Losartan Potassium Tablets

Generic Name:
Losartan Potassium Tablets
Therapeutic Category:
Antihypertensive / Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB)
Mechanism of Action:
Selectively blocks the binding of Angiotensin II to the $AT_1$ receptor in vascular smooth muscle and adrenal glands. This blocks its vasoconstricting and aldosterone-secreting effects, leading to blood vessel dilation and reduced blood pressure.

Indications

Dosage & Administration

Contraindications & Precautions

Potential Side Effects

Indications (Therapeutic Uses)

Losartan Potassium 50 mg is indicated for the management of cardiovascular and renal conditions:

  • Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Used alone or in combination with other antihypertensives to lower blood pressure and lower the risk of cardiovascular events.
  • Stroke Risk Reduction: Indicated to reduce the risk of stroke in patients with hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy (enlarged heart muscle), though this benefit may not apply to Black patients.
  • Diabetic Nephropathy: Long-term treatment of kidney disease in patients with type 2 diabetes and history of hypertension, helping to slow the progression of renal impairment.

Dosage & Administration

Website Note: Dosage must be individualized by a registered medical practitioner based on the patient’s therapeutic response and renal or hepatic function.

  • Standard Dose: The usual starting dose is 50 mg taken orally once daily. Depending on blood pressure response, the dosage may be adjusted up to a maximum of 100 mg once daily (or divided into two daily doses).
  • Administration: Tablets must be swallowed whole with water. They can be taken with or without food, but should ideally be taken at the same time each day.
  • Special Populations: A lower starting dose of 25 mg once daily should be considered for patients with intravascular volume depletion (e.g., those treated with high-dose diuretics) or a history of hepatic impairment.

Contraindications & Precautions

  • Absolute Contraindications: Do not use in patients with known hypersensitivity to losartan or any component of the tablet. Co-administration of losartan with aliskiren-containing medications is strictly contraindicated in patients with diabetes or renal impairment.
  • Pregnancy Warning (Black Box Warning): Do not use during pregnancy. Drugs that act directly on the renin-angiotensin system can cause injury, developmental complications, or death to the developing fetus when used in the second and third trimesters. If pregnancy is detected, discontinue losartan immediately.
  • Hyperkalemia (High Potassium Levels): Elevated serum potassium can occur, particularly in patients with chronic kidney disease, diabetes, or those using potassium supplements or potassium-sparing diuretics. Regular monitoring of serum electrolytes is recommended.
  • Hypotension and Volume Depletion: In patients who are severely salt or volume depleted, symptomatic hypotension (dizziness or fainting) may occur following the initial dose.

Potential Side Effects

  • Common / Mild: Dizziness, lightheadedness, nasal congestion, back or leg pain, fatigue, and upper respiratory tract infections. Unlike ACE inhibitors, losartan has a significantly lower incidence of causing a persistent dry cough.
  • Less Common / Severe: Severe hypotension, angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, throat, or tongue), acute kidney reaction/failure (especially in patients dependent on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, such as those with severe heart failure), and hyperkalemia.
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