Generic

Losartan Potassium + Hydrochlorothiazide

Indications

This medication is used to treat hypertension. It’s also used to lower the risk of stroke in those who have high blood pressure and left ventricular hypertrophy.

Pharmacology

The effects of benzodiazepines such as midazolam are mediated by the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is one of the main inhibitory neurotransmitters in the central nervous system. Benzodiazepines increase GABA activity, causing sedation, relaxing skeletal muscles, inducing sleep, anesthesia, and amnesia. Benzodiazepines bind to the benzodiazepine site on the GABAA receptor and enhance the effect of GABA by increasing the frequency of chloride channel opening. These receptors have been identified in different body tissues, including the heart and skeletal muscle, although they appear to be found primarily in the central nervous system.

Dosage & Administration

Hypertension–

• The usual starting dose of 50/12.5 is one tablet once daily.
• For patients who do not respond adequately to one tablet the dosage may be increased to 100/25 once daily.
• A patient whose blood pressure is not adequately controlled with Losartan 100 mg monotherapy may be switched to this combination 100/12.5 once daily.
• In hypertensive patients with left ventricular hypertrophy initial dose is 50/12.5, if additional blood pressure reduction is needed, 100/12.5 may be given, followed by 100/25 if required. The maximum dose is 100/25 once daily.
• In general, the antihypertensive effect is attained within three weeks after initiation of therapy.
• No initial dosage adjustment of 50/12.5 is necessary for elderly patients. But maximum dose of 100/25 once daily dose should not be used as initial therapy in elderly patients.

Severe Hypertension:

• The starting dose for initial treatment of severe hypertension is one tablet of 50/12.5 once daily.
• For patients who do not respond adequately to this dose after 2 to 4 weeks of therapy, the dosage may be increased to 100/25 once daily. The maximum dose is one tablet of 100/25 once daily.

This preparation may be administered with other antihypertensive agents. This may be administered with or without food.

Interaction

Losartan potassium: No significant pharmacokinetic drug interactions were found in the interaction studies with hydrochlorothiazide, digoxin, warfarin, cimetidine and phenobarbital. Like other drugs that block angiotensin II or its effects, simultaneous use of potassium-sparing diuretics (such as spironolactone, triamterene, amiloride), potassium supplements, or potassium-containing salt substitutes may cause serum Potassium is elevated. Like other antihypertensive drugs, the antihypertensive effect of losartan may be weakened by the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug indomethacin.

Hydrochlorothiazide: When administered at the same time, the following drugs may interact with thiazide diuretics: Alcohol, barbiturates, or anesthetics may cause orthostatic hypotension.

Hypoglycemic drugs (oral drugs and insulin): The dose of hypoglycemic drugs may need to be adjusted.

Other antihypertensive drugs: have additive or synergistic effects.

Cholestyramine and colestipol resin: In the presence of anion exchange resin, the absorption of hydrochlorothiazide is impaired

Contraindications

In individuals who are hypersensitive to either component of this medication, the combination of Losartan and Hydrochlorothiazide is contraindicated. This medication is contraindicated in individuals with anuria or hypersensitivity to other sulfonamide-derived medicines due to the Hydrochlorothiazide component.

Side Effects

Losartan potassium: No significant pharmacokinetic drug interactions were found in the interaction studies with hydrochlorothiazide, digoxin, warfarin, cimetidine and phenobarbital. Like other drugs that block angiotensin II or its effects, simultaneous use of potassium-sparing diuretics (such as spironolactone, triamterene, amiloride), potassium supplements, or potassium-containing salt substitutes may cause serum Potassium is elevated. Like other antihypertensive drugs, the antihypertensive effect of losartan may be weakened by the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug indomethacin.

Hydrochlorothiazide: When administered at the same time, the following drugs may interact with thiazide diuretics: Alcohol, barbiturates, or anesthetics may cause orthostatic hypotension.

Hypoglycemic drugs (oral drugs and insulin): The dose of hypoglycemic drugs may need to be adjusted.

Other antihypertensive drugs: have additive or synergistic effects.

Cholestyramine and colestipol resin: In the presence of anion exchange resin, the absorption of hydrochlorothiazide is impaired

Pregnancy & Lactation

Unless absolutely necessary, angiotensin-II receptor antagonists should be avoided during pregnancy. They have been linked to prenatal and newborn blood pressure regulation and renal function, as well as skull abnormalities and oligohy dramnios. There is a scarcity of information on the use of angiotensin-II receptor antagonists during breastfeeding. They are not suggested while nursing, and there are alternative therapy alternatives with better-established safety information.

Precautions & Warnings

• Angioedema: hypersensitivity
• At suitable intervals, serum electrolyte measurement should be conducted to detect potential electrolyte imbalance.
• Hypokalemia is an uncommon complication that can occur with brisk diuresis, severe cirrhosis, or long-term treatment.
• Renal impairment and symptomatic hypotension

Therapeutic Class

Combined antihypertensive preparations

Storage Conditions

Do not store above 30°C. Keep out of the reach of children.

Pharmaceutical Name

General Pharmaceuticals Ltd.