Composition and release form
The drug Lozap is available in the form of small tablets for parenteral administration. They are white, slightly elongated and convex on both sides. They have a soluble thin film shell. Packaged in blisters of 10 pieces. One cardboard package contains 3, 6, 9 blisters and includes instructions for use.
The active substance is potassium losartran.
Auxiliary components: cellulose, povidone, talc, magnesium stearate, macrogol, dyes, mannitol, croscarmellose sodium.
pharmachologic effect
The drug belongs to the group of antihypertensive drugs. It is a specific angiotensin receptor agonist. After taking the medicine, there is a decrease in vascular resistance, a decrease in aldosterone and adrenaline levels in the bloodstream. In addition, the pressure in the pulmonary circulation is normalized, a pronounced diuretic effect occurs and the afterload on the body is reduced.
The drug prevents the development of hypertrophy of the muscular lining of the heart and improves people's susceptibility to physical activity.
While taking the drug, the angiotensin-containing enzyme is not blocked. Therefore, the level of bradykinin does not increase and the effect on the kinin system is prevented.
The pharmacological effect of the drug is the same for all patients, regardless of age and gender.
After one dose of medication, the hypotensive effect is observed after 6 hours and gradually decreases throughout the day. When a course is prescribed, pronounced results of therapy appear in patients after 3-4 weeks.
People suffering from liver cirrhosis should be careful when using antihypertensive drugs. The active ingredient occurs in their blood. Therefore, they need dose adjustment.
After oral administration, the tablets are quickly absorbed. The maximum content of the drug in the body is recorded after an hour. The drug is administered through the kidneys and intestines.
Lozap® Plus
Hydrochlorothiazide
Renal dysfunction
In patients with impaired renal function, hydrochlorothiazide may cause azotemia. In case of renal failure, accumulation of hydrochlorothiazide is possible.
In patients with reduced renal function, periodic monitoring of creatinine clearance is necessary. If renal dysfunction progresses and/or oliguria (anuria) occurs, hydrochlorothiazide should be discontinued.
Liver dysfunction
When using thiazide diuretics in patients with impaired liver function, hepatic encephalopathy may develop. In patients with severe liver failure or hepatic encephalopathy, the use of thiazides is contraindicated. In patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment and/or progressive liver disease, hydrochlorothiazide should be used with caution, since even slight changes in fluid electrolyte balance and ammonium accumulation in the blood serum can cause hepatic coma. If symptoms of encephalopathy occur, diuretics should be discontinued immediately.
Water-electrolyte balance and metabolic disorders
Thiazide diuretics (including hydrochlorothiazide) can cause a decrease in the volume of circulating fluid (hypovolemia) and disturbances in water and electrolyte balance (including hypokalemia, hyponatremia, hypochloremic alkalosis). Clinical symptoms of fluid and electrolyte imbalance include dry mouth, thirst, weakness, lethargy, fatigue, drowsiness, restlessness, muscle pain or cramps, muscle weakness, marked decrease in blood pressure, oliguria, tachycardia, arrhythmia and gastrointestinal disorders (such as nausea and vomiting). In patients receiving hydrochlorothiazide therapy (especially with long-term course treatment), clinical symptoms of water-electrolyte imbalance should be identified and blood electrolyte levels should be regularly monitored.
Sodium
All diuretics can cause hyponatremia, sometimes leading to severe complications. Hyponatremia and hypovolemia can lead to dehydration and orthostatic hypotension. A concomitant decrease in chlorine ions can lead to secondary compensatory metabolic alkalosis, but the frequency and severity of this effect are insignificant. It is recommended to determine the content of sodium ions in the blood plasma before starting treatment and regularly monitor this indicator while taking hydrochlorothiazide.
Potassium
When using thiazide and thiazide-like diuretics, there is a risk of a sharp decrease in the potassium content in the blood plasma and the development of hypokalemia (potassium concentration less than 3.4 mmol/l). Hypokalemia increases the risk of developing heart rhythm disturbances (including severe arrhythmias) and enhances the toxic effect of cardiac glycosides. In addition, hypokalemia (as well as bradycardia) is a condition that contributes to the development of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia of the “pirouette” type, which can be fatal.
Hypokalemia poses the greatest danger to the following groups of patients: elderly people, patients simultaneously receiving therapy with antiarrhythmic and non-antiarrhythmic drugs that can cause polymorphic ventricular tachycardia of the "pirouette" type or increase the duration of the QT interval on the ECG, patients with impaired liver function, coronary heart disease , chronic heart failure. In addition, patients with an increased QT interval are at increased risk. It does not matter whether this increase is caused by congenital causes or the effect of drugs.
In all the cases described above, it is necessary to avoid the risk of developing hypokalemia and regularly monitor the potassium content in the blood plasma. The first measurement of the content of potassium ions in the blood must be carried out within the first week from the start of treatment. If hypokalemia occurs, appropriate treatment should be prescribed. Hypokalemia can be corrected by using potassium-containing medications or eating foods rich in potassium (dried fruits, fruits, vegetables).
Calcium
Thiazide diuretics may reduce the excretion of calcium ions by the kidneys, leading to a slight and temporary increase in plasma calcium levels. In some patients, with long-term use of thiazide diuretics, pathological changes in the parathyroid glands were observed with hypercalcemia and hyperphosphatemia, but without the typical complications of hyperparathyroidism (nephrolithiasis, decreased bone mineral density, peptic ulcer). Severe hypercalcemia may be a manifestation of previously undiagnosed hyperparathyroidism.
Because of their effect on calcium metabolism, thiazides may interfere with laboratory parameters of parathyroid function. Thiazide diuretics (including hydrochlorothiazide) should be discontinued before testing parathyroid function.
Magnesium
Thiazides have been found to increase renal excretion of magnesium, which can lead to hypomagnesemia. The clinical significance of hypomagnesemia remains unclear.
Glucose
Treatment with thiazide diuretics may impair glucose tolerance. When using hydrochlorothiazide in patients with manifest or latent diabetes mellitus, it is necessary to regularly monitor the concentration of glucose in the blood. Dosage adjustment of hypoglycemic medications may be required.
Uric acid
In patients with gout, the frequency of attacks may increase or the course of gout may worsen. Careful monitoring of patients with gout and impaired uric acid metabolism (hyperuricemia) is necessary.
Lipids
When using hydrochlorothiazide, the concentration of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood plasma may increase.
Acute myopia/secondary angle-closure glaucoma
Hydrochlorothiazide can cause an idiosyncratic reaction, leading to the development of acute myopia and an acute attack of secondary angle-closure glaucoma. Symptoms include: sudden loss of visual acuity or eye pain, usually occurring within hours to weeks of starting hydrochlorothiazide therapy. If left untreated, acute angle-closure glaucoma can lead to irreversible vision loss. If symptoms appear, you should stop taking hydrochlorothiazide as soon as possible. If intraocular pressure remains uncontrolled, emergency medical treatment or surgery may be required. Risk factors for the development of acute angle-closure glaucoma are: a history of an allergic reaction to sulfonamides or penicillin.
Immune system disorders
There are reports that thiazide diuretics (including hydrochlorothiazide) can cause exacerbation or progression of systemic lupus erythematosus, as well as lupus-like reactions.
In patients receiving thiazide diuretics, hypersensitivity reactions may occur even in the absence of a history of allergic reactions or bronchial asthma.
Photosensitivity
Cases of photosensitivity reactions have been reported when taking thiazide diuretics. If photosensitivity occurs while taking hydrochlorothiazide, treatment should be discontinued.
Non-melanoma skin cancer and lip cancer
Two epidemiological studies based on the Danish National Cancer Registries showed an increased risk of developing non-melanoma skin cancer and lip cancer (basal cell carcinoma of the skin and squamous cell carcinoma of the skin) with increasing cumulative dose of hydrochlorothiazide.
Hydrochlorothiazide has a photosensitizing effect, which may cause the development of non-melanoma skin and lip cancer.
Patients taking hydrochlorothiazide should be informed of the risk of developing non-melanoma skin and lip cancer and the need to regularly examine the skin for new changes as well as changes in existing ones. If any suspicious skin lesions are detected, the patient should immediately consult a doctor. Particular attention should be paid to patients who have known risk factors for skin cancer, including: skin phototypes II (pale and fair skin), a family history of skin cancer, a history of skin damage caused by sun or ultraviolet radiation and radiation therapy , smoking and taking drugs with photosensitizing effects.
Patients should be advised to take measures to prevent the development of skin cancer, such as limiting time in the sun and exposure to ultraviolet rays, and using appropriate sunscreens when exposed to the sun. Any suspicious skin lesions should be immediately examined, including histological examination of material obtained by biopsy of tissue at the site of the lesion. It may also be necessary to reconsider the use of hydrochlorothiazide in patients with a history of non-melanoma skin cancer and lip cancer.
Athletes
Hydrochlorothiazide may give a positive result during doping control in athletes.
Other
In patients with severe atherosclerosis of the cerebral and coronary arteries, hydrochlorothiazide should be used with extreme caution.
Thiazide diuretics can reduce the amount of iodine bound to plasma proteins without causing signs of thyroid dysfunction.
Evidence from epidemiological studies
Two epidemiological studies based on the Danish National Cancer Registries revealed a relationship between hydrochlorothiazide use and the risk of developing non-melanoma skin and lip cancer (basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma). In one study, high-dose hydrochlorothiazide (cumulative dose >50,000 mg) was associated with the development of basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Another study observed a possible association between the risk of lip cancer and hydrochlorothiazide use. There was a clear relationship between cumulative dose and response for patients who received at least one dose, for patients who received the highest dose (>25,000 mg), and for patients who received the highest cumulative dose (>100,000 mg).
Losartan
Angioedema
Patients with a history of angioedema (including swelling of the larynx and vocal folds with the development of airway obstruction and/or swelling of the face, lips, pharynx and/or tongue) require careful monitoring of the use of the drug.
Arterial hypotension and decreased circulating blood volume (CBV)
In patients with hypovolemia and/or reduced sodium levels in the blood plasma resulting from intensive use of diuretics, restriction of dietary salt intake, diarrhea or vomiting, symptomatic arterial hypotension may develop (especially after taking the first dose). It is necessary to correct such conditions before starting the use of losartan.
Water-electrolyte imbalance
Fluid and electrolyte imbalances often occur in patients with impaired renal function (with or without diabetes mellitus), therefore the concentration of potassium in the blood plasma and creatinine clearance should be carefully monitored, especially in patients with heart failure and creatinine clearance in the range of 30-50 ml /min. The simultaneous use of losartan with potassium-sparing diuretics, potassium supplements and potassium-containing salt substitutes is not recommended.
Liver dysfunction
Pharmacokinetic data indicate a marked increase in plasma concentrations of losartan in patients with cirrhosis; losartan should be used with caution in patients with a history of mild or moderate hepatic impairment (<9 Child-Pugh points). There is no experience with the use of losartan in patients with severe liver dysfunction, therefore the use of losartan is contraindicated in this group of patients.
Renal dysfunction
Impaired renal function has been reported due to inhibition of the RAAS, including renal failure (particularly in patients whose renal function is dependent on the RAAS, for example, with severe heart failure or existing renal impairment). As with the use of other drugs that affect the RAAS, cases of increased concentrations of urea and creatinine in the blood plasma have been described in patients with bilateral renal artery stenosis or with renal artery stenosis of a single kidney. These changes in renal function may be reversible and decrease after treatment is discontinued. Losartan should be used with caution in patients with bilateral renal artery stenosis or renal artery stenosis of a solitary kidney.
Kidney transplant
There is no experience with the use of losartan in patients who have recently undergone kidney transplantation, so caution should be exercised when using the drug in such patients.
Primary hyperaldosteronism
Patients with primary hyperaldosteronism typically do not respond to treatment with antihypertensive drugs that inhibit the RAAS. For this reason, the use of losartan is not recommended.
Coronary heart disease and cerebrovascular disease
As with the use of any other antihypertensive drugs, an excessive decrease in blood pressure in patients with coronary heart disease or cerebrovascular disease can lead to the development of myocardial infarction or ischemic stroke.
Heart failure
As with other drugs that affect the RAAS, patients with heart failure with or without renal impairment are at risk of developing severe hypotension and acute renal failure.
Aortic and mitral valve stenosis, hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy
As with other vasodilators, special caution should be exercised in patients with aortic or mitral stenosis or hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy.
Differences due to ethnicity
By analogy with other ACE inhibitors, losartan and other ARBs are markedly less effective in lowering blood pressure in blacks compared to patients of other races. This may be due to more frequent cases of low renin concentrations in representatives of the Negroid race with hypertension.
Dual blockade of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system
There is evidence that the simultaneous use of ACE inhibitors, ARB II or aliskiren increases the risk of arterial hypotension, hyperkalemia and renal dysfunction (including acute renal failure), therefore, double blockade of the RAAS when using a combination of losartan with ACE inhibitors or aliskiren is not recommended. If it is necessary to carry out double blockade of the RAAS, treatment should be carried out under the supervision of a specialist with frequent and careful monitoring of renal function, water and electrolyte balance and blood pressure indicators.
Concomitant use of ARB II, including losartan, with drugs containing aliskiren is contraindicated in patients with diabetes mellitus and/or patients with moderate to severe renal impairment (GFR less than 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 body surface area) and is not recommended in other patients (see section “Contraindications”),
Concomitant use of ARB II, including losartan, with ACE inhibitors is contraindicated in patients with diabetic nephropathy and is not recommended in other patients (see section "Contraindications").
Excipient
The drug contains Crimson dye [Ponceau 4R], which can cause allergic reactions.
Lozap indication
The use of Lozap is relevant for the following conditions:
- High blood pressure.
- Chronic course of heart failure.
- Prevention of the development of severe vascular and cardiac diseases among patients with hypertension and left ventricular enlargement.
- Nephropathy and high blood pressure in people with diabetes.
- Contraindications
- Absolute contraindications for use are:
- Increase in potassium levels in the blood.
- Low pressure.
- Individual intolerance to the medicinal components included in the composition.
- The time of bearing a child.
- Breastfeeding.
- Symptoms of dehydration.
- Children under 18 years of age.
Side effects
As a rule, during the course of therapy, patients experience virtually no side effects. If they appear, they go away on their own and quickly, so there is no need to discontinue the drug. The following side effects are possible when taking Lozap:
- Dizziness, increased fatigue, headache, problems falling asleep. Migraines, anxiety, tremor, and depression are less common.
- Infection of the respiratory system. Signs of rhinitis, bronchitis and respiratory distress may appear.
- Dyspeptic symptoms, rarely gastritis, dry mouth, flatulence.
- Disturbance of the musculoskeletal system. Possible pain in the back and muscles, cramps.
- Signs of cardiac dysfunction are expressed in tachycardia, bradycardia, arrhythmia.
- Rarely, kidney problems, sexual dysfunction and infections of the urinary system appear.
- Allergic reactions, dry dermis, excessive sweating.
Instructions for use of Lozap
The medicine is intended for oral administration, regardless of the time of meal. It is recommended to take the tablets once a day.
For severe hypertension, patients are prescribed 50 mg. According to clinical indications, the dosage can be doubled.
According to the attached instructions, in case of cardiac insufficiency, patients are prescribed 12.5 mg once a day. Every week the dose of the drug is increased by 2 times until it reaches 50 mg per day.
In cases where patients are simultaneously taking diuretic drugs, the therapeutic dose of Lozap should be reduced to 25 mg.
Elderly people and those with kidney problems do not need to change the therapeutic dosage.
Characteristics of Lozap Plus
A combined drug produced in the form of elongated yellow film-coated tablets with a separation line on both sides. It contains 2 active ingredients:
- angiotensin II potassium receptor antagonist losartan - 50 mg;
- diuretic hydrochlorothiazide - 12.5 mg.
Lozap Plus is a combined drug produced in the form of elongated yellow film-coated tablets with a separation line on both sides.
Blisters containing 10 or 15 tablets are packaged in cardboard packs of 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 or 9 pieces.
The pharmacological action of hydrochlorothiazide is to increase:
- aldosterone production;
- plasma angiotensin II concentrations;
- renin activity.
In addition, its use reduces the volume of blood plasma and the amount of potassium in it.
Taking this substance together with losartan potassium provides:
- synergistic effect, due to which a more pronounced hypotensive effect is achieved;
- weakening of hyperuricemia initiated by a diuretic.
It is important that treatment with this medication does not cause changes in heart rate. The drug is indicated for use in arterial hypertension requiring combination therapy. In addition, its use can reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases due to arterial hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy.
Lozap Plus is not prescribed for gout.
The initial dosage of the drug is 1 tablet per day. If necessary, it can be doubled, while the dose is still carried out once. The daily dose should be adjusted in the presence of the same number of indications as for the single drug Lozap.
The drug is not prescribed for:
- hyper- or hypokalemia, hyponatremia;
- severe diseases of the kidneys, liver or biliary tract;
- gout or hyperuricemia;
- anuria;
- pregnancy, lactation, and also during the period of planning conception;
- hypersensitivity to the components of the drug or sulfonamide derivatives.
It should be used with caution in the same conditions as the single drug Lozap, as well as in:
- hypomagnesemia;
- connective tissue diseases;
- diabetes mellitus;
- myopia;
- bronchial asthma;
No side effects of the drug associated with the combined use of losartan with hydrochlorothiazide were identified. All negative effects that occur during such therapy are due to the influence of each substance separately.
For bronchial asthma, the drug should be used with caution.
In addition to the side effects caused by losartan potassium and identical to the negative reactions that occur when taking Lozap, Lozap Plus can cause:
- vasculitis;
- respiratory distress syndrome;
- jaundice and cholecystitis;
- convulsions.
Interactions with drugs
Combining the drug with Fluconazole and Rifampicin leads to a decrease in the active substance.
Lozap increases the pharmacological activity of other antihypertensive drugs.
It is not recommended to take the medicine in parallel with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
When interacting with potassium and potassium-sparing diuretics, it is important to monitor the level of the element in the blood to prevent the occurrence of hyperkalemia.
Patients with obvious symptoms of dehydration while taking diuretics may experience a rapid decrease in blood pressure when taking an antihypertensive drug.
Reviews from doctors
Sorokin V.T., therapist, 32 years old: “I prescribe drugs of this group for hypertension in the initial stage. I consider these products to be quite safe for the body and effective in reducing blood pressure. “I would like to note that in severe stages of the disease, the effect of these medications will not be enough for a day and you should use another type of antihypertensive drugs, for example, beta blockers.”
Dorogina M.N., cardiologist, 43 years old: “During my practice, I came to the conclusion that the Slovak Lozap is better tolerated than its Russian counterparts. More than 90% of patients noted normalization of blood pressure and the absence of adverse reactions.
