Losarcar Plus
Generic Name
Losartan Potassium 50 mg + Hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg
Manufacturer
Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| losarcar plus 50 mg tablet | ৳ 6.00 | N/A |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Losarcar Plus 50 mg Tablet is a combination medicine used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It contains Losartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), and Hydrochlorothiazide, a thiazide diuretic. This combination helps to lower blood pressure more effectively than either drug alone.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
The usual starting and maintenance dose is one Losarcar Plus 50 mg tablet once daily. The maximum dose is one 100 mg/12.5 mg tablet once daily.
Elderly
No initial dosage adjustment is typically required, but monitoring of renal function is recommended.
Renal_impairment
Not recommended for patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <30 ml/min). For moderate impairment, careful monitoring is needed.
How to Take
Take Losarcar Plus 50 mg Tablet orally once daily, with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole with water.
Mechanism of Action
Losartan selectively blocks the binding of angiotensin II to the AT1 receptor, leading to vasodilation and reduced aldosterone secretion. Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic that increases the excretion of sodium and chloride ions, thereby increasing water excretion and reducing plasma volume.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Antihypertensive effect of Losartan observed within 1 hour, peak effect within 6 hours. Diuretic effect of HCTZ within 2 hours.
Excretion
Losartan and its metabolites are excreted via urine and bile. Hydrochlorothiazide is excreted primarily unchanged in the urine.
Half life
Losartan: approximately 2 hours; active metabolite E-3174: 6-9 hours. Hydrochlorothiazide: 5.6-14.8 hours.
Absorption
Losartan is well absorbed orally, with approximately 33% bioavailability. Hydrochlorothiazide is absorbed (60-80%) after oral administration.
Metabolism
Losartan is metabolized in the liver to an active carboxylic acid metabolite (E-3174). Hydrochlorothiazide is not metabolized.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to Losartan, Hydrochlorothiazide, or any sulfonamide-derived drugs.
- Anuria (absence of urine production).
- Severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <30 ml/min).
- Severe hepatic impairment.
- Pregnancy (second and third trimesters).
- Concomitant use with aliskiren in patients with diabetes mellitus or renal impairment.
Drug Interactions
Lithium
Concomitant use may increase serum lithium concentrations and lead to lithium toxicity.
Other antihypertensive agents
May have an additive hypotensive effect.
Alcohol, barbiturates, or narcotics
May potentiate orthostatic hypotension.
NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs)
May reduce the antihypertensive effect of Losarcar Plus and increase the risk of renal function deterioration, including acute renal failure.
Potassium-sparing diuretics, potassium supplements, or potassium-containing salt substitutes
May lead to significant increases in serum potassium.
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), tachycardia (rapid heartbeat), bradycardia (slow heartbeat), and electrolyte depletion (e.g., hypokalemia, hyponatremia) due to the diuretic component. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive, including correction of electrolyte imbalances.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Losarcar Plus is contraindicated during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy due to the risk of fetal injury and death. It is not recommended during lactation, as both Losartan and Hydrochlorothiazide are excreted in breast milk.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to Losartan, Hydrochlorothiazide, or any sulfonamide-derived drugs.
- Anuria (absence of urine production).
- Severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <30 ml/min).
- Severe hepatic impairment.
- Pregnancy (second and third trimesters).
- Concomitant use with aliskiren in patients with diabetes mellitus or renal impairment.
Drug Interactions
Lithium
Concomitant use may increase serum lithium concentrations and lead to lithium toxicity.
Other antihypertensive agents
May have an additive hypotensive effect.
Alcohol, barbiturates, or narcotics
May potentiate orthostatic hypotension.
NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs)
May reduce the antihypertensive effect of Losarcar Plus and increase the risk of renal function deterioration, including acute renal failure.
Potassium-sparing diuretics, potassium supplements, or potassium-containing salt substitutes
May lead to significant increases in serum potassium.
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), tachycardia (rapid heartbeat), bradycardia (slow heartbeat), and electrolyte depletion (e.g., hypokalemia, hyponatremia) due to the diuretic component. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive, including correction of electrolyte imbalances.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Losarcar Plus is contraindicated during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy due to the risk of fetal injury and death. It is not recommended during lactation, as both Losartan and Hydrochlorothiazide are excreted in breast milk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
2-3 years from manufacturing date
Availability
Pharmacies, Hospitals
Approval Status
DGDA Approved
Patent Status
Off-patent (Generic available)
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Extensive clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of Losartan/Hydrochlorothiazide combinations in reducing blood pressure and associated cardiovascular risks in patients with hypertension.
Lab Monitoring
- Serum electrolytes (potassium, sodium, magnesium, calcium)
- Renal function (serum creatinine, BUN)
- Liver function tests
- Serum uric acid
- Blood glucose levels (especially in diabetic patients)
Doctor Notes
- Emphasize regular monitoring of blood pressure, renal function, and serum electrolytes.
- Educate patients about the importance of adherence and potential side effects, particularly orthostatic hypotension and symptoms of electrolyte imbalance.
- Strictly avoid use in pregnant women; use effective contraception for women of childbearing potential.
- Be aware of potential drug interactions, especially with NSAIDs, potassium-sparing diuretics, and lithium.
Patient Guidelines
- Take the medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, even if you feel well.
- Do not stop taking the medicine abruptly without consulting your doctor.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking.
- Monitor your blood pressure regularly as 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
Losarcar Plus may cause dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when initiating therapy or increasing the dose. Exercise caution when driving or operating machinery until you know how the medicine affects you.
Lifestyle Advice
- Adopt a low-sodium diet and limit processed foods.
- Engage in regular physical activity as approved by your doctor.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Limit alcohol intake and avoid smoking.
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