Losartan Potassium: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Brands | MedexInfo

Losartan Potassium

Rx

Generic NameLosartan Potassium

Therapeutic ClassAngiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB)

Common Strength25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg tablets

PregnancyContraindicated (2nd & 3rd trimester)

Indications ▼

Hypertension: Treatment of high blood pressure to reduce cardiovascular risk, stroke, and myocardial infarction.

Stroke Risk Reduction: In patients with left ventricular hypertrophy, reduces the risk of stroke.

Diabetic Nephropathy: Slows progression of kidney disease in type 2 diabetes patients with proteinuria.

Heart Failure: Adjunct therapy in patients with reduced ejection fraction to improve symptoms and reduce hospitalization.

Special Populations: Dose adjustment may be needed in renal or hepatic impairment; caution in elderly.

Mechanism & Pharmacokinetics ▼

Mechanism: Selectively blocks angiotensin II type 1 receptors, preventing vasoconstriction, aldosterone release, and sodium retention, leading to blood pressure reduction and renal protection.

Pharmacokinetics: Well absorbed orally; peak plasma concentration in 1–2 hours. Metabolized in liver to active metabolite EXP3174. Half-life ~2 hours (losartan) and 6–9 hours (active metabolite). Excreted via urine and feces.

Dosage & Administration ▼

Indication	Dose	Frequency / Notes
Hypertension	50 mg	Once daily; may increase to 100 mg if needed
Stroke Risk Reduction	50 mg	Once daily; titrate as needed
Diabetic Nephropathy	50 mg	Once daily; may increase to 100 mg based on renal function
Heart Failure (adjunct)	12.5–50 mg	Once or twice daily; titrate based on tolerance

Note: Monitor renal function and potassium levels; adjust dose in renal or hepatic impairment.

Side Effects ▼

Dizziness, hypotension

Hyperkalemia

Fatigue, headache

Renal impairment

Cough (less frequent than ACE inhibitors)

Angioedema (rare)

Contraindications ▼

Hypersensitivity to losartan or any component

Pregnancy (2nd & 3rd trimester)

Severe hepatic impairment

Severe renal artery stenosis

Drug Interaction ▼

ACE inhibitors or ARBs: additive hypotension and hyperkalemia risk

Potassium supplements: hyperkalemia risk

NSAIDs: may reduce antihypertensive effect and increase renal risk

Diuretics: additive blood pressure-lowering effect

Pregnancy & Lactation ▼

Contraindicated in second and third trimesters due to fetal risk

Breastfeeding: limited data, use with caution

Clinical / Research Summary ▼

Clinical Role: ARB for hypertension, stroke prevention, diabetic nephropathy, and adjunct therapy in heart failure.

Advantage: Lowers blood pressure without significant cough; renal protective effect in diabetes.

Limitation: Risk of hyperkalemia and hypotension; monitoring required in renal impairment.

Monitoring: Blood pressure, renal function, serum potassium, signs of angioedema.

Patient Counseling Points ▼

Take at the same time each day, with or without food

Do not stop therapy abruptly

Monitor blood pressure and kidney function regularly

Report dizziness, swelling, or unusual fatigue

Inform physician if pregnant or planning pregnancy

Storage & Handling ▼

Store below 30°C

Protect from moisture and light

Keep out of reach of children

Brand Names (Bangladesh & Global) ▼

Bangladesh:

Losart Tablet Osartil Tablet Losatan Tablet Losarva Tablet Losium Tablet Lospil Tablet Lospre Tablet Acusan Tablet Angilock Tablet Anreb Tablet Anin Tablet Cardisan Tablet Larb Tablet Lopo Tablet Lopoten Tablet Losa Tablet Losacard Tablet Losacor Tablet Osartan Tablet

Global:

Cozaar® Hyzaar® (combination with HCTZ)

Medical Disclaimer: For educational purposes only. Not a substitute for professional medical advice.

Reference Hubs:

• Drug Class: ARBs (Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers) • Condition: Hypertension • Condition: Stroke Risk Reduction • Condition: Diabetic Nephropathy • Condition: Heart Failure (Adjunct)