Losar-A Tab

Uses of Losar-A Tab

Antihypertensive. It is used in the management of high blood pressure.

Side Effects of Losar-A Tab

Headache, dizziness, back pain, myalgia, resp tract disorders, asthenia/fatigue; first-dose hypotension; rash, cough, angioedema; neutropaenial GI disturbances; transient elevation of liver enzymes; taste disturbances and hyperkalaemia. Potentially Fatal: Hypotension, bradycardia, conductive system delay, CCF.

Drug Interactions

Amlodipine: Increased metabolism with rifampin. Reduced hypotensive effect with calcium. Potentiates effects of thiazide diuretics and ACE inhibitors. Avoid combination with β-blockers in patients with markedly impaired left ventricular function. Losartan: Concurrent use with NSAIDs may further worsen renal function. Cimetidine may increase the AUC of losartan by about 18%. Phenobarbital and other enzyme inducers may decrease levels of losartan and its active metabolite. Ketoconazole inhibits the conversion of losartan to its active metabolite. Concurrent use with potassium-sparing diuretics or potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium may increase serum potassium levels. Reduces lithium excretion; monitor lithium levels if used together. Potentially Fatal: Increased cyclosporine levels. Risk of lithium toxicity with losartan. Hypotensive effect of losartan potentiated by diuretics and other antihypertensives. Risk of hyperkalaemia increases with concomitant ACE inhibitors, potassium-sparing diuretics and K supplements.

Contraindications

Known hypersensitivity. Avoid concomitant K supplements. Pregnancy.

Mechanism of Action

Amlodipine inhibits the movement of Ca ions across the cell membrane into vascular smooth muscles and myocytes. Action is greater in the arterial resistant vessels causing peripheral vasodilatation and reduction in afterload. Losartan is an angiotensin II receptor (type AT1) antagonists antihypertensive which acts by blocking the actions of angiotensin II of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. The drug and its active metabolite selectively block the vasoconstrictor and aldosterone secreting effects of angiotensin II by selectively antagonising the binding of angiotensin II to AT1 receptors. Absorption: Amlodipine: Plasma levels peak 6-12 hr after oral admin; absolute bioavailability is estimated to be 64-90%. Losartan: Well absorbed; undergoes substantial 1st pass metabolism by CYP450 enzymes; systemic bioavailability is about 33%; about 14% of an oral dose is converted to active metabolites. Distribution: Amlodipine: 93% bound to plasma proteins. Losartan and its active metabolites: Highly bound to plasma proteins, mainly albumin. Metabolism: Amlodipine: About 90% converted to inactive metabolites hepatically. Excretion: Amlodipine: 10% of parent compound and 60% of the metabolites are removed in the urine; elimination from the plasma is biphasic with terminal half-life of about 30-50 hr. Losartan and its active metabolites: Biliary excretion; terminal half-life: About 2 hr (losartan) and 6-9 hr (metabolites).

Special Precautions

Impaired hepatic or renal function, CHF, sick-sinus syndrome, severe ventricular dysfunction, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Elderly, children. Lactation. Volume-depleted patients; patients on diuretics and salt restriction; renal artery stenosis. Monitor serum K concentration.

How to Use

Take orally with food and water, as directed by your physician.

How to Store

Keep in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and moisture.

Safety Concerns

• Alcohol: Avoid during treatment.
• Breastfeeding: Not recommended.
• Pregnancy: Contraindicated.
• Liver/Kidney: Use with caution.

Content Disclaimer

This content is for educational purposes only. Please consult your doctor before use.