Medicine Information

Arbitan

Name: Arbitan
Brand: Arbitan
Rating: 4.5 (117 reviews)

Tablet150 mgAngiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB)ATC: C09CA01

Generic Name

Losartan Potassium

Manufacturer

Renata Limited

Country

Bangladesh

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Price Details

Current market pricing information

Variant	Unit Price	Strip Price
arbitan 150 mg tablet	৳ 12.05	৳ 120.50

Description

Overview of the medicine

Arbitan 150 mg Tablet contains Losartan Potassium, an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) used to treat high blood pressure, protect kidneys in diabetic patients, and reduce the risk of stroke in patients with high blood pressure and an enlarged heart.

Uses & Indications

Treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure)

Reduction of stroke risk in patients with hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy

Nephropathy in Type 2 diabetic patients with a history of hypertension

Dosage

Adults

For the 150mg tablet, it is typically prescribed for patients who require higher doses for blood pressure control, or for specific indications like stroke risk reduction or diabetic nephropathy where 100mg or higher is indicated, often following initial titration with lower doses.

Elderly

No initial dosage adjustment is usually required, but a lower starting dose (e.g., 25 mg) may be considered for very elderly or volume-depleted patients.

Renal_impairment

No initial dosage adjustment is usually required for mild to moderate renal impairment. For severe renal impairment or dialysis patients, a lower starting dose may be considered.

How to Take

Arbitan tablets should be taken orally, with or without food, usually once daily. It is advisable to take it at the same time each day.

Mechanism of Action

Losartan selectively blocks the binding of angiotensin II to the AT1 receptor, which is found in many tissues (e.g., vascular smooth muscle, adrenal gland, kidneys, and heart). This blockade inhibits the vasoconstrictor and aldosterone-secreting effects of angiotensin II, leading to vasodilation and reduced blood pressure.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset

Antihypertensive effect begins within 1 hour; full effect usually within 3-6 weeks.

Excretion

Approximately 35% excreted in urine and 58% in feces, primarily as metabolites.

Half life

Losartan: 2 hours; Active metabolite (E-3174): 6-9 hours.

Absorption

Well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, with an average oral bioavailability of about 33%. Undergoes significant first-pass metabolism.

Metabolism

Extensively metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP2C9 and CYP3A4) to an active carboxylic acid metabolite (E-3174) and several inactive metabolites.

Side Effects

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to Losartan or any component of the tablet
Pregnancy (especially second and third trimesters)
Concomitant use with aliskiren in patients with diabetes or renal impairment

Drug Interactions

Lithium

Increased serum lithium concentrations and toxicity have been reported.

Other antihypertensives

May increase the hypotensive effect.

NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen)

May reduce the antihypertensive effect of losartan and increase the risk of renal function deterioration, especially in elderly or volume-depleted patients.

Potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., spironolactone) or potassium supplements

May lead to increased serum potassium (hyperkalemia).

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place, below 30°C. Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose include hypotension (low blood pressure) and tachycardia (rapid heartbeat); bradycardia (slow heartbeat) could occur from parasympathetic stimulation. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive. If ingestion is recent, induce emesis or perform gastric lavage. Hemodialysis is unlikely to be effective.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Arbitan is contraindicated in pregnancy due to the risk of fetal injury and death. It is not recommended during breastfeeding; a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this medicine

Pack Sizes

10 tablets per blister, 3 blisters per carton (30 tablets)10 tablets per blister, 5 blisters per carton (50 tablets)

Shelf Life

36 months

Availability

Available in pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics nationwide.

Approval Status

Approved by regulatory authorities in Bangladesh (DGDA) and internationally (FDA).

Patent Status

Generic available (patent expired for original innovator drug)

WHO Essential Medicine

Yes

Clinical Trials

Losartan has been extensively studied in various clinical trials, including the LIFE study (for stroke risk reduction) and the RENAAL study (for diabetic nephropathy), demonstrating its efficacy and safety.

Lab Monitoring

Blood pressure monitoring
Serum potassium levels (especially in patients with renal impairment, on potassium-sparing diuretics, or potassium supplements)
Renal function (creatinine, BUN) before and periodically during therapy

Doctor Notes

Monitor serum potassium and renal function (creatinine, GFR) regularly, especially in patients at risk of hyperkalemia or renal impairment.
Advise patients about potential dizziness and instruct them to avoid sudden changes in posture.

Patient Guidelines

Take the medicine as directed by your doctor, preferably at the same time each day.
Do not stop taking Arbitan without consulting your doctor, even if you feel well.
Report any unusual symptoms, especially swelling of the face, lips, or tongue (angioedema), to your doctor immediately.

Missed Dose Advice

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Driving Precautions

May cause dizziness or lightheadedness, especially at the start of treatment or when changing doses. Exercise caution when driving or operating machinery until you know how Arbitan affects you.