level in blood
- Increased blood urea
- Diarrhea
- Nasal congestion
- Cough
- Upper respiratory infection
Precautions & warnings
- May cause dizziness for the first few days; rise slowly from sitting or lying positions
- Monitor blood urea, creatinine, and potassium levels regularly
- Avoid anti-inflammatory medicines (ibuprofen) without consulting your doctor
- Consult doctor during pregnancy and lactation
- Do not stop suddenly
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to Losartan Potassium or any component
- Concomitant use with aliskiren in patients with diabetes and renal impairment (GFR <60 mL/min)
- Severe hepatic impairment
- Pregnancy
Drug interactions
- Fluconazole and rifampicin may decrease plasma levels
- May increase serum lithium levels and toxicity
- May antagonize hypotensive effect and increase risk of renal impairment with NSAIDs
- Increased risk of hyperkalemia with potassium-sparing diuretics, potassium supplements, or potassium-containing salt substitutes
Food interactions
Alcohol consumption with Losartan Potassium is unsafe.
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: Losartan Potassium is unsafe during pregnancy (Category D); definite evidence of risk to the fetus. Risk increases during second and third trimesters.
Pregnancy Category: D — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Losartan Potassium is probably safe during breastfeeding; limited human data suggests no significant risk to the baby.
Pediatric use
Dose established for children 6 years and older; safety not established in children under 6 years.
Geriatric use
No initial dosage adjustment necessary for patients up to 75 years; lower starting dose of 25 mg once daily recommended for patients over 75 years.
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: Mild (CrCl 20-50 mL/min): no dose adjustment; moderate-severe (CrCl <20) or dialysis: 25 mg once daily start; caution in severe kidney disease.
Hepatic Impairment: Caution in liver disease; plasma concentrations significantly increased in cirrhotic patients; lower dose should be considered; not recommended in severe liver disease.
Overdose effects
No specific overdose information available; symptomatic and supportive treatment.
Storage conditions
Store in a dry place, away from light and heat; keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
Losartan Potassium