Losanorm H50

LOSANORM H50 by IPCA LABORATORIES LTD is a combination medication primarily used for the management of high blood pressure (hypertension). It also helps reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other cardiovascular complications associated with hypertension.

Name

• Brand Name: LOSANORM H50
• Common Names: Losartan Potassium and Hydrochlorothiazide tablets

Composition

LOSANORM H50 contains two active ingredients:

• Losartan Potassium: 50 mg
• Hydrochlorothiazide: 12.5 mg

Losartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) that works by relaxing and widening blood vessels for easier blood flow. Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill) that helps the body eliminate excess salt and water, thereby preventing fluid retention and lowering blood pressure.

Uses

LOSANORM H50 is prescribed for:

• Hypertension (high blood pressure), especially when a single medicine is insufficient to control blood pressure.
• Reduction of stroke risk in patients with high blood pressure, particularly those with left ventricular hypertrophy (enlarged heart muscle).
• Managing fluid buildup and swelling (edema) caused by heart, kidney, or liver diseases.
• Protecting kidneys from damage in diabetic patients.
• Heart failure & Cardiovascular Risk Reduction

Dosage and Administration

• LOSANORM H50 is typically taken orally once daily, with or without food, as advised by a doctor.
• It is recommended to swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water; do not crush, chew, or break it.
• Taking it in the morning is often advised to avoid frequent nighttime urination due to the diuretic component.
• It is crucial to follow the doctor's prescribed dosage and duration and not to exceed the recommended dose. Do not stop taking the medicine suddenly without consulting a doctor, as this can lead to a rise in blood pressure.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when standing up
• Fatigue or feeling tired
• Nausea
• Diarrhoea
• Headache
• Back pain
• Cold/flu symptoms like a cough
• Increased blood uric acid, increased blood lipid level, glucose intolerance, electrolyte imbalance

Serious Side Effects (rare but require medical attention):

• Severe allergic reactions (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing)
• Severe dizziness, fainting, or a fast/irregular heartbeat
• Kidney problems (decreased urine output, swelling)
• Hyperkalemia (high potassium levels in the blood)
• Photosensitivity (increased sensitivity to the sun)

Precautions

• Allergies: Do not use if allergic to losartan, hydrochlorothiazide, sulfonamide medicines, or any other ingredients in the tablet.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: LOSANORM H50 is not recommended during pregnancy (especially in the second and third trimesters) as it can harm the fetus, and is also considered unsafe during breastfeeding.
• Medical Conditions: Use with caution in patients with diabetes, liver disease, severe kidney disease, low blood pressure (hypotension), cardiogenic shock, aortic stenosis, gout, or primary aldosteronism.
• Alcohol: Avoid alcohol consumption as it may increase the risk of low blood pressure and enhance certain side effects like dizziness.
• Drug Interactions:
  • Avoid potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium due to the risk of hyperkalemia.
  • Caution with NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen) as they can reduce the blood pressure-lowering effect and increase kidney damage risk.
  • May affect blood glucose levels, requiring close monitoring for diabetic patients on insulin or oral antidiabetic medications.
  • Contraindicated with aliskiren in diabetic patients or those with low GFR.
• Monitoring: Regular monitoring of blood pressure, kidney function, and blood potassium levels is recommended.
• Dehydration: Drink plenty of fluids as the medicine can cause dehydration.
• Driving: May cause dizziness or drowsiness; avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if affected.

Storage

• Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight.
• Keep out of sight and reach of children and pets.
• Store below 30°C and protect from light and moisture.

LOSANORM H50 by IPCA LABORATORIES LTD is a combination medication containing Losartan Potassium (50mg) and Hydrochlorothiazide (12.5mg). It is primarily used to treat high blood pressure.

What is LOSANORM H50 used for?

LOSANORM H50 is primarily used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It is often prescribed when a single medication is not sufficient to control blood pressure. Additionally, it helps to reduce the risk of stroke in patients with high blood pressure and left ventricular hypertrophy (enlargement of the heart's main pumping chamber). It can also assist in managing fluid retention (edema) caused by heart, kidney, or liver conditions.

How does LOSANORM H50 work?

LOSANORM H50 combines two active ingredients: Losartan and Hydrochlorothiazide. Losartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) that works by relaxing and widening blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more smoothly. Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (or "water pill") that helps your kidneys remove excess salt and water from your body, which further lowers blood pressure. The combined action effectively reduces blood pressure.

What is the usual dosage of LOSANORM H50?

The usual starting dose of the Losartan and Hydrochlorothiazide combination is often 50 mg/12.5 mg (which is the composition of LOSANORM H50) taken once daily. Your doctor may adjust the dose based on your blood pressure response, potentially increasing it after about three weeks if needed. The maximum recommended daily dose for this combination is typically 100 mg Losartan and 25 mg Hydrochlorothiazide. This medication is generally not used as initial therapy unless hypertension is severe.

What are the possible side effects of LOSANORM H50?

Common side effects may include dizziness, back pain, headache, fatigue, stuffy nose, sneezing, and sore throat (cold symptoms). More serious, though less common, side effects can include allergic reactions (like hives, swelling of face/lips/tongue/throat), light-headedness or fainting, irregular heartbeats, eye pain or vision problems (which can lead to permanent vision loss if untreated), kidney problems (e.g., little or no urination, rapid weight gain), new or worsening symptoms of lupus, or low potassium levels. Hydrochlorothiazide, one of the components, may also increase the risk of skin cancer, so sun protection is important.

Is LOSANORM H50 safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

LOSANORM H50 is generally not recommended during pregnancy, especially during the second and third trimesters, as it can cause harm or even death to the developing fetus. It is advised to stop taking this medication as soon as pregnancy is detected.

For breastfeeding mothers, LOSANORM H50 is also not recommended. While it's unknown if Losartan passes into breast milk, Hydrochlorothiazide is known to be excreted into human milk and may cause side effects in a breastfed infant. Your doctor will help you decide whether to discontinue breastfeeding or stop taking the medication, considering the importance of the drug to your health.

Can LOSANORM H50 be taken with other medications?

LOSANORM H50 can interact with several other medications. It is important to inform your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements you are taking. Significant interactions can occur with:

• Potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium: May increase potassium levels in your blood.
• Lithium: May increase lithium levels in your body.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen: May increase the risk of kidney damage.
• Other blood pressure medications: Can increase the risk of very low blood pressure, high potassium, or kidney damage.
• Cholesterol-lowering drugs (e.g., cholestyramine, colestipol): Take LOSANORM H50 at least 4-6 hours apart from these medications.
• Alcohol: Can further lower blood pressure and increase the risk of dizziness or lightheadedness.
• Aliskiren: Should not be used together if you have diabetes.

What precautions should be taken while taking LOSANORM H50?

• Regularly monitor your blood pressure as directed by your doctor.
• Avoid dehydration by staying well-hydrated, especially during exercise, hot weather, or if experiencing vomiting or diarrhea, as this can lead to very low blood pressure or kidney problems.
• Be cautious when standing up quickly from a sitting or lying position to prevent dizziness or fainting.
• Limit alcohol consumption.
• Due to the hydrochlorothiazide component, your skin may be more sensitive to the sun. Use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and avoid sunlamps or tanning beds. Your doctor may also recommend regular skin examinations.
• Inform your healthcare team if you have a history of kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, gout, or lupus.
• Do not suddenly stop taking LOSANORM H50 without consulting your doctor, as this can lead to a sudden increase in blood pressure.

What happens if a dose of LOSANORM H50 is missed?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

How should LOSANORM H50 be stored?

Store LOSANORM H50 at room temperature, ideally between 15°C and 30°C (59°F and 86°F). Keep the medication in its original, tightly closed container, away from moisture, heat, and direct light. Ensure it is stored out of the reach of children.