Hyzaar |
Hyzaar - Losartan is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist drug used mainly to treat
high blood pressure (hypertension). Losartan was the first angiotensin II receptor
antagonist to be marketed. It is currently marketed by Merck & Co. under
the trade name Cozaar. Clinical use Main article: Angiotensin II receptor antagonist As with all angiotensin II receptor antagonists, losartan is indicated for the treatment of hypertension. Losartan may also delay progression of diabetic nephropathy and is also indicated for the reduction of renal disease progression in patients with type 2 diabetes, hypertension and microalbuminuria (>30 mg/24 hours) or proteinuria (>900 mg/24 hours). Although angiotensin II receptor antagonists are not usually considered first-line, because of the proven effectivity and lower costs of thiazide diuretics and beta blockers, losartan may be used first-line in patients with increased cardiovascular risk. The LIFE study demonstrated that losartan was significantly superior to atenolol in the primary prevention of adverse cardiovascular events (myocardial infarction or stroke), with a significant reduction in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality for a comparable reduction in blood pressure. Combination with diuretic Losartan is available in a combination formulation with a low dose thiazide diuretic, invariably hydrochlorothiazide, to counteract the increase in renin and to achieve an additive antihypertensive effect. The losartan/hydrochlorothiazide combination preparation is marketed by Merck under the trade name Hyzaar. Pharmacokinetics Absorption Losartan is well absorbed following oral administration. Metabolism Losartan undergoes significant first-pass metabolism to produce 5-carboxylic acid metabolite, designated as EXP3174. This metabolite is long-acting (6 to 8 hr), noncompetitive antagonist at the AT1 receptor and contribute to the pharmacological effects of Losartan. It is 10-40 times more potent in blocking AT1 receptors than Losartan. Bioavailability Losartan's bioavailability is about 32%. Half life Losartan's half life is very short: i.e only 2 hrs. Excretion Following oral administration, 6 % of Losartan is excreted unchanged in the urine. Doses Initial dose; 50mg/day Usual dose: 25-100 mg/day Research Losartan has been found to downregulate the expression of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß) types I and II receptors in the kidney of diabetic rats, which may partially account for its nephroprotective effects.[3] Effects on TGF-ß expression may also account for its potential efficacy in Marfan syndrome and Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) – losartan has been shown to prevent aortic aneurysm and certain pulmonary complications in a mouse model of the disease.[4] Mechanism of action & pharmacological actions Losartan is a selective, competitive Angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT1) receptor antagonist, reducing the end organ responses to angiotensin II. Losartan administration results in a decrease in total peripheral resistance (afterload) and cardiac venous return (preload) All of the physiological effects of angiotensin II, including stimulation of release of aldosterone, are antagonized in the presence of losartan. Reduction in blood pressure occurs independently of the status of the renin-angiotensin system. As a result of losartan dosing, plasma renin activity increases due to removal of the angiotensin II feedback. |