Zarnat

Losartan Potassium 50 mg: Light pink to pink film coated tablet, round, biconvex, bisected on one side and plain on the other side.
Losartan Potassium 100 mg: Old-rose to dark-pink film coated tablet, round, biconvex, bisected on one side and plain on the other side.
Each film-coated tablet contains: Losartan Potassium 50 mg or 100 mg.

Pharmacology: Pharmacodynamics: Losartan is an angiotensin-II-receptor antagonist with antihypertensive activity mainly due to selective blockade of AT receptors and the consequent reduced press or effect of angiotensin II.
Pharmacokinetics: Losartan is readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract following oral administration, with an oral bioavailability of about 33%. It undergoes first-pass metabolism to form an active carboxylic acid metabolite E-3174 (EXP-2174), which has greater pharmacological activity than losartan, and some inactive metabolites. Metabolism is primarily by cytochrome P450 isoenzymes CYP2C9 and CYP3A4. Peak plasma concentrations of losartan and E-3174 occur about 1 hour and 3 to 4 hours, respectively, after an oral dose. Both losartan and E-3174 are more than 98% bound to plasma proteins. Losartan is excreted in the urine and in the faeces via bile, as unchanged drug and metabolites. Following oral dosing, 35% of the dose is excreted in the urine and about 60% in the faeces. The terminal elimination half-lives of losartan and E-3174 are about 1.5 to 2.5 hours and 3 to 9 hours, respectively.

It is used in the management of hypertension and may have role in patients who develop cough with ACE inhibitors. It has been tried in heart failure and in myocardial infarction and under investigation in diabetic nephropathy.

Initial: 50 mg once daily or as prescribed by the physician.
Dose may be increased to 100 mg daily as a single dose or in two divided doses or as prescribed by the physician.

Hypersensitivity to drug/class/component.
Caution if renal artery stenosis, renal impairment or hepatic impairment.
Caution if volume depletion, hyponatremia or severe CHF.

Using this medicine while the patient is pregnant can harm the unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If the patient has become pregnant while using this medicine, tell the doctor right away.
Dizziness or lightheadedness may occur after the first dose of this medicine, especially if the patient has been taking a diuretic (water pill). Make sure the patient knows how to react to this medicine before driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if the patient is dizzy or not alert.
Check with the doctor right away if the patient becomes sick while taking this medicine, especially if the patient has severe or continuing nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea that does not stop. These conditions may cause the patient to lose too much water and may lead to low blood pressure. The patient can also lose water by sweating, so drink plenty of water during exercise or in hot weather.
Ask the doctor before the patient uses medicines, supplements, or salt substitutes that contain potassium.
Avoid alcoholic beverages until the patient has discussed their use with the doctor. Alcohol may make the low blood pressure effect worse or increase the possibility of dizziness or fainting.
Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with the doctor. This especially includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines for appetite control, asthma, colds, cough, hay fever, or sinus problems, and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Losartan is contraindicated in pregnancy and should be used with care. If at all, during breastfeeding.

Adverse effects of losartan have been reported to be usually mild transient, and include dizziness and dose-related orthostatic hypotension. Hypotension may occur particularly in patients with volume depletion (for example those who have received high-dose diuretics). Impaired renal function and rarely, rash, angioedema and raised liver values may occur. Hyperkalaemia and myalgia have been reported. Losartan appears less likely than ACE inhibitors to cause cough. Other adverse effects that have been reported with angiotensin-II-receptor antagonists include respiratory tract disorders, back pain, gastrointestinal disturbances, fatigue and neutropenia.

Store at temperatures not exceeding 30°C.

Angiotensin II Antagonists

C09CA01 - losartan ; Belongs to the class of angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). Used in the treatment of cardiovascular disease.

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