g-losartan
Generic Name
Losartan Potassium 50 mg
Manufacturer
General Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| g losartan 50 mg tablet | ৳ 5.00 | ৳ 50.00 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Losartan 50 mg tablet is an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and to protect kidneys from damage due to diabetes (diabetic nephropathy). It also helps reduce the risk of stroke in patients with hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
The usual starting dose is 50 mg once daily. The dose can be increased to 100 mg once daily if needed. For diabetic nephropathy, the usual starting dose is 50 mg once daily, which may be increased to 100 mg once daily.
Elderly
No initial dosage adjustment is typically required, but a starting dose of 25 mg once daily may be considered for very elderly or volume-depleted patients.
Renal_impairment
No initial dosage adjustment is necessary for patients with mild to moderate renal impairment. For severe renal impairment or dialysis patients, a lower starting dose (e.g., 25 mg) may be considered.
How to Take
Take orally with or without food, usually once daily. It is advisable to take the tablet at the same time each day.
Mechanism of Action
Losartan selectively blocks the binding of angiotensin II to the AT1 receptor found in many tissues (e.g., vascular smooth muscle, adrenal gland). This blockade prevents angiotensin II-mediated vasoconstriction and aldosterone secretion, leading to decreased blood pressure.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Antihypertensive effect usually starts within 1 hour, full effect within 3-6 weeks.
Excretion
Approximately 35% excreted in urine and 60% in feces (biliary excretion).
Half life
Losartan: 2 hours. Active metabolite (E-3174): 6-9 hours.
Absorption
Well absorbed after oral administration. Bioavailability is approximately 33%. Peak plasma concentrations of losartan are reached in 1 hour, and for the active metabolite in 3-4 hours.
Metabolism
Undergoes significant first-pass metabolism by CYP2C9 and CYP3A4 to form an active carboxylic acid metabolite (E-3174) which is more potent than losartan.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to losartan or any component of the formulation
- Pregnancy (second and third trimesters)
- Concomitant use with aliskiren in patients with diabetes or renal impairment (GFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m²)
Drug Interactions
Lithium
Increased serum lithium concentrations and toxicity.
Diuretics and other antihypertensives
May have an additive hypotensive effect.
NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs)
May reduce the antihypertensive effect of losartan and can lead to deterioration of renal function, especially in elderly or dehydrated patients.
Potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., spironolactone), potassium supplements, or potassium-containing salt substitutes
Increased risk of hyperkalemia.
Storage
Store in a cool and dry place, below 25°C, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose include hypotension (low blood pressure) and tachycardia (rapid heart rate); bradycardia could occur from parasympathetic stimulation. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive. If ingestion is recent, induce emesis or perform gastric lavage. Hemodialysis is unlikely to remove losartan or its active metabolite.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Losartan is contraindicated in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy due to fetal harm. It is not recommended during the first trimester. It is unknown whether losartan is excreted in human milk, thus it is not recommended for use during lactation.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to losartan or any component of the formulation
- Pregnancy (second and third trimesters)
- Concomitant use with aliskiren in patients with diabetes or renal impairment (GFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m²)
Drug Interactions
Lithium
Increased serum lithium concentrations and toxicity.
Diuretics and other antihypertensives
May have an additive hypotensive effect.
NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs)
May reduce the antihypertensive effect of losartan and can lead to deterioration of renal function, especially in elderly or dehydrated patients.
Potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., spironolactone), potassium supplements, or potassium-containing salt substitutes
Increased risk of hyperkalemia.
Storage
Store in a cool and dry place, below 25°C, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose include hypotension (low blood pressure) and tachycardia (rapid heart rate); bradycardia could occur from parasympathetic stimulation. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive. If ingestion is recent, induce emesis or perform gastric lavage. Hemodialysis is unlikely to remove losartan or its active metabolite.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Losartan is contraindicated in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy due to fetal harm. It is not recommended during the first trimester. It is unknown whether losartan is excreted in human milk, thus it is not recommended for use during lactation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
24 to 36 months from manufacturing date
Availability
Available in pharmacies and hospitals
Approval Status
Approved by FDA/DGDA
Patent Status
Patent expired, generic available
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Key clinical trials like RENAAL (Reduction of Endpoints in NIDDM with the Angiotensin II Antagonist Losartan) and LIFE (Losartan Intervention For Endpoint reduction in hypertension) have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of losartan in specific patient populations.
Lab Monitoring
- Blood pressure
- Serum potassium levels
- Renal function (creatinine, BUN, GFR)
- Liver function tests occasionally
Doctor Notes
- Not for use in pregnant women.
- Monitor renal function and serum potassium levels regularly, especially in elderly patients, those with renal impairment, or concurrent use of NSAIDs/potassium-sparing diuretics.
- Counsel patients on potential dizziness and orthostatic hypotension.
Patient Guidelines
- Take the medicine regularly as prescribed by your doctor.
- Do not stop taking the medicine without consulting your doctor.
- Monitor your blood pressure regularly at home.
- Inform your doctor about any other medications you are taking.
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
Losartan may cause dizziness or lightheadedness, especially at the start of treatment or when the dose is increased. Exercise caution when driving or operating machinery.
Lifestyle Advice
- Maintain a healthy diet low in sodium.
- Engage in regular physical activity.
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
- Manage stress effectively.
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