LOSATAL 50 TABLETS
LOSSARTAN POTASSIUM
What it does
Losartan is a medication that helps lower blood pressure and protect the kidneys in people with diabetes.
Commonly used for: high blood pressure (hypertension), heart failure, kidney problems in diabetes
Read more in plain English ↓Plain-language summary for general understanding - not medical advice. Always follow your pharmacist/doctor.
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Source: Food and Drugs Authority · fetched 2026-04-18 08:37:41 · updated 2026-10-20 04:00:04
About this medicine
Losartan is a medication that helps lower blood pressure and protect the kidneys in people with diabetes.
What it treats
- high blood pressure (hypertension)
- heart failure
- kidney problems in diabetes
How it works
Losartan works by blocking a substance in the body that can cause blood vessels to tighten, which helps to relax and widen the blood vessels, lowering blood pressure.
Who it's for
Losartan is for adults who have high blood pressure or certain kidney issues, especially those with diabetes.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: lossartan
Losartan is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist (ARB) used primarily for the treatment of hypertension and to protect the kidneys in patients with type 2 diabetes. It works by blocking the effects of angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor, resulting in vasodilation, decreased blood pressure, and reduced cardiovascular risk.
Indications
- Hypertension
- Heart failure
- Chronic kidney disease
- Diabetic nephropathy
- Reduction of cardiovascular risk in patients with hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy
Dosage
Children: Refer to the BNF for Children for specific paediatric dosing guidelines based on the indication and patient condition.
Adults: Refer to the BNF for specific adult dosing guidelines based on the indication and patient condition.
Mechanism of action
Losartan selectively blocks the binding of angiotensin II to the angiotensin I receptor (AT1), leading to vasodilation, reduced secretion of aldosterone, and decreased reabsorption of sodium and water. This results in lower blood pressure and decreased workload on the heart.
Pharmacodynamics
The pharmacodynamic effects of losartan include lowering of blood pressure, reduction in vascular resistance, and improved renal function in diabetic patients. It also exhibits a longer duration of action, permitting once-daily dosing for most patients.
Pharmacokinetics
Losartan is well absorbed after oral administration, with peak plasma concentrations reached within 1-2 hours. It undergoes extensive hepatic metabolism, primarily by cytochrome P450 2C9 to its active metabolite, E3174. The elimination half-life is approximately 2 hours for losartan and 6-9 hours for E3174. Both losartan and its active metabolite are primarily excreted via urine and feces.
Contra-indications
- Hypersensitivity to losartan or any of its excipients
- Severe hepatic impairment
- Pregnancy
- Bilateral renal artery stenosis or unilateral renal artery stenosis in a single functioning kidney
Adverse effects
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Hypotension
- Hyperkalemia
- Renal impairment
- Cough
- Angioedema
Interactions
- Potassium-sparing diuretics may increase the risk of hyperkalemia
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may reduce the antihypertensive effect of losartan
- Lithium concentrations may increase when used with losartan
Precautions
- Monitor renal function regularly, especially in patients with pre-existing renal conditions
- Caution in patients with a history of angioedema
- Use with caution in patients with aortic stenosis or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Pregnancy
Losartan is contraindicated in pregnancy as it may cause fetal harm, particularly in the second and third trimesters.
Breast-feeding
Losartan is excreted in breast milk; caution is advised when administering to nursing mothers.
Storage
Store at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Formulations
- Tablets: 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.