Product Details
LOSARTAN POTASSIUM 50 MG
Introduction : Losartan 50mg tablet is used alone or together with other medicines to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure adds to the workload of the heart and arteries. If it continues for a long time, the heart and arteries may not function properly. This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. Lowering blood pressure may reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks.
Losartan 50mg tablet is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). It works by blocking a substance in the body that causes blood vessels to tighten. As a result, losartan relaxes the blood vessels. A lower blood pressure will increase the supply of the blood and oxygen to the heart.
This medicine is available only with your doctors prescription.
Indication : Losartan 50mg tablet is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and to help protect the kidneys from damage due to diabetes. It is also used to lower the risk of strokes in patients with high blood pressure and an enlarged heart.
Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Losartan belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). It works by relaxing blood vessels so that blood can flow more easily.
Losartan 50mg tablet is also used to decrease the risk of stroke in patients with high blood pressure and enlargement of the heart. It is also used to treat kidney problems in patients with type 2 diabetes and a history of hypertension.
Administration : This medicine may be taken with or without food.
Storage : Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Mechanism of Action : Losartan is an orally active, nonpeptide angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), selective for the AT1 receptor. It blocks the vasoconstrictor and aldosterone-secreting effects of angiotensin II by selectively blocking the binding of angiotensin II to the AT1 receptor subtype in many tissues (eg, vascular smooth muscle, adrenal gland). It has no agonist activity of AT1 and its affinity for the AT1 receptor is approximately 1000 times greater than for the AT2 receptor
Therapeutic : Cardiovascular Agent
Side Effects : Side effects may include dizziness, upper respiratory infection, nasal congestion, and back pain
Contraindications : Avoid use of this drug during pregnancy and prescribe an alternative. Evidence has demonstrated fetal abnormalities or risks when used during pregnancy.
Evidence and/or expert consensus has demonstrated harmful infant effects when used during breastfeeding.
Safety Advice / Warnings : When pregnancy is detected, discontinue losartan as soon as possible. Drugs that act directly on the renin-angiotensin system can cause injury or death to the developing fetus .
Dizziness or lightheadedness may occur after the first dose of this medicine, especially if you have been taking a diuretic (water pill). Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or not alert.
Avoid alcoholic beverages until you have discussed their use with your doctor. Alcohol may make the low blood pressure effect worse or increase the possibility of dizziness or fainting.
Patient to avoid use of potassium supplements or potassium-containing salt substitutes unless they consult healthcare provider
Warn female patient to avoid pregnancy
References : Product Information: COZAAR(R) oral tablets, losartan potassium oral tablets. Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. (per FDA), Whitehouse Station, NJ, 2015.
Shahinfar S, Simpson RL, Carides AD, et al: Safety of losartan in hypertensive patients with thiazide-induced hyperuricemia. Kidney Int 1999; 56:1879-1885.
Pedro AA, Gehr TWB, Brophy DF, et al: Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of losartan in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. J Clin Pharmacol 2000; 40:389-395.