Indications

Angilock is indicated for two primary conditions:

• Hypertension: Used to treat high blood pressure. It can be used alone or with other antihypertensive agents, such as thiazide diuretics.
• Renal Protection in Type-2 Diabetic Patients with Proteinuria: It is used to slow the progression of kidney disease in hypertensive patients with type-2 diabetes who have proteinuria (a high ratio of urinary albumin to creatinine, >300 mg/g).

Pharmacology

Losartan Potassium, the active ingredient in Angilock, is an angiotensin II receptor blocker. It works by binding to the AT1 receptor, which is found in many tissues, including vascular smooth muscle, the adrenal glands, kidneys, and heart. By blocking this receptor, it reduces the actions of angiotensin II, such as vasoconstriction and aldosterone release, which are responsible for high blood pressure.

Dosage & Administration

• Standard Dose: The usual starting and maintenance dose is 50 mg once daily. If this is not sufficient to control blood pressure, a dose of 25 mg twice daily may be used before increasing the dose further. The total daily dose can range from 25 mg to 100 mg.
• Intravascular Volume-Depletion: For patients who are volume-depleted (e.g., those on high-dose diuretics), a lower starting dose of 25 mg once daily is recommended.
• Patients up to 75 years: No initial dosage adjustment is needed.
• Patients over 75 years: A lower starting dose of 25 mg once daily is recommended due to limited clinical experience in this age group.
• Angilock can be taken with or without food.

Interaction

• Rifampicin and fluconazole can reduce the effectiveness of Angilock's active metabolite.
• Co-administration with hydrochlorothiazide can increase the blood pressure-lowering effects.
• Using potassium-sparing diuretics, potassium supplements, or salt substitutes containing potassium at the same time may lead to increased potassium levels in the blood.
• The blood pressure-lowering effect of losartan may be reduced by the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug indomethacin.
• The simultaneous use of an ACE inhibitor, an angiotensin receptor antagonist, an anti-inflammatory drug, and a thiazide diuretic increases the risk of renal impairment.

Contraindications

Angilock is contraindicated in pregnant women and in patients who are hypersensitive to any of its components. It should not be administered with Aliskiren in patients with diabetes.

Side Effects

Side effects are generally mild and temporary. The most common ones are dizziness, diarrhea, nasal congestion, cough, and upper respiratory infection. Other side effects include fatigue, swelling (edema), abdominal pain, chest pain, nausea, headache, and pharyngitis.

Pregnancy & Lactation

This medication is classified as Pregnancy Category D. Using Angilock during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy can harm the fetus, leading to reduced kidney function and an increased risk of illness and death. It is not known whether Losartan Potassium is excreted in human milk. A decision must be made whether to stop nursing or stop the drug, considering the importance of the medication to the mother.

Precautions & Warnings

• Pregnancy: Use during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy can cause fetal harm and even death.
• Intravascular Volume-Depletion: In patients who are volume-depleted (e.g., those on high-dose diuretics), this medication may cause a significant drop in blood pressure.
• Hepatic Impairment: Plasma concentrations of Angilock are significantly increased in patients with cirrhosis; therefore, a lower dose should be considered for patients with a history of liver impairment.
• Renal Impairment: Changes in kidney function, including renal failure, have been reported in patients with renal impairment. A lower starting dose is recommended for patients with moderate to severe renal impairment or those on dialysis. Similar effects have been reported in patients with bilateral renal artery stenosis.

Therapeutic Class

Angilock is an Angiotensin-II receptor blocker.

Storage Conditions

Keep in a dry place away from light and heat. Keep out of the reach of children.