LOSARTAN POTASSIUM WITH RAMIPRIL

Losartan Potassium and Ramipril are medications used to treat hypertension and other cardiovascular conditions. Losartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), while Ramipril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. Both work by relaxing blood vessels, which lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow.

Indications

-Hypertension (high blood pressure) -Heart failure -Diabetic nephropathy (kidney disease caused by diabetes) -Cardiovascular risk reduction in patients with a high risk of heart attacks or strokes

Dosage

-Hypertension: Losartan: Starting dose is 50 mg once daily, can be increased to 100 mg once daily. Ramipril: Starting dose is 2.5 mg once daily, can be increased up to 10 mg daily in divided doses. -Heart failure: Losartan: Starting dose is 12.5 mg once daily, titrated to a target dose of 150 mg once daily. Ramipril: Starting dose is 1.25 mg once daily, increased to a maintenance dose of 5-10 mg daily. -Diabetic nephropathy: Losartan: 50-100 mg once daily. Ramipril: Starting dose 2.5 mg once daily, adjusted based on response.

Contra-Indications

-Hypersensitivity to Losartan, Ramipril, or any component of the formulation -History of angioedema related to previous ACE inhibitor or ARB therapy -Pregnancy -Bilateral renal artery stenosis

Special Precautions

-Monitor renal function and potassium levels regularly. -Use with caution in patients with renal or hepatic impairment. -Monitor for signs of hypotension, especially in volume-depleted patients. -Caution in patients with a history of angioedema. -Avoid using potassium supplements or potassium-sparing diuretics unless supervised by a healthcare provider.

Side Effects

-Dizziness -Hyperkalemia (elevated potassium levels) -Hypotension -Cough (more common with Ramipril) -Fatigue -Renal impairment -Angioedema -Headache -Nausea -Diarrhea

Drug Interactions

-Potassium-sparing diuretics and potassium supplements: Increased risk of hyperkalemia. -Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): May reduce the antihypertensive effects and worsen renal function. -Lithium: Increased risk of lithium toxicity. -Other antihypertensive agents: Additive effects, risk of hypotension. -Aliskiren: Increased risk of renal impairment, hypotension, and hyperkalemia, especially in diabetic patients.