An oral angiotensin receptor blocker.
The chemical formed when the liver converts the inactive losartan into an active chemical blocks the angiotensin receptor.
Tablets: 25, 50 and 100 mg
Used for treating hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy and diabetic nephropathy.
May delay progression of diabetic nephropathy, and is also indicated for the reduction of renal disease progression in patients with type 2 diabetes, microalbuminuria (>30 mg/24 hours) or proteinuria (>900 mg/24 hours).
May be used alone or in combination with other drugs.
The LIFE study demonstrated superiority of this agent to atenolol in the primary prevention of adverse cardiovascular events, with a significant reduction in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality for a comparable reduction in blood pressure.
Usual starting dose of losartan for adults is 50 mg daily with a maximum dose of 100 mg daily.
The total daily dose may be divided and administered twice daily. Losartan may be given with or without food.
Inhibitors of cytochrome P450 enzymes such as fluconazole reduce the formation of the active drug metabolite in laboratory studies.
May increase seum potassium.
The antihypertensive effect of losartan may be reduced by nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs.
Side effects reported included diarrhea, muscle cramps, dizziness, insomnia, nasal congestion,and cough.
May reduce kidney function in some patients and should not be used by patients who have bilateral renal artery stenosis.
Rarely causes rhabdomyolysis.
Decreases serum levels of uric acid by approximately 10-15%.