Angilock 100 mg

Description

Indications

Hypertension: Angilock tablet is prescribed for the treatment of hypertension. It can be used alone or in combination with other antihypertensive medications, such as thiazide diuretics.

Renal Protection in Type-2 Diabetic Patients with Proteinuria: Angilock is used to slow the progression of kidney disease in hypertensive type-2 diabetic patients with proteinuria, characterized by a urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio exceeding 300 mg/g.

Pharmacology

Losartan Potassium is the first non-peptide angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) that is orally active. It selectively binds to the AT1 receptor present in various tissues, including vascular smooth muscle, adrenal glands, kidneys, and the heart. This binding inhibits key biological actions such as vasoconstriction and aldosterone secretion, both of which contribute to hypertension.

Dosage & Administration

• The usual starting and maintenance dose for most patients is 50 mg once daily. If the response is inadequate, an alternative regimen of 25 mg twice daily may be considered before increasing the dose further.
• In patients with intravascular volume depletion (e.g., those on high-dose diuretics), an initial dose of 25 mg once daily is recommended.
• The total daily dose of Losartan Potassium ranges from 25 mg to 100 mg, and it can be administered once or twice daily.

Dosage Considerations by Age:

• Patients up to 75 years: No dosage adjustment is required.
• Patients over 75 years: Due to limited clinical experience, a lower initial dose of 25 mg once daily is advised.

Drug Interactions

• Rifampicin and fluconazole may reduce the active metabolite levels of Angilock.
• Concurrent use with hydrochlorothiazide may enhance its antihypertensive effects.
• Combining Angilock with potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., spironolactone, triamterene, amiloride), potassium supplements, or potassium-containing salt substitutes may raise serum potassium levels.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as indomethacin, may weaken the antihypertensive effect of losartan.
• Using ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor antagonists, NSAIDs, and thiazide diuretics simultaneously may increase the risk of renal impairment.

Contraindications

• Angilock is contraindicated in pregnancy.
• Patients with known hypersensitivity to any component of this medication should avoid its use.
• It should not be co-administered with Aliskiren in diabetic patients.

Side Effects

The side effects associated with Angilock are generally mild and temporary. Common side effects include:

• Dizziness
• Diarrhea
• Nasal congestion
• Cough
• Upper respiratory tract infections Other possible side effects include fatigue, swelling (edema), abdominal pain, chest pain, nausea, headache, and throat irritation (pharyngitis).

Pregnancy & Lactation

• Pregnancy Category D: The risk to the fetus increases when Losartan Potassium is administered during the second or third trimester of pregnancy.
• It is unknown whether Losartan Potassium is excreted in human breast milk. Since many drugs are excreted in breast milk and may have adverse effects on the nursing infant, a decision should be made to either discontinue the drug or cease breastfeeding, depending on its importance to the mother.

Precautions & Warnings

• Use during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy can reduce fetal kidney function, leading to complications and even neonatal mortality.
• Patients with intravascular volume depletion (e.g., those on high-dose diuretics) may experience symptomatic hypotension.
• Plasma concentrations of Angilock are significantly elevated in patients with liver cirrhosis.
• Changes in kidney function, including renal failure, have been observed in patients with pre-existing renal impairment.

Use in Special Populations

• Renal Impairment: No dosage adjustment is required in mild renal impairment (creatinine clearance 20-50 ml/min). For moderate to severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <20 ml/min) or dialysis patients, a lower starting dose of 25 mg once daily is recommended.
• Intravascular Volume Depletion: In patients with volume depletion due to high-dose diuretics, a starting dose of 25 mg once daily is advised.
• Hepatic Impairment: Due to increased plasma levels of losartan in patients with liver disease, a lower dose should be considered.

Therapeutic Class

Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs).

Storage Conditions

• Store in a dry place, away from direct light and heat.
• Keep out of reach of children.