What it's for (Indications)
- This medication is used for lowering blood pressure in hypertensive patients, for treating edema associated with heart disease, and for treating Nephrotic Syndrome.
Dosage Information
| Type | Guideline |
|---|---|
| Standard | Dosing must be individualized. The usual starting dose of losartan is 50 mg once daily. A 25 mg starting dose of losartan is recommended for patients with intravascular volume depletion (e.g., patients treated with diuretics) and those with a history of hepatic impairment. Losartan can be administered once or twice daily at total daily doses of 25 to 100 mg. Hydrochlorothiazide is effective in doses of 12.5 to 50 mg once daily, and can be given at doses of 12.5 to 25 mg as losartan potassium and hydrochlorothiazide tablets. To minimize dose-independent side effects, it is usually appropriate to begin combination therapy only after a patient has failed to achieve the desired blood pressure control with monotherapy. |
Safety & Warnings
Common Side Effects
- Patients administered with this medicine may experience anorexia and epigastric distress.
- In clinical trials, no adverse experiences peculiar to this combination have been observed; side effects were limited to those previously reported with losartan potassium and/or hydrochlorothiazide.
- The overall incidence of adverse experiences was comparable to placebo, generally mild, transient, and rarely requiring discontinuation of therapy.
Serious Warnings
- Black Box Warning: WARNING: FETAL TOXICITY. When pregnancy is detected, discontinue losartan potassium and hydrochlorothiazide tablets as soon as possible. Drugs that act directly on the renin-angiotensin system can cause injury and death to the developing fetus.
- Pregnancy: This medication is contraindicated (see 'black_box_warning' for detailed fetal toxicity information).
- Lactation: This medication is recommended in lactating females (based on local Pakistani data).
- Driving: Avoid driving when taking this medicine as it may affect your ability to drive.
- Alcohol: Avoid consuming alcohol when taking this medicine.
- Precautions: Avoid this medicine in severe renal (kidney) disease.
- Patients suffering from gout, diabetes, and moderate to high cholesterol concentration should stay cautious.
- A lower starting dose (25 mg losartan) is recommended for patients with intravascular volume depletion (e.
- g.
- , patients treated with diuretics) and those with a history of hepatic impairment.
How it Works (Mechanism of Action)
Angiotensin II (formed from angiotensin I by ACE) is a potent vasoconstrictor and primary vasoactive hormone of the renin-angiotensin system, contributing to hypertension and aldosterone secretion. Losartan and its principal active metabolite block the vasoconstrictor and aldosterone-secreting effects of angiotensin II by selectively blocking its binding to the AT1 receptor (found in vascular smooth muscle, adrenal gland, etc.). This mechanism of action is highly specific for the AT1 receptor (approx. 1000-fold greater affinity than for AT2 receptor), with no partial agonist activity.
Commercial Brands (Alternatives)
No other brands found for this formula.