Losartan Potassium Tablets - Uses, Dosage, Side Effects | WikiDrug

Losartan potassium tablets are angiotensin II receptor blockers indicated for the treatment of hypertension in adults and children 6 years and older, reduction of stroke risk in hypertensive patients with left ventricular hypertrophy (not demonstrated in Black patients), and treatment of diabetic nephropathy with elevated serum creatinine and proteinuria in type 2 diabetic patients with hypertension. Losartan has demonstrated cardiovascular and renal protective effects by lowering blood pressure. Usual doses range from 25 mg to 100 mg daily. The drug carries a boxed warning for fetal toxicity.

Losartan potassium tablets are indicated for: treatment of hypertension to lower blood pressure in adults and children over 6 years old; reduction of stroke risk in patients with hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy (not supported in Black patients); treatment of diabetic nephropathy in type 2 diabetes patients with hypertension, elevated serum creatinine, and proteinuria.

Losartan Potassium

Losartan potassium is an angiotensin II receptor blocker that lowers blood pressure by inhibiting the effects of angiotensin II, leading to vasodilation and reduced cardiovascular and renal risk associated with hypertension.

Hypertension: Adults - usual starting dose 50 mg once daily, can increase to 100 mg as needed; 25 mg recommended if volume or salt depleted. Pediatric patients 6 years and older: starting dose 0.7 mg/kg once daily (up to 50 mg), adjusted based on response; doses >1.4 mg/kg or >100 mg not studied; not recommended under 6 years or with severe renal impairment. Hypertensive patients with left ventricular hypertrophy: start 50 mg once daily, add hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg and/or increase losartan to 100 mg and hydrochlorothiazide to 25 mg if needed. Diabetic nephropathy: start 50 mg once daily, may increase to 100 mg based on response. Patients with mild-to-moderate hepatic impairment: start 25 mg once daily. Oral suspension preparation detailed for pediatric use.

Hypersensitivity to any component of losartan potassium tablets. Coadministration with aliskiren in patients with diabetes.

Losartan can cause fetal toxicity, including injury and death, when used during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy; discontinue as soon as pregnancy is detected. Correct volume or salt depletion before administration to avoid symptomatic hypotension. Monitor renal function and potassium, especially in patients with renal artery stenosis, chronic kidney disease, severe congestive heart failure, or volume depletion. Hyperkalemia risk is increased when combined with other potassium-elevating drugs.

Common (≥2% and more than placebo): dizziness, upper respiratory infection, nasal congestion, back pain. Less common: anemia, depression, somnolence, headache, sleep disorders, paresthesia, migraine, vertigo, tinnitus, palpitations, syncope, atrial fibrillation, cerebrovascular accident, dyspnea, abdominal pain, constipation, nausea, vomiting, urticaria, pruritus, rash, photosensitivity, myalgia, arthralgia, impotence, edema. Postmarketing reports: hepatitis, malaise, thrombocytopenia, angioedema (including life-threatening airway obstruction), vasculitis (Henoch-Schönlein purpura), anaphylaxis, hyponatremia, rhabdomyolysis, dysgeusia, erythroderma. Losartan has a lower incidence of cough compared to ACE inhibitors.

Contraindicated with aliskiren in patients with diabetes. Concomitant use of other potassium-increasing drugs may increase hyperkalemia risk.

Losartan potassium can cause fetal harm when administered during the second and third trimesters, causing fetal renal dysfunction, oligohydramnios, lung hypoplasia, skeletal deformities, and neonatal morbidity/mortality. Discontinue as soon as pregnancy is detected.

For oral suspension: refrigerated at 2 to 8°C (36 to 46°F) and stored up to 4 weeks. Shake well prior to use. Storage instructions for tablets not specified.