What is Losartan?
Losartan was the first approved AT1 receptor blocker (Sartan) and has a special feature: It also lowers the uric acid level as the only sartan. This makes it particularly suitable for patients with high blood pressure and simultaneous gout or elevated uric acid values.
Losartan is available as a monopreparation and in combination with hydrochlorothiazide (Losartan comp.).
Active Ingredients & Mechanism of Action
Active ingredient: Losartan
Losartan blocks the AT1 receptor:
Active mechanism:
- Selective blockade of the AT1 receptor
- Prevents the action of angiotensin II
- vascular expansion and blood pressure reduction
speciality – uric acid reduction:
- Losartan inhibits the URAT1 transporter in the kidney
- As a result, more uric acid is excreted via urine
- Only sartan with this additional effect
- Useful in patients with gout or hyperuricemia
Activity: Losartan has a relatively short half-life. The active metabolite EXP3174 extends the effect so that daily intake is sufficient.
Who is it suitable for?
Losartan is suitable for:
- Adults with high blood pressure
- Hypertensive patients with left ventricular hypertrophie (sleaf prevention)
- Protection of kidneys in type 2 diabetes with proteinuria
Especially recommended at:
- High blood pressure and gout/hyperuremia
- High blood pressure with heart thickening
- Diabetic kidney disease
Not suitable:
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Heavy liver failure
- At the same time with aliens in diabetes
Available Dosages
High blood pressure:
- start dose: 50 mg once a day
- usual dose: 50-100 mg once a day
- Maximum dose: 100 mg daily
Additional protection in diabetes:
- start dose: 50 mg once a day
- Target dose: 100 mg once a day
Available starches:
- 12.5 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg tablets
Combination:
- Losartan + Hydrochlorothiazid (Losartan comp.)
How to Take
Intake:
- Once a day, always at the same time
- Independent meals
- Take with water
**
- Regular blood pressure and laboratory control
- Sufficient liquid supply
- Do not drop abruptly
speciality: If there is insufficient blood pressure reduction with 100 mg, a combination with HCT or a calcium channel blocker can be more sensible than a dose increase.
Contraindications
**Losartan must not be taken at:* *
- Sensitivity to Losartan
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Heavy liver failure
- At the same time with aliens in diabetes
Preview at:
- Kidney failure
- Kidney artery stenosis
- Dehydration
- aortic or mitralstenosis
- Hyperkaliemia
pregnant: Like all Sartans in pregnancy strictly contraindicated.
Possible Side Effects
Acid (1-10%):
- Squeeze
- Hyperkaliemia
- fatigue
- Hypotonia
** Occasionally (0,1-1%):* *
- Headaches
- Sleep disorders
- Gastrointestinal complaints
- Kidney malfunction
- Muscle cramps
Selten:
- Angioedema
- Hepatitis
- Rhabdomyolysis
- Anemia
General: Sartans are very well tolerated. No dry irritating cough like ACE inhibitors.
Interactions
Contracted:
- Aliskiren in diabetes or kidney failure
Preview at:
- Potassium-saving diuretics → Hyperkaliemia
- NSAR → reduced effect
- Lithium → raised mirrors
- Rifampicin, Fluconazole → modified Losartan degradation
** Losartan is degraded via CYP2C9 and CYP3A4. Medicines that inhibit or activate these enzymes can affect the effect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Similar Medications
Is Losartan right for you?
A licensed doctor will review your information and issue a prescription if suitable. Discreet and secure.
Important Notice
This information does not replace medical advice. If you have questions about your health or the suitability of this medication, please consult a doctor. Read the package leaflet before use.