Description
In Kenya, losartan Normopress 50mg is primarily used for its antihypertensive properties, serving as an angiotensin II receptor antagonist. By selectively blocking AT1 receptors, losartan reduces the blood pressure-raising effects of angiotensin II, making it particularly effective for patients who experience coughing with ACE inhibitors. This medication is widely prescribed for hypertension, stroke prevention in those with left ventricular hypertrophy, and the treatment of diabetic nephropathy. Losartan has also shown potential benefits in managing heart failure and myocardial infarction.
Orally administered as the potassium salt, losartan’s optimal blood pressure-lowering effects typically manifest within three to six weeks of treatment. For most hypertensive patients in Kenya, the starting dose is Normopress 50 mg daily, which can be increased to 100 mg if needed. In patients with fluid depletion, as well as elderly individuals over 75, an initial 25 mg dose is generally advised. Those with liver or kidney impairment may also require similar adjustments to avoid adverse reactions.
In pediatric patients over six years with hypertension, losartan is initiated at a dose of 700 micrograms/kg daily, with a maximum limit of 50 mg, adjusted according to therapeutic response. Dosages exceeding 1.4 mg/kg or 100 mg daily are not well-studied and should only be used with close hospital monitoring. For diabetic nephropathy, the usual starting dose is 50 mg daily, which may be increased to 100 mg if necessary to control blood pressure effectively.
Adverse effects from losartan are often mild, including dizziness, headaches, and postural hypotension, particularly in volume-depleted patients. Other side effects may involve renal impairment, rash, urticaria, angioedema, and increased liver enzymes. Pregnant patients should avoid losartan due to fetal toxicity risks, with additional caution recommended for patients with renal artery stenosis. Hyperkalemia is a risk, so serum potassium levels should be monitored, particularly in elderly patients or those with kidney issues.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.