What is Losartan 100mg Tablets ?
Losartan 100mg tablets are a type of medication commonly prescribed to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and certain types of heart conditions. Losartan belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs).
Angiotensin II is a hormone that can constrict blood vessels, leading to increased blood pressure. Losartan works by blocking the effects of angiotensin II, thereby relaxing blood vessels and reducing blood pressure.
Losartan 100mg Tablets Uses
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Losartan is commonly prescribed to lower high blood pressure. By blocking the effects of angiotensin II, it helps to relax blood vessels, which in turn reduces blood pressure.
- Preventing Stroke in Hypertensive Patients: In some cases, losartan may be prescribed to help prevent strokes in individuals with high blood pressure.
- Treating Heart Failure: Losartan is sometimes used in the treatment of heart failure. It can help improve symptoms and increase survival rates in individuals with reduced ejection fraction (a measure of the heart’s pumping ability).
- Preventing Kidney Damage in Diabetes: For people with type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, losartan can be used to help protect the kidneys from further damage.
- Alleviating Kidney Disease in Hypertensive Patients: In cases of chronic kidney disease, particularly in individuals with hypertension, losartan can be prescribed to slow down the progression of the disease.
- Improving Left Ventricular Hypertrophy: Losartan may be used to treat left ventricular hypertrophy, a condition where the heart’s left ventricle (the main pumping chamber) becomes enlarged.
- Post-Heart Attack Treatment: In some cases, losartan might be prescribed following a heart attack to help protect the heart and improve its function.
Losartan 100mg Tablets – Mechanism of Action and Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action of Losartan:
Losartan works by blocking the effects of angiotensin II at specific receptors in the body, known as angiotensin II type 1 receptors. Here’s how it operates:
- Receptor Blockade: Losartan binds to these receptors, preventing angiotensin II from attaching to them. This means that angiotensin II is unable to exert its vasoconstrictive and sodium-retaining effects.
- Vasodilation: By blocking angiotensin II, Losartan causes blood vessels to relax and widen (vasodilation). This leads to a decrease in resistance to blood flow, ultimately lowering blood pressure.
- Reduced Aldosterone Secretion: Since angiotensin II stimulates the release of aldosterone, blocking its effects with Losartan can result in reduced sodium and water retention by the kidneys.
Losartan 100mg Tablets – Composition and Active Ingredients
Active Ingredient:
- Losartan Potassium: This is the main active ingredient responsible for the therapeutic effects of the medication. It belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs).
Inactive Ingredients: The inactive ingredients can vary depending on the specific brand or manufacturer, but they typically include a combination of the following:
- Fillers: These are substances used to bulk up the tablet and ensure that it has a sufficient size and weight.
- Binders: These help hold the tablet together and give it its shape.
- Disintegrants: These aid in the tablet’s breakdown once it’s ingested, allowing the medication to be absorbed effectively.
- Lubricants: These are used in the manufacturing process to prevent the tablet from sticking to the machinery.
- Colorants: These are added to give the tablet a specific color, which can help with identification and may be for aesthetic purposes.
Losartan 100mg Tablets – Side-effects
- Dizziness or lightheadedness: Especially when standing up from a sitting or lying position.
- Fatigue or weakness: Some people may experience a decrease in energy levels.
- Elevated blood potassium levels (hyperkalemia): This is more likely to occur in individuals with kidney problems.
- Cough: Although less common than with ACE inhibitors, some people may develop a dry cough.
- Back pain
- Stomach pain or discomfort
- High blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia): This can occur, especially in individuals with diabetes.
- Changes in kidney function: Losartan can affect kidney function, particularly in individuals with pre-existing kidney disease.
Less commonly, but more serious, side effects may occur. These can include:
- Allergic reactions: This may include rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing.
- Low blood pressure (hypotension): This can occur, particularly if the dose is too high or if there are other medications or conditions affecting blood pressure.
