Losartan Potassium 50 mg + Amlodipine 5 mg Tablet

Product Description

Beneficial effects of the combination of amlodipine and losartan for lowering blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Author information

Abstract

A combination of antihypertensive agents can better control blood pressure and reduce the number and severity of side effects than a monotherapy.

Since both CCBs (calcium channel blockers) and ARBs (angiotensin II receptor type-1 blockers) are current and effective antihypertensive drugs,

this study assessed the synergistic antihypertensive effects as well as the optimal combination ratio of these two drugs.

Amlodipine (3 mg/kg) or losartan (30 mg/kg) alone or a combination of each drug at a ratio 1:10 and 1:20 was administered orally to spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). A four-week treatment of either 3 mg/kg amlodipine or 30 mg/kg losartan alone decreased the systolic blood pressure (SBP). However,

their combination significantly lowered the SBP from the 3(rd) week, and there was a positive correlation between this reduction in blood pressure and the improvement in arterial endothelium-dependent relaxation. In addition,
the combination therapy (1:20) decreased both the cardiac mass and left ventricular weight to a greater extent than with either amlodipine or losartan alone.
The collagen content in the cardiac tissue was also significantly lower after the 4-week combination therapy (1:10).
These results suggest that the combined use of amlodipine and losartan might be more effective in treating hypertension than a monotherapy.

Losartanis used to treathigh blood pressure(hypertension) and to help protect thekidneysfrom damage due todiabetes. It is also used to lower the risk of strokes in patients withhigh blood pressureand anenlarged heart. Loweringhigh blood pressurehelps prevent strokes,heart attacks, andkidneyproblems. Losartan belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). It works by relaxingbloodvessels so thatbloodcan flow more easily.

How To Use Losartan Potassium

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from yourpharmacistbefore you start takinglosartanand each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take thismedicationbymouthas directed by your doctor, usually once daily with or without food. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

If you are using the liquid form of this medication, shake the bottle well before each dose. Carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people withhigh blood pressuredo not feel sick.

Side Effects

Dizzinessorlightheadednessmay occur as your body adjusts to themedication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor orpharmacistpromptly.

To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur:fainting, symptoms of ahigh potassiumbloodlevel (such as muscleweakness, slow/irregular heartbeat).

Althoughlosartanmay be used to preventkidneyproblems or treat people who havekidneyproblems, it may also rarely cause serious kidney problems or make them worse. Your doctor will check your kidney function while you are taking losartan. Tell your doctor right away if you have any signs of kidney problems such as a change in the amount of urine.

A very seriousallergic reactionto this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a seriousallergic reaction, including:rash,itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness,trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Before takinglosartan, tell your doctor orpharmacistif you are allergic to it; or if you have any otherallergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using thismedication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:liverdisease, severe loss of body water andminerals(dehydration).

This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol ormarijuanacan make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limitalcoholicbeverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana.

This medication may increase yourpotassiumlevels. Before using potassiumsupplementsor salt substitutes that contain potassium, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (includingprescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

This medication is not recommended for use duringpregnancydue to the risk for harm to an unborn baby. Consult your doctor for more details. (See also Warning section.)

It is unknown if this drug passes intobreastmilk. Consult your doctor beforebreast-feeding.