Losartan Potassium

LOSARTAN POTASSIUM

Manufacturer: Proficient Rx LP

Score: 148.0

Quick Summary

Losartan Potassium is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist used to treat hypertension, reduce the risk of stroke in patients with hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy, and treat diabetic nephropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes and a history of hypertension. The drug works by blocking the action of angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor, and has been shown to be effective in reducing blood pressure and slowing the progression of kidney disease. However, it is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to the drug, and its use during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of fetal toxicity. The recommended dose is 50 mg once daily, with adjustments made based on blood pressure response and patient factors such as renal function and hepatic impairment.

Key Clinical Findings and Indications

Treatment of hypertension to lower blood pressure in adults and children greater than 6 years old
Reduction of the risk of stroke in patients with hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy
Treatment of diabetic nephropathy with an elevated serum creatinine and proteinuria in patients with type 2 diabetes and a history of hypertension

Important Safety Information

Warning

WARNING: FETAL TOXICITY When pregnancy is detected, discontinue losartan as soon as possible

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to any component of the drug
Coadministration with aliskiren in patients with diabetes

Adverse Reactions

Dizziness
Upper respiratory infection
Nasal congestion
Back pain
Anemia
Depression
Somnolence
Headache
Sleep disorders
Paresthesia
Migraine
Vertigo
Tinnitus
Palpitations
Syncope
Atrial fibrillation
CVA
Dyspnea
Abdominal pain
Constipation
Nausea
Vomiting
Urticaria
Pruritus
Rash
Photosensitivity
Myalgia
Arthralgia
Impotence
Edema

Dosing Recommendations

General Guidance

Dose adjustments may be necessary based on blood pressure response, renal function, and hepatic impairment

Hypertension

Adult Dose

50 mg once daily

Pediatric Dose

0.7 mg per kg once daily (up to 50 mg)

Hypertensive patients with left ventricular hypertrophy

Adult Dose

50 mg once daily

Pediatric Dose

Not recommended

Nephropathy in type 2 diabetic patients

Adult Dose

50 mg once daily

Pediatric Dose

Not recommended

Special Population Considerations

Pregnancy

Use of losartan during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of fetal toxicity
Discontinue losartan as soon as possible when pregnancy is detected

Nursing Mothers

It is not known whether losartan is excreted in human milk
A decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug

Pediatric Use

Losartan is not recommended in pediatric patients less than 6 years of age
Losartan is not recommended in pediatric patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate less than 30 mL/min/1.73 m^2

Geriatric Use

No overall differences in effectiveness or safety were observed between geriatric patients and younger patients
Greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out