Osartil 50 Plus

Uses of Osartil 50 Plus

• Treats Hypertension

How does Osartil 50 Plus work?

Osartil 50 Plus displaces angiotensin II with a very high affinity from its binding site at the AT1 receptor subtype, which is responsible for the known actions of angiotensin II. Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic that inhibits a sodium-chloride symporter SLC12A3 in the distal convoluted tubule to inhibit water reabsorption in the nephron. The symporter reabsorbs sodium and creates an osmotic gradient for water to be reabsorbed, the inhibition of which prevents water reabsorption.

Side Effects of Osartil 50 Plus

• Stuffy nose
• Back pain
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue and dizziness
• Pain in the chest
• High/low blood pressure
• Dehydration
• Cold/flu symptoms

Quick Suggestions:

• You have been prescribed Losartan + Hydrochlorothiazide for the treatment of high blood pressure.
• It may also decrease the risk of stroke and heart attacks.
• It can be taken with or without food.
• Losartan + Hydrochlorothiazide may cause dehydration. Drink plenty of fluids and inform your doctor if you develop extreme thirst, very dry mouth, or muscle weakness.
• Quitting smoking is the best strategy to lower the risk of heart disease.
• Avoid chronic stress as it can raise your blood pressure. Try to enjoy and spent time with your loved ones to cope with stress and practice mindfulness techniques.
• Monitor your blood pressure daily and if there is too much fluctuation, then immediately contact your doctor.
• Try to include heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids-containing food drinks in your daily diet. You can also use low-fat cooking oil like olive oil, soybean oil, canola oil, and coconut oil to lower your elevated blood pressure.
• It may cause dizziness. Get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.
• Use of Losartan + Hydrochlorothiazide during pregnancy or breastfeeding is unsafe.

Indication of Osartil 50 Plus

There are three main reasons for its usage.

Firstly

Treatment of High Blood Pressure: Osartil 50 Plus is primarily used for the treatment of essential hypertension or high blood pressure. By combining the actions of Losartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker, and Hydrochlorothiazide, a thiazide diuretic, it helps to lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels and increasing urine output.

Secondly

Risk Reduction of Stroke in People with High Blood Pressure and Left Ventricular Hypertrophy (LVH): Left ventricular hypertrophy refers to the enlargement and thickening of the muscle wall of the left ventricle of the heart. Osartil 50 Plus is prescribed to individuals with high blood pressure and LVH to reduce the risk of stroke. By controlling blood pressure and reducing the workload on the heart, Osartil 50 Plus helps decrease the chances of stroke occurrence.

Lastly

Treatment of Diabetic Nephropathy: Diabetic nephropathy is a kidney disease caused by diabetes. Osartil 50 Plus is also used in the management of this condition. Diabetes can damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to impaired kidney function. Osartil 50 Plus helps protect the kidneys by lowering blood pressure and reducing the strain on the renal system.

Pharmacology

Angiotensin II is formed from angiotensin I through the action of an enzyme called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). Angiotensin II is a potent vasoconstrictor and plays a crucial role in the renin-angiotensin system, which is involved in the regulation of blood pressure. It also stimulates the release of aldosterone from the adrenal cortex. Aldosterone promotes sodium and water retention, leading to an increase in blood volume and further elevation of blood pressure.

Losartan, the active component of Osartil 50 Plus, and its primary metabolite act by blocking the effects of angiotensin II at its receptor sites. Specifically, they selectively block the binding of angiotensin II to the AT1 receptor, which is found in various tissues such as vascular smooth muscle and the adrenal gland. By inhibiting the actions of angiotensin II, losartan helps to relax and widen blood vessels, reducing vasoconstriction and lowering blood pressure. It also decreases aldosterone secretion, leading to reduced sodium and water retention.

It's important to note that losartan and its metabolite do not inhibit the enzyme ACE (kinase II), which is responsible for converting angiotensin I to angiotensin II. Additionally, they do not bind to or block other hormone receptors or ion channels known to be involved in cardiovascular control.

Hydrochlorothiazide, the other component of Osartil 50 Plus, is a thiazide diuretic. It acts on the renal tubules to increase the excretion of sodium and chloride, reducing their reabsorption. This leads to increased urine production and a decrease in plasma volume. As a result, plasma renin activity increases, which stimulates the release of aldosterone. Aldosterone, in turn, promotes potassium excretion while increasing sodium and water retention. When Osartil 50 Plus is coadministered with an angiotensin II receptor antagonist like losartan, it can help counteract the potassium loss associated with thiazide diuretics.

Dosage & Administration of Osartil 50 Plus

The recommended starting dose of Osartil 50 Plus for hypertension is one tablet of 50/12.5 (50 mg of losartan and 12.5 mg of hydrochlorothiazide) taken once daily. This dosage can be increased to one tablet of 100/25 if the blood pressure is not adequately controlled with the lower dose.

For patients with left ventricular hypertrophy, the initial dose is one tablet of 50/12.5. If additional blood pressure reduction is needed, the dosage may be increased to one tablet of 100/12.5. If further control is required, the maximum dose of one tablet of 100/25 once daily may be used.

The antihypertensive effect of Osartil 50 Plus is typically achieved within three weeks after starting the therapy.

For elderly patients, no initial dosage adjustment is necessary for the 50/12.5 dose. However, the maximum dose of 100/25 should not be used as initial therapy in elderly patients.

In cases of severe hypertension, the starting dose is one tablet of 50/12.5 once daily. If the response is insufficient after 2 to 4 weeks, the dosage can be increased to one tablet of 100/25 once daily. The maximum recommended dose is one tablet of 100/25 once daily.

Osartil 50 Plus can be used in combination with other antihypertensive medications if needed. It can be taken with or without food. It is important to follow your physician's instructions regarding the correct dose and duration of treatment, as they will consider factors such as your age, body weight, and the specific condition being treated.

Remember to swallow Osartil 50 Plus tablets with a glass of water and avoid crushing or chewing them.

Interaction

Alcohol: Consumption of alcohol while taking Osartil 50 Plus can lower blood pressure and may cause dizziness, headache, and changes in heart rate. It is advisable to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if you experience these symptoms.

Interaction with other Medicines:

• Aliskiren: The use of Osartil 50 Plus and aliskiren is not recommended, particularly in elderly patients with diabetes and kidney disease (creatinine clearance less than 60 ml/min). Taking these medicines together may result in weakness, confusion, and irregular heartbeat. Regular monitoring of blood pressure and kidney function tests is necessary. Consideration of alternative medicine should be done under the supervision of a doctor.
• Captopril: Using Osartil 50 Plus with Captopril is not recommended as it may increase the risk of kidney impairment and low blood pressure. Taking these medicines together may lead to weakness, confusion, and irregular heartbeat. Regular monitoring of blood pressure and kidney function tests is important. Consult your doctor for an alternative medicine if needed.
• Dexamethasone: Concurrent use of Osartil 50 Plus and dexamethasone may reduce the desired effect of Osartil 50 Plus. This interaction is more likely to occur if dexamethasone is taken for more than one week. Inform your doctor if you experience sudden weight gain or swelling of your hands and feet. If coadministration is necessary, appropriate dose adjustments should be made under the supervision of a doctor. Regular monitoring of blood pressure and kidney function tests is advised.
• Diclofenac: Taking Osartil 50 Pluswith diclofenac may reduce the desired effect of Osartil 50 Plus. The risk of kidney impairment may increase, especially in the elderly or those with pre-existing kidney disease. Inform your doctor if you experience increased or decreased urination, unexplained weight gain, or weight loss. Regular monitoring of blood pressure and kidney function tests is important.
• Insulin: The effect of insulin may increase when taken with Osartil 50 Plus. You may experience symptoms such as dizziness, headache, and sweating. Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels is necessary. Suitable dose adjustments or consideration of alternative medicine should be done under the supervision of a doctor.

Interaction with Disease:

• Congestive Heart Failure (CHF): Osartil 50 Plus should be used with caution in patients with congestive heart failure, particularly in those with volume or sodium depletion. Transient hypotension is not a contraindication to further treatment with angiotensin receptor antagonists, as therapy can usually be reinstated after blood pressure stabilization.

Contraindications

• If you are allergic to hydrochlorothiazide, losartan, or any of the ingredients of the Osartil 50 Plus tablet.
• If you are allergic to sulfonamide medicines such as co-trimoxazole. If you are not sure what these medicines are, please confirm with your doctor.
• If you have a low level of potassium and sodium or high levels of calcium in your blood
• If you have serious liver disorders and problems related to the bile duct (a canal connecting the liver to the intestine) like cholestasis.
• If you have anuria (not passing urine or passing urine less than 100ml in a day).
• If you have diabetes or kidney problems and you are taking a medicine containing Aliskiren.
• If you have gout.
• If you are pregnant for more than 3 months.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Angiotensin II receptor antagonists, including losartan (the active component of Osartil 50 Plus), are generally not recommended for use during pregnancy. They have been associated with adverse effects on prenatal and newborn blood pressure regulation and renal function. Additionally, there have been reports of skull abnormalities and oligohydramnios (reduced amniotic fluid) associated with their use.

Regarding breastfeeding, there is limited information available on the use of angiotensin II receptor antagonists during this period. As a precautionary measure, they are not recommended for use while nursing. It is important to note that there are alternative treatment options with better-established safety information that can be considered for breastfeeding mothers.

Precautions & Warnings

• Osartil 50 Plus should be used with caution in patients with diabetes.
• Avoid consuming alcohol while taking Osartil 50 Plus, as it may increase the risk of low blood pressure.
• Avoid using potassium supplements with Osartil 50 Plus, as they may lead to high potassium levels in the blood.
• Osartil 50 Plus can cause dehydration. It is important to drink plenty of fluids to avoid unpleasant side effects.
• Regular blood tests and blood pressure monitoring are recommended while taking Osartil 50 Plus. This helps ensure that the medication is working effectively and to monitor for any potential side effects or complications.

Storage Conditions

Store Osartil 50 Plus tablet below 30°C protected from light and moisture. Keep away from children and pets.