Medicine Information

LK-Plus

Name: LK-Plus
Brand: LK-Plus
Rating: 4.5 (117 reviews)

Tablet50 mgAntihypertensive (Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker)ATC: C09CA01

Generic Name

Losartan Potassium

Manufacturer

Popular Pharmaceutical Ltd.

Country

Bangladesh

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Price Details

Current market pricing information

Variant	Unit Price	Strip Price
lk plus 50 mg tablet	৳ 9.00	৳ 90.00

Description

Overview of the medicine

LK-Plus 50 mg Tablet contains Losartan Potassium, an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and to reduce the risk of stroke in patients with high blood pressure and an enlarged heart. It also protects the kidneys in patients with type 2 diabetes and hypertension.

Uses & Indications

Treatment of hypertension

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

Renal protection in patients with type 2 diabetes and hypertension (diabetic nephropathy)

Dosage

Adults

Initial dose 50 mg once daily. May be increased to 100 mg once daily if needed. For diabetic nephropathy, the usual dose is 50 mg once daily, increased to 100 mg once daily based on blood pressure response.

Elderly

No initial dosage adjustment is usually required for elderly patients, but careful monitoring is advised.

Renal_impairment

No initial dosage adjustment is required for patients with mild to moderate renal impairment. For severe renal impairment or dialysis, a lower starting dose (e.g., 25 mg) may be considered, but generally no adjustment needed.

How to Take

Administer orally, with or without food, usually once daily.

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 inhibits the vasoconstrictive and aldosterone-secreting effects of angiotensin II, leading to vasodilation and reduced blood pressure.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset

Onset of antihypertensive effect is within 1 hour; peak effect occurs at 3-6 hours. Full blood pressure reduction achieved in 3-6 weeks.

Excretion

Approximately 35% of the dose is excreted in the urine and 60% in the feces (both unchanged Losartan and its metabolites).

Half life

Losartan: 2 hours; Active metabolite (EXP3174): 6-9 hours.

Absorption

Rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Undergoes significant first-pass metabolism by cytochrome P450 enzymes. Bioavailability is approximately 33%.

Metabolism

Undergoes hepatic metabolism by cytochrome P450 enzymes (primarily CYP2C9 and CYP3A4) to an active carboxylic acid metabolite, EXP3174, 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 mellitus

Drug Interactions

Lithium

Increased serum lithium concentrations and toxicity have been reported. Monitor lithium levels.

NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen)

May reduce the antihypertensive effect of Losartan and increase the risk of renal impairment, especially in elderly or dehydrated patients.

Diuretics and other antihypertensive agents

May have an additive hypotensive effect.

Potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., spironolactone), potassium supplements, salt substitutes containing potassium

May increase serum potassium levels, leading to hyperkalemia.

Storage

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

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose include hypotension and tachycardia; bradycardia could occur from parasympathetic (vagal) stimulation. Treatment should be supportive and symptomatic. Hemodialysis is unlikely to remove Losartan or its active metabolite.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Contraindicated during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy due to fetal harm. Not recommended during breastfeeding as it is unknown if Losartan is excreted in human milk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this medicine

Pack Sizes

10 tablets per blister pack30 tablets per box 3x10s

Shelf Life

Typically 24 to 36 months from the date of manufacture.

Availability

Available in pharmacies and hospitals

Approval Status

Approved by major regulatory bodies (e.g., FDA, DGDA)

Patent Status

Generic available (Patent expired)

WHO Essential Medicine

Yes

Clinical Trials

Losartan has been extensively studied in numerous clinical trials, including the LIFE Losartan Intervention For Endpoint reduction in hypertension study, which demonstrated its efficacy in reducing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, particularly stroke, in hypertensive patients with left ventricular hypertrophy. Other trials have supported its use in diabetic nephropathy and hypertension.

Lab Monitoring

Serum creatinine and BUN especially in renal impairment
Serum potassium especially with potassium-sparing diuretics or renal impairment
Liver function tests if symptoms of hepatic dysfunction occur

Doctor Notes

Regularly monitor patient's blood pressure, renal function, and serum potassium levels.
Counsel patients on the importance of adherence to therapy and lifestyle modifications.
Strictly avoid use in pregnancy, especially in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters.
Caution with concomitant use of NSAIDs due to increased risk of renal impairment.

Patient Guidelines

Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly without consulting your doctor, even if you feel well.
Monitor your blood pressure regularly as instructed by your doctor.
Avoid consuming potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium without consulting your doctor.

Missed Dose Advice

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

Driving Precautions

This medicine may cause dizziness or lightheadedness, especially at the start of treatment or when the dose is increased. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.