Losartan (As Potassium)

Mechanism of Action
Blocks binding of angiotensin II to type 1 angiotensin II receptors, blocks the vasoconstrictor and aldosterone-secreting effects of angiotensin II 
Pharmacokinetics
Bioavailability: 25%
Onset: 6 hr
Duration: 24 hr
Excretion: Urine (4%)
Contraindications
• Hypersensitivity
• Coadministration with aliskiren in patients with diabetes mellitus
Adverse Reactions
Cough, Upper respiratory tract infection, Dizziness, Nasal congestion, Back pain
Major Drug Interactions
Aliskiren - Sparsentan
Warnings
• Discontinue as soon as possible when pregnancy is detected, drug affects renin-angiotensin system, causing oligohydramnios, which may result in fetal injury or death
Recommendations for Patient
-
Pregnancy Considerations
Category: D
Breastfeeding Considerations
Because no information is available on the use of losartan during breastfeeding, an alternate drug may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.


Pregnancy Categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: Maybe acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.
C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.
D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.
X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.
NA: Information not available.