Indications & Uses

1. Hypertension Management
   Losartan tablets are prescribed to treat high blood pressure. They may be used independently or alongside other antihypertensive medications (e.g., thiazide diuretics).

2. Kidney Protection for Type-2 Diabetics
   This medication helps slow kidney disease progression in hypertensive type-2 diabetic patients with significant proteinuria (urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio exceeding 300 mg/g).

Pharmacological Action

Losartan Potassium is an orally active angiotensin II receptor antagonist that selectively blocks AT1 receptors in vascular smooth muscle, adrenal glands, kidneys, and the heart. This inhibition reduces vasoconstriction and aldosterone release, lowering blood pressure.

Dosage Guidelines

Drug Interactions

• Reduced Efficacy: Rifampicin and fluconazole decrease active metabolite levels.

• Potentiated Effects: Enhanced blood pressure reduction with hydrochlorothiazide.

• Hyperkalemia Risk: Avoid concurrent use with potassium-sparing diuretics (spironolactone, triamterene), potassium supplements, or salt substitutes.

• Reduced Antihypertensive Action: NSAIDs like indomethacin may diminish efficacy.

• Renal Risk: Combined use with ACE inhibitors, NSAIDs, and thiazide diuretics increases renal impairment risk.

Contraindications

• Pregnancy (all trimesters)

• Hypersensitivity to Losartan or components

• Diabetic patients using Aliskiren

Adverse Reactions

Most side effects are mild and transient:

Common: Dizziness, diarrhea, nasal congestion, cough, upper respiratory infection.
Less Frequent: Fatigue, edema, abdominal/chest pain, nausea, headache, pharyngitis.

Pregnancy & Lactation

• Pregnancy Category D: Fetal harm risk (especially 2nd/3rd trimesters). Discontinue immediately if pregnancy occurs.

• Breastfeeding: Excretion in human milk is unknown. Discontinue nursing or medication based on maternal need.

Precautions

• Pregnancy: Linked to fetal renal dysfunction and neonatal mortality.

• Volume Depletion: High risk of symptomatic hypotension. Monitor closely.

• Hepatic Impairment: Lower doses required for cirrhotic patients (elevated plasma concentration).

• Renal Function: Renal failure reported in impaired patients; monitor kidney health.

Special Populations

Therapeutic Classification

Angiotensin-II Receptor Blocker (ARB)

Storage Instructions

• Store in a cool, dry place protected from light and moisture.

• Keep out of children’s reach.

Disclaimer: Always consult a registered healthcare professional before use. Dosage may vary based on individual patient needs.