Losacard
Generic Name
Losartan Potassium
Manufacturer
Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| losacard 50 mg tablet | ৳ 8.03 | N/A |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Losacard 50 mg Tablet contains Losartan Potassium, an Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB) used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), protect kidneys from damage due to diabetes, and reduce the risk of stroke in patients with hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy. It is also used in the management of heart failure.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
For hypertension, usual initial dose is 50 mg once daily. The dose can be increased to 100 mg once daily if needed. For diabetic nephropathy, initial dose is 50 mg once daily, may be increased to 100 mg once daily. For heart failure, initial dose is 12.5 mg once daily, titrated to 25 mg then 50 mg once daily.
Elderly
No initial dosage adjustment is generally required for elderly patients, although a lower starting dose may be considered for those with significant renal or hepatic impairment.
Renal_impairment
No initial dosage adjustment is required for patients with mild to moderate renal impairment. For severe renal impairment or dialysis patients, a lower starting dose might be considered based on clinical judgment.
How to Take
Losacard 50 mg Tablet should be taken orally, with or without food. It is usually taken once daily. Try to take it 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 inhibits the vasoconstrictor and aldosterone-secreting effects of Angiotensin II, leading to vasodilation, reduced systemic vascular resistance, and consequently, a reduction in blood pressure.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Antihypertensive effect within 6 hours; maximal effect within 3-6 weeks of therapy.
Excretion
Approximately 35% excreted in urine and 60% in feces, primarily as metabolites and some unchanged drug.
Half life
Losartan: 2 hours; Active metabolite (E-3174): 6-9 hours.
Absorption
Well absorbed orally, bioavailability approx. 33%. Peak plasma concentrations of losartan within 1 hour, and active metabolite (E-3174) within 3-4 hours.
Metabolism
Undergoes extensive first-pass metabolism by CYP2C9 and CYP3A4 to form an active carboxylic acid metabolite (E-3174) and inactive metabolites.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Pregnancy (especially 2nd and 3rd trimesters)
- Hypersensitivity to Losartan or any component of the formulation
- Concomitant use with aliskiren in patients with diabetes mellitus or renal impairment (GFR <60 mL/min)
Drug Interactions
Lithium
Increased serum lithium concentrations and toxicity.
Diuretics
Increased risk of hypotension, especially with high-dose diuretics.
NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs)
May attenuate the antihypertensive effect of losartan; concurrent use may increase the risk of renal function deterioration, especially in elderly or volume-depleted patients.
Potassium-sparing Diuretics, Potassium Supplements, Salt Substitutes containing Potassium
Increased risk of hyperkalemia.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, 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 (slow heart rate) 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
Category D in 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy. Can cause fetal harm. Not recommended during breastfeeding as it is unknown if losartan is excreted in human milk.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Pregnancy (especially 2nd and 3rd trimesters)
- Hypersensitivity to Losartan or any component of the formulation
- Concomitant use with aliskiren in patients with diabetes mellitus or renal impairment (GFR <60 mL/min)
Drug Interactions
Lithium
Increased serum lithium concentrations and toxicity.
Diuretics
Increased risk of hypotension, especially with high-dose diuretics.
NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs)
May attenuate the antihypertensive effect of losartan; concurrent use may increase the risk of renal function deterioration, especially in elderly or volume-depleted patients.
Potassium-sparing Diuretics, Potassium Supplements, Salt Substitutes containing Potassium
Increased risk of hyperkalemia.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, 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 (slow heart rate) 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
Category D in 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy. Can cause 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
Shelf Life
2-3 years from the date of manufacture, depending on manufacturer specifications.
Availability
Pharmacies nationwide
Approval Status
Approved by major regulatory bodies (e.g., FDA, DGDA)
Patent Status
Generic available, patent expired
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Losartan has been evaluated in several large-scale clinical trials, including the LIFE study (Losartan Intervention For Endpoint reduction in hypertension) which demonstrated its superiority over atenolol in reducing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in hypertensive patients with left ventricular hypertrophy, and the RENAAL study (Reduction of Endpoints in NIDDM with the Angiotensin II Antagonist Losartan) which showed significant renal protective effects in type 2 diabetic patients with nephropathy.
Lab Monitoring
- Serum creatinine and BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen) to monitor renal function
- Serum potassium levels
- Liver function tests (periodically, if clinically indicated)
Doctor Notes
- Monitor blood pressure, renal function, and serum potassium regularly, especially at the initiation of therapy and after dose adjustments.
- Caution in patients with bilateral renal artery stenosis, severe heart failure, or volume depletion.
- Advise patients on the importance of consistent medication adherence and lifestyle modifications.
Patient Guidelines
- Take Losacard 50 mg tablet at the same time each day, with or without food.
- Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor, even if you feel well.
- Report any signs of angioedema (swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat) immediately.
- Avoid potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium unless advised by your doctor.
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 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 changing dose. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how Losartan affects you.
Lifestyle Advice
- Adopt a healthy diet low in sodium and saturated fats.
- Engage in regular physical activity as advised by your doctor.
- Limit alcohol consumption and avoid smoking.
- Monitor your blood pressure regularly at home as instructed by your doctor.
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