Brand Name: Lifezar

Generic Name: Losartan Potassium

Indications: Hypertension
Drug Classification: Antihypertensive
Mechanism of Action: As a selective and competitive, non-peptide angiotensin II
receptor antagonist, Losartan blocks the vasoconstrictor and aldosterone-
secreting effects of angiotensin II; Losartan interacts reversibly at the AT1 and
AT2 receptors of many tissues and has slow dissociation kinetics; its affinity for
the AT1 receptors is 1000 greater than the At2 receptor. Angiotensin II receptor
antagonists may induce a more complete inhibition of the rennin-angiotensin
system than ACE inhibitors, they do not affect the response to brdykinin, and
are less likely ti be associated with non-renin-angiotensin effects. Losartan
increases urinary flow rate and in addition to being natriuretic and kaliuretic,
increases excretion of chloride, magnesium, uric acid, calcium and phosphate
Dosage: 1 tab once a day, may increase to a maximum of 2 tabs daily
Special Precautions: hypotension and electrolyte/ fluid imbalance. Dosage adjustments
of antidiabetic agents and insulin may be required, SLE
Pregnancy Risk Category: C (first trimester) D ( second trimester)
Adverse reaction: dizziness, angioedema, diarrhea, hypersensitivity reaction,
hyperuracemia and or gout, increase in cholesterol or TG levels, cough, rarely
hepatitis.
Contraindications: anuria, hypersensitivity to other sulphonamide-devised drugs.
Intravascular volume depletion. Sever renal or hepatic impairment. Pregnancy,
lactation
Form: tab 30’s
Nursing Responsibilities:
 Observe for systemic hypertension and tachycardia especially in patients with
CHF, hyponatremia, high dose diuretics ore severe volume depletion.
 Monitor BP in supine position, electrolytes, urinalysis and CBC.