About Losartan Tablet 50mg
Losartan Tablet 50mg contains losartan potassium, an ARB used to lower blood pressure and protect kidney function.
Uses
- Management of high blood pressure in adults
- Reduction of stroke risk in patients with hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy
- Treatment of diabetic nephropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes and hypertension
- Alternative therapy for patients who cannot tolerate ACE inhibitors due to persistent cough
Benefits
- Effectively lowers blood pressure by blocking the action of angiotensin II on blood vessels
- Helps protect kidney function in people with diabetes and hypertension
- Lowers the long term risk of heart attack and stroke linked to uncontrolled hypertension
- Generally well tolerated with a lower rate of dry cough compared to ACE inhibitors
What Experts Say
Losartan belongs to the angiotensin II receptor blocker class and works by blocking angiotensin II from binding to AT1 receptors in blood vessel walls, unlike ACE inhibitors which act earlier in the pathway. This relaxes blood vessels and lowers blood pressure without the persistent dry cough often seen with ACE inhibitor therapy.
Physicians typically start adults on 50mg once daily, adjusting the dose upward toward 100mg based on blood pressure response and tolerability. Regular monitoring of serum potassium and kidney function is recommended, particularly in older patients or those with underlying renal impairment or diabetes.
Pakistan carries a substantial burden of hypertension and type 2 diabetes, and doctors frequently prescribe losartan as first line therapy for patients who need both blood pressure control and kidney protection. Combination therapy with a diuretic or calcium channel blocker is common when blood pressure remains above target on losartan alone.
Drug Class
- Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB)
Losartan Tablet 50mg Uses in Urdu
- ہائی بلڈ پریشر کو کنٹرول کرنے کے لیے استعمال ہوتی ہے
- ذیابیطس کے مریضوں میں گردوں کو تحفظ دینے کے لیے استعمال ہوتی ہے
- ہارٹ اٹیک اور فالج کے خطرے کو کم کرنے کے لیے مددگار ہے
- دل کے بائیں ویںٹریکل کی بڑھوتری والے مریضوں میں فالج کا خطرہ کم کرتی ہے
- ان مریضوں کے لیے متبادل دوا ہے جو اے سی ای انہیبیٹرز کے باعث کھانسی برداشت نہیں کر سکتے
Losartan Tablet 50mg formula
How to use Losartan Tablet 50mg?
- Take one tablet by mouth once daily, with or without food
- Usual starting dose is 50mg once daily for most adults with hypertension
- Dose may be increased to 100mg once daily if blood pressure is not adequately controlled
- Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water
- Take at the same time each day to maintain consistent blood levels
- Do not stop taking without consulting your doctor even if you feel well
Drug Interactions
- Potassium sparing diuretics such as spironolactone and amiloride can raise the risk of high potassium levels
- Potassium supplements combined with losartan increase the risk of hyperkalemia
- NSAIDs like ibuprofen and diclofenac may reduce the blood pressure lowering effect and worsen kidney function
- Lithium levels can rise when combined with losartan, increasing the risk of lithium toxicity
- Other blood pressure medicines may increase the risk of low blood pressure
- ACE inhibitors used together with losartan increase the risk of kidney problems and high potassium
- Rifampicin and fluconazole can alter losartan blood levels
Risks and warnings
- Not recommended during pregnancy, can cause fetal injury or death especially in the second and third trimester
- Avoid use while breastfeeding unless advised by a doctor
- May cause high potassium levels, especially when combined with potassium sparing diuretics or potassium supplements
- Use with caution in patients with kidney impairment, dose adjustment may be needed
- Can cause a drop in blood pressure in patients who are volume depleted from diuretics or low salt intake
- Should be used cautiously in patients with liver impairment
- Not recommended for children under 6 years of age
- May increase the risk of swelling of the face and throat in patients with a history of ACE inhibitor related angioedema
Losartan Tablet 50mg Side Effects
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Fatigue or tiredness
- Back pain
- Nasal congestion or upper respiratory infection symptoms
- Muscle cramps
- Diarrhea
- Low blood pressure, especially after the first dose
- High potassium levels
- Cough, though less common than with ACE inhibitors
- Swelling of the face, lips, or throat, rare but serious, seek immediate medical help
Storage Conditions
- Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius
- Keep in a dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture
- Keep the strip in its original packaging until ready to use
- Keep out of reach of children
- Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack
