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SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS

1 NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT

Losartan potassium/hydrochlorothazide 50 mg/12.5 mg film-coated Tablets

2 QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION

Each tablet contains 50 mg of losartan (as potassium salt) and 12.5 mg of hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ).

Each tablet contains 96 mg lactose monohydrate.

For a full list of excipients, see section 6.1.

3 PHARMACEUTICAL FORM

Film coated tablet

Yellow, oval, biconvex, film-coated tablet debossed “LSH” on one side and “2” on the other side.

4 CLINICAL PARTICULARS

4.1 Therapeutic indications

Losartan potassium/hydrochlorothiazide is indicated for the treatment of essential hypertension in patients whose blood pressure is not adequately controlled on losartan or hydrochlorothiazide alone.

4.2 Posology and method of administration

Losartan potassium/hydrochlorothiazide may be administered with other antihypertensive agents. Losartan potassium/hydrochlorothiazide tablets should be swallowed with a glass of water, and may be administered with or without food.

Hypertension

Losartan and hydrochlorothiazide is not for use as initial therapy, but in patients whose blood pressure is not adequately controlled by losartan potassium or hydrochlorothiazide alone.

Dose titration with the individual components (losartan and hydrochlorothiazide) is recommended.

When clinically appropriate direct change from monotherapy to the fixed combination may be considered in patients whose blood pressure is not adequately controlled.

The usual maintenance dose of Losartan potassium/hydrochlorothiazide is one tablet of Losartan potassium/hydrochlorothiazide 50 mg/12.5 mg (losartan 50 mg/HCTZ 12.5 mg) once daily. For patients who do not respond adequately to Losartan potassium/hydrochlorothiazide 50 mg/12.5 mg, the dosage may be increased to one tablet of Losartan potassium/hydrochlorothiazide 100 mg/25 mg (losartan 100 mg/ HCTZ 25 mg) once daily. The maximum dose is one tablet of Losartan potassium/hydrochlorothiazide 100 mg/25 mg once daily. In general, the antihypertensive effect is attained within three to four weeks after initiation of therapy.

Use in patients with renal impairment and haemodialysis patients

No initial dosage adjustment is necessary in patients with moderate renal impairment (i.e. creatinine clearance 30-50 ml/min). Losartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets are not recommended for haemodialysis patients. Losartan/HCTZ tablets must not be used in patients with severe renal impairment (i.e. creatinine clearance <30 ml/min) (see section 4.3).

Use in patients with intravascular volume depletion

Volume and /or sodium depletion should be corrected prior to administration of Losartan/HCTZ tablets.

Use in patients with hepatic impairment

Losartan/HCTZ is contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment (see section 4.3.).

Use in the elderly

Dosage adjustment is not usually necessary for the elderly.

Use in children and adolescents (< 18 years)

There is no experience in children and adolescents. Therefore, losartan/hydrochlorothiazide should not be administered to children and adolescents.

4.3 Contraindications

•    Hypersensitivity to losartan, sulphonamide-derived substances (as

hydrochlorothiazide) or to any of the excipients

•    Therapy resistant hypokalaemia or hypercalcaemia

•    Severe hepatic impairment; Cholestasis and biliary obstructive disorders

•    Refractory hyponatraemia

•    Symtomatic hyperuricaemia/gout

•    2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy (see    section 4.4 and 4.6)

•    Severe renal impairment (i.e. creatinine    clearance <30 ml/min)

•    Anuria

4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use

Losartan

Angiooedema

Patients with a history of angiooedema (swelling of the face, lips, throat, and/or tongue) should be closely monitored (see section 4.8).

Hypotension and Intravascular volume depletion

Symptomatic hypotension, especially after the first dose, may occur in patients who are volume-and/or sodium-depleted by vigorous diuretic therapy, dietary salt restriction, diarrhoea or vomiting. Such conditions should be corrected before the administration of Losartan potassium/hydrochlorothiazide Tablets (see sections 4.2. and 4.3.).

Electrolyte imbalances

Electrolyte imbalances are common in patients with renal impairment, with or without diabetes, and should be addressed. Therefore, the plasma concentrations of potassium and creatinine clearance values should be closely monitored; especially patients with heart failure and a creatinine clearance between 30-50 ml/ min should be closely monitored.

The concomitant use of potassium sparing diuretics, potassium supplements and potassium containing salt substitutes with losartan/ hydrochlorothiazide is not recommended (see section 4.5).

Liver function impairment

Based on pharmacokinetic data which demonstrate significantly increased plasma concentrations of losartan in cirrhotic patients, of Losartan potassium/ hydrochlorothiazide Tablets should be used with caution in patients with a history of mild to moderate hepatic impairment. There is no therapeutic experience with losartan in patients with severe hepatic impairment. Therefore of Losartan potassium/hydrochlorothiazide Tablets are contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment (see sections 4.2, 4.3 and 5.2).

Renal function impairment

As a consequence of inhibiting the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, changes in renal function, including renal failure, have been reported (in particular, in patients whose renal function is dependent on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, such as those with severe cardiac insufficiency or preexisting renal dysfunction).

As with other drugs that affect the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, increases in blood urea and serum creatinine have also been reported in patients with bilateral renal artery stenosis or stenosis of the artery to a solitary kidney; these changes in renal function may be reversible upon discontinuation of therapy. Losartan should be used with caution in patients with bilateral renal artery stenosis or stenosis of the artery to a solitary kidney.

Renal transplantation

There is no experience in patients with recent kidney transplantation.

Primary hyperaldosteronism

Patients with primary aldosteronism generally will not respond to antihypertensive drugs acting through inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system. Therefore, the use of of Losartan potassium/hydrochlorothiazide Tablets are not recommended.

Coronary heart disease and cerebrovascular disease:

As with any antihypertensive agents, excessive blood pressure decrease in patients with ischaemic cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease could result in a myocardial infarction or stroke.

Heart failure:

In patients with heart failure, with or without renal impairment, there is - as with other drugs acting on the renin-angiotensin system - a risk of severe arterial hypotension, and (often acute) renal impairment.

Aortic and mitral valve stenosis, obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyophathy

As with other vasodilators, special caution is indicated in patients suffering from aortic or mitral stenosis, or obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Ethnic differences

As observed for angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, losartan and the other angiotensin antagonists are apparently less effective in lowering blood pressure in black people than in non-blacks, possibly because of higher prevalence of low-renin states in the black hypertensive population.

Pregnancy

AIIRAs should not be initiated during pregnancy. Unless continued AIIRAs therapy is considered essential, patients planning pregnancy should be changed to alternative anti-hypertensive treatments which have an established safety profile for use in pregnancy. When pregnancy is diagnosed, treatment with AIIRAs should be stopped immediately, and, if appropriate, alternative therapy should be started (see sections 4.3 and 4.6).

Hydrochlorothiazide

Hypotension and electrolyte/fluid imbalance

As with all antihypertensive therapy, symptomatic hypotension may occur in some patients. Patients should be observed for clinical signs of fluid or electrolyte imbalance, e.g., volume depletion, hyponatremia, hypochloremic alkalosis, hypomagnesemia or hypokalemia which may occur during intercurrent diarrhea or vomiting. Periodic determination of serum electrolytes should be performed at appropriate intervals in such patients. Dilutional hyponatraemia may occur in oedematous patients in hot weather.

Metabolic and endocrine effects

Thiazide therapy may impair glucose tolerance. Dosage adjustment of antidiabetic agents, including insulin, may be required (see section 4.5). Latent diabetes mellitus may become manifest during thiazide therapy.

Thiazides may decrease urinary calcium excretion and may cause intermittent and slight elevation of serum calcium. Marked hypercalcemia may be evidence of hidden hyperparathyroidism. Thiazides should be discontinued before carrying out tests for parathyroid function.

Increases in cholesterol and triglyceride levels may be associated with thiazide diuretic therapy.

Thiazide therapy may precipitate hyperuricemia and/or gout in certain patients. Because losartan decreases uric acid, losartan in combination with hydrochlorothiazide attenuates the diuretic-induced hyperuricemia.

Hepatic impairment

Thiazides should be used with caution in patients with impaired hepatic function or progressive liver disease, as it may cause intrahepatic cholestasis, and since minor alterations of fluid and electrolyte balance may precipitate hepatic coma.

Losartan potassium/hydrochlorothiazide Tablets are contraindicated for patients with severe hepatic impairment (see section 4.3 and 5.2).

Other

In patients receiving thiazides, hypersensitivity reactions may occur with or without a history of allergy or bronchial asthma. Exacerbation or activation of systemic lupus erythematosus has been reported with the use of thiazides.

Excipient

Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, the Lapp lactase

deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this medicine (see section 6.1).

4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

Losartan

Rifampicin and fluconazole have been reported to reduce levels of active metabolite. The clinical consequences of these interactions have not been evaluated.

As with other drugs that block angiotensin II or its effects, concomitant use of potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., spironolactone, triamterene, amiloride), potassium supplements, or salt substitutes containing potassium may lead to increases in serum potassium. Co-medication is not advisable.

As with other medicines which affect the excretion of sodium, lithium excretion may be reduced. Therefore, serum lithium levels should be monitored carefully if lithium salts are to be co-administered with angiotensin II receptor antagonists.

When angiotensin II antagonists are administered simultaneously with NSAIDs (i.e. selective COX-2 inhibitors, acetylsalicylic acid at anti-inflammatory doses) and nonselective NSAIDs, attenuation of the antihypertensive effect may occur. Concomitant use of angiotensin II antagonists or diuretics and NSAIDs may lead to an increased risk of worsening of renal function, including possible acute renal failure, and an increase in serum potassium, especially in patients with poor pre-existing renal function. The combination should be administered with caution, especially in the elderly. Patients should be adequately hydrated and consideration should be given to monitoring renal function after initiation of concomitant therapy, and periodically thereafter.

In some patients with compromised renal function who are being treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors, the co-administration of angiotensin II receptor antagonists may result in a further deterioration of renal function. These effects are usually reversible.

Other substances inducing hypotension like tricyclic antidepressants, antipsychotics, baclofene, amifostine: Concomitant use with these drugs that lower blood pressure, as main or side-effect, may increase the risk of hypotension.

Hydrochlorothiazide

When given concurrently, the following drugs may interact with thiazide diuretics:-

Alcohol, barbiturates, narcotics or antidepressants: Potentiation of orthostatic hypotension may occur.

Antidiabetic drugs (oral agents and insulin):

The treatment with a thiazide may influence the glucose tolerance. Dosage adjustment of the antidiabetic drug may be required. Metformin should be used with caution because of the risk of lactic acidosis induced by possible functional renal failure linked to hydrochlorothiazide.

Other antihypertensive drugs Additive effect.

Cholestyramine and colestipol resins:

Absorption of hydrochlorothiazide is impaired in the presence of anionic exchange resins. Single doses of either cholestyramine or colestipol resins bind the hydrochlorothiazide and reduce its absorption from the gastrointestinal tract by up to 85 and 43 percent, respectively.

Corticosteroids, ACTH

Intensified electrolyte depletion, particularly hypokalemia.

Pressor amines (e.g., adrenaline)

Possible decreased response to pressor amines but not sufficient to preclude their use.

Skeletal muscle relaxants, nondepolarizing (e.g., tubocurarine) Possible increased responsiveness to the muscle relaxant.

Lithium

Diuretic agents reduce the renal clearance of lithium and add a high risk of lithium toxicity; concomitant use is not recommended.

Medicinal products used in the treatment of gout (probenecid, sulfinpyrazone and allopurinol)

Dosage adjustment of uricosuric medicinal products may be necessary since hydrochlorothiazide may raise the level of serum uric acid. Increase in dosage of probenecid or sulfinpyrazone may be necessary. Coadministration of a thiazide may increase the incidence of hypersensitivity reactions to allopurinol.

Anticholinergic agents (e.g. atropine, biperiden)

Increase of the bioavailability to thiazide-type diuretics by decreasing gastrointestinal motility and stomach emptying rate.

Cytotoxic agents (eg cyclophosphamide, methotrexate)

Thiazides may reduce the renal excretion of cytotoxic medicinal products and potentiate their myelosuppressive effects.

Salicylates

In case of high dosages of salicylates hydrochlorothiazide may enhance the toxic effect of the salicylates on the central nervous system.

Methyldopa

There have been isolated reports of haemolytic anaemia occurring with concomitant use of hydrochlorothiazide and methyldopa.

Cyclosporine

Concomitant treatment with cyclosporine may increase the risk of hyperuricaemia and gout-type complications.

Digitalis glycosides

Thiazide-induced hypokalaemia or hypomagnesaemia may favour the onset of digitalis-induced cardiac arrhythmias.

Medicinal products affected by serum potassium disturbances

Periodic monitoring of serum potassium and ECG is recommended when Losartan/hydrochlorothiazide is administered with medicinal products affected by serum potassium disturbances (e.g. digitalis glycosides and antiarrhythmics) and with the following torsades de pointes (ventricular tachycardia)-inducing medicinal products (including some antiarrhythmics), hypokalaemia being a predisposing factor to torsades de pointes (ventricular tachycardia):

•    Class Ia antiarrythmics (eg quinidine, hydroquinidine, disopyramide).

•    Class III antiarrythmics (eg amiodarone, sotalol, dofetilide, ibutilide).

•    Some antipsychotics (eg thioridazine, chlorpromazine, levomepromazine,

trifluoperazine, cyamemazine, sulpiride, sultopride, amisulpride, tiapride, pimozide, haloperidol, droperidol).

•    Others (eg bepridil, cisapride, diphemanil, erythromycin IV, halofantrin,

mizolastin, pentamidine, terfenadine, vincamine IV).

Calcium salts

Thiazide diuretics may increase serum calcium levels due to decreased excretion. If calcium supplements must be prescribed, serum calcium levels should be monitored and calcium dosage should be adjusted accordingly.

Laboratory Test Interactions

Because of their effects on calcium metabolism, thiazides may interfere with tests for parathyroid function (see section 4.4).

Carbamazepine

Risk of symptomatic hyponatremia. Clinical and biological monitoring is required.

Iodine Contrast Media

In case of diuretic-induced dehydration, there is an increased risk of acute renal failure, especially with high doses of the iodine product. Patients should be rehydrated before the administration.

Amphotericin B (parenteral), corticosteroids, ACTH or stimulant laxatives Hydrochlorothiazide may intensify electrolyte imbalance, particularly hypokalaemia.

4.6 Pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy

Losartan

The use of AIIRAs is not recommended during the first trimester of pregnancy (see section 4.4). The use of AIIRAs is contra-indicated during the 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy (see section 4.3 and 4.4).

Epidemiological evidence regarding the risk of teratogenicity following exposure to ACE inhibitors during the first trimester of pregnancy has not been conclusive; however a small increase in risk cannot be excluded. Whilst there is no controlled epidemiological data on the risk with Angiotensin II Receptor Inhibitors (AIIRAs), similar risks may exist for this class of drugs. Unless continued ARB therapy is considered essential, patients planning pregnancy should be changed to alternative anti-hypertensive treatments which have an established safety profile for use in pregnancy. When pregnancy is diagnosed, treatment with AIIRAs should be stopped immediately and, if appropriate, alternative therapy should be started.

AIIRAs therapy exposure during the second and third trimesters is known to induce human fetotoxicity (decreased renal function, oligohydramnios, skull ossification retardation) and neonatal toxicity (renal failure, hypotension, hyperkalaemia). (See section 5.3).

Should exposure to AIIRAs have occurred from the second trimester of pregnancy, ultrasound check of renal function and skull is recommended.

Infants whose mothers have taken AIIRAs should be closely observed for hypotension (see also sections 4.3 and 4.4).

Hydrochlorothiazide

There is limited experience with hydrochlorothiazide during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester. Animal studies are insufficient.

Hydrochlorothiazide crosses the placenta. Based on the pharmacological mechanism of action of hydrochlorothiazide its use during the second and third trimester may compromise foeto-placental perfusion and may cause foetal and neonatal effects like icterus, disturbance of electrolyte balance and thrombocytopenia.

Hydrochlorothiazide should not be used for gestational oedema, gestational hypertension or preeclampsia due to the risk of decreased plasma volume and placental hypoperfusion, without a beneficial effect on the course of the disease.

Hydrochlorothiazide should not be used for essential hypertension in pregnant women except in rare situations where no other treatment could be used.

Lactation

Losartan

Because no information is available regarding the use of Losartan potassium/ hydrochlorothiazide Tablets during breastfeeding, they are not recommended and alternative treatments with better established safety profiles during breast-feeding are preferable, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.

Hydrochlorothiazide

Hydrochlorothiazide is excreted in human milk in small amounts. Thiazides in high doses causing intense diuresis can inhibit the milk production. The use of of Losartan potassium/hydrochlorothiazide Tablets during breast feeding are not recommended. If of Losartan potassium/hydrochlorothiazide Tablets are used during breast feeding, doses should be kept as low as possible.

4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines

No studies on the effects on the ability to drive and use machines have been performed. However, when driving vehicles or operating machinery it must be borne in mind that dizziness or drowsiness may occasionally occur when taking antihypertensive therapy, in particular during initiation of treatment or when the dose is increased.

4.8 Undesirable effects

The adverse reactions below are classified where appropriate by system organ class and frequency according to the following convention:

Very common: > 1/10

Common:    > 1/100 to <    1/10

Uncommon:    >    1/1,000 to < 1/100

Rare:    > 1/10,000 to < 1/1,000

Very rare:    < 1/10,000

Not known:    cannot be estimated from the available data.

In clinical trials with losartan potassium salt and hydrochlorothiazide, no adverse reactions peculiar to this combination of substances were observed. The adverse reactions were restricted to those which were formerly observed with losartan potassium salt and/or hydrochlorothiazide.

In controlled clinical trials for essential hypertension, dizziness was the only adverse experience reported as substance-related that occurred with an incidence greater than placebo in 1% or more of patients treated with losartan and hydrochlorothiazide.

Next to these effects, there are further adverse reactions reported after the introduction of the product to the market as follows:

Hepato-biliary disorders Rare: Hepatitis

Investigations

Rare: Hyperkalaemia, elevation of ALT

Additional adverse reactions that have been seen with one of the individual components and may be potential adverse reactions with losartan potassium/ hydrochlorothiazide are the following:

Losartan

Blood and lymphatic system disorders

Uncommon: Anaemia, Henoch-Schonlein purpura, ecchymosis, haemolysis

Immune system disorders

Rare: Anaphylactic reactions, angioedema, urticaria

Metabolism and nutrition disorders Uncommon: Anorexia, gout

Psychiatric disorders Common: Insomnia

Uncommon: Anxiety, anxiety disorder, panic disorder, confusion, depression, abnormal dreams, sleep disorder, somnolence, memory impairment

Nervous system disorders Common: Headache, dizziness

Uncommon: Nervousness, paraesthesia, peripheral neuropathy, tremor, migraine, syncope

Eye disorders

Uncommon: Blurred vision, burning/stinging in the eye, conjunctivitis, decrease in visual acuity

Ear and labyrinth disorders Uncommon: Vertigo, tinnitus

Cardiac disorders

Uncommon: Hypotension, orthostatic hypotension, sternalgia, angina pectoris, grade II-AV block, cerebrovascular event, myocardial infarction, palpitation, arrhythmias (atrial fibrillations, sinus bradycardia, tachycardia, ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation)

Vascular disorders Uncommon: Vasculitis

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders

Common:    Cough, upper respiratory infection, nasal congestion, sinusitis, sinus

disorder

Uncommon: Pharyngeal discomfort, pharyngitis, laryngitis, dyspnoea, bronchitis, epistaxis, rhinitis, respiratory congestion

Gastrointestinal disorders

Common: Abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhoea, dyspepsia

Uncommon: Constipation, dental pain, dry mouth, flatulence, gastritis, vomiting

Hepato-biliary disorders

Not known: Liver function abnormalities

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders

Uncommon: Alopecia, dermatitis, dry skin, erythema, flushing, photosensitivity, pruritus, rash, urticaria, sweating

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders Common: Muscle cramp, back pain, leg pain, myalgia

Uncommon: Arm pain, joint swelling, knee pain, musculoskeletal pain, shoulder pain, stiffness, arthralgia, arthritis, coxalgia, fibromyalgia, muscle weakness

Renal and urinary disorders

Uncommon: Nocturia, urinary frequency, urinary tract infection

Reproductive system and breast disorders Uncommon: Decreased libido, impotence

General disorders and administration site conditions Common: Asthenia, fatigue, chest pain Uncommon: Facial oedema, fever

Investigations

Common: Hyperkalaemia, mild reduction of haematocrit and haemoglobin Uncommon: Mild increase in urea and creatinine serum levels Very rare: Increase in hepatic enzymes and bilirubin.

Hydrochlorothiazide

Blood and lymphatic system disorders

Uncommon: Agranulocytosis, aplastic anaemia, haemolytic anaemia, leukopenia, purpura, thrombocytopenia

Immune system disorders Rare: Anaphylactic reaction

Metabolism and nutrition disorders

Uncommon:    Anorexia, hyperglycaemia, hyperuricaemia, hypokalaemia,

hyponatraemia

Psychiatric disorders Uncommon: Insomnia

Nervous system disorders Common: Cephalalgia

Eye disorders

Uncommon: Transient blurred vision, xanthopsia

Vascular disorders

Uncommon: Necrotizing angiitis (vasculitis, cutaneous vasculitis)

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders

Uncommon: Respiratory distress including pneumonitis and pulmonary oedema Gastrointestinal disorders

Uncommon: Sialoadenitis, spasms, stomach irritation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation

Hepato-biliary disorders

Uncommon: Icterus (intrahepatic cholestatis), pancreatitis

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders

Uncommon: Photosensitivity, urticaria, toxic epidermal necrolysis

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders Uncommon: Muscle cramps

Renal and urinary disorders

Uncommon: Glycosuria, interstitial nephritis, renal dysfunction, renal failure

General disorders and administration site conditions Uncommon: Fever, dizziness

4.9 Overdose

No specific information is available on the treatment of overdose with Losartan potassium/hydrochlorothiazide Tablets. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive. Therapy with Losartan potassium/hydrochlorothiazide Tablets should be discontinued and the patient observed closely. Suggested measures include induction of emesis if ingestion is recent, and correction of dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, hepatic coma and hypotension by established procedures.

Losartan

Limited data are available in regard to overdose in humans. The most likely manifestation of overdose would be hypotension and tachycardia; bradycardia could occur from parasympathetic (vagal) stimulation. If symptomatic hypotension should occur, supportive treatment should be instituted.

Neither losartan nor the active metabolite can be removed by hemodialysis.

Hydrochlorothiazide

The most common signs and symptoms observed are those caused by electrolyte depletion (hypokalemia, hypochloremia, hyponatremia) and dehydration resulting from excessive diuresis. If digitalis has also been administered, hypokalemia may accentuate cardiac arrhythmias.

The degree to which hydrochlorothiazide is removed by hemodialysis has not been established.

5 PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES

5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties

Pharmacotherapeutic group: Angiotensin II antagonists and diuretics, ATC code: C09DA01

Losartan-Hydrochlorothiazide

The components of Losartan/hydrochlorothiazide Tablets have been shown to have an additive effect on blood pressure reduction, reducing blood pressure to a greater degree than either component alone. This effect is thought to be a result of the complimentary actions of both components. Further, as a result of its diuretic effect, hydrochlorothiazide increases plasma renin activity, increases aldosterone secretion, decreases serum potassium, and increases the levels of angiotensin II. Administration of losartan blocks all the physiologically relevant actions of angiotensin II and through inhibition of aldosterone could tend to attenuate the potassium loss associated with the diuretic.

Losartan has been shown to have a mild and transient uricosuric effect. Hydrochlorothiazide has been shown to cause modest increases in uric acid; the combination of losartan and hydrochlorothiazide tends to attenuate the diuretic-induced hyperuricemia.

The antihypertensive effect of Losartan potassium/hydrochlorothiazide Tablets are sustained for a 24-hour period. In clinical studies of at least one year's duration, the antihypertensive effect was maintained with continued therapy. Despite the significant decrease in blood pressure, administration of Losartan potassium/ hydrochlorothiazide Tablets had no clinically significant effect on heart rate. In clinical trials, after 12 weeks of therapy with losartan 50 mg/hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg, trough sitting diastolic blood pressure was reduced by an average of up to 13.2 mmHg. Losartan potassium/hydrochlorothiazide Tablets are effective in reducing blood pressure in males and females, blacks and non-blacks and in younger (<65 years) and older (>65 years) patients and is effective in all degrees of hypertension.

Losartan

Losartan is a synthetically produced oral angiotensin-II receptor (type ATi) antagonist. Angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor, is the primary active hormone of the renin-angiotensin system and an important determinant of the pathophysiology of hypertension. Angiotensin II binds to the ATj receptor found in many tissues (e.g. vascular smooth muscle, adrenal gland, kidneys and the heart) and elicits several important biological actions, including vasoconstriction and the release of aldosterone. Angiotensin II also stimulates smooth-muscle cell proliferation. Losartan selectively blocks the ATi receptor. In vitro and in vivo losartan and its pharmacologically active carboxylic acid metabolite E-3174 block all physiologically relevant actions of angiotensin II, regardless of the source or route of its synthesis.

Losartan does not have an agonist effect nor does it block other hormone receptors or ion channels important in cardiovascular regulation. Furthermore, losartan does not inhibit ACE (kininase II), the enzyme that degrades bradykinin. Consequently, there is thus no increase in bradykinin-mediated undesirable effects.

During the administration of losartan the removal of the angiotensin II negative feedback on renin secretion leads to increased plasma-renin activity (PRA). Increase in the PRA leads to an increase in angiotensin II in plasma. Despite these increases, antihypertensive activity and suppression of the plasma aldosterone concentration are maintained, indicating effective angiotensin II receptor blockade. After the discontinuation of losartan, PRA and angiotensin II values fell within 3 days to the baseline values.

Both losartan and its principal active metabolite have a far greater affinity for the AT i receptor than for the AT₂ receptor. The active metabolite is 10- to 40-times more active than losartan on a weight for weight basis.

In a study specifically designed to assess the incidence of cough in patients treated with losartan as compared to patients treated with ACE inhibitors, the incidence of cough reported by patients receiving losartan or hydrochlorothiazide was similar and was significantly less than in patients treated with an ACE inhibitor. In addition, in an overall analysis of 16 double-blind clinical trials in 4131 patients, the incidence of spontaneously reported cough in patients treated with losartan was similar (3.1%) to that of patients treated with placebo (2.6%) or hydrochlorothiazide (4.1%), whereas the incidence with ACE inhibitors was 8.8%.

In nondiabetic hypertensive patients with proteinuria, the administration of losartan potassium significantly reduces proteinuria, fractional excretion of albumin and IgG. Losartan maintains glomerular filtration rate and reduces filtration fraction. Generally losartan causes a decrease in serum uric acid (usually <0.4 mg/dL) which was persistent in chronic therapy.

Losartan has no effect on autonomic reflexes and no sustained effect on plasma norepinephrine.

In patients with left ventricular failure, 25 mg and 50 mg doses of losartan produced positive hemodynamic and neurohormonal effects characterized by an increase in cardiac index and decreases in pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, systemic vascular resistance, mean systemic arterial pressure and heart rate and a reduction in circulating levels of aldosterone and norepinephrine, respectively. The occurrence of hypotension was dose related in these heart failure patients.

Hypertension Studies

In controlled clinical studies, once-daily administration of Losartan to patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension produced statistically significant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Measurements of blood pressure 24 hours post-dose relative to 5 - 6 hours post-dose demonstrated blood pressure reduction over 24 hours; the natural diurnal rhythm was retained. Blood pressure reduction at the end of the dosing interval was 70 - 80 % of the effect seen 5-6 hours post-dose.

Discontinuation of Losartan in hypertensive patients did not result in an abrupt rise in blood pressure (rebound). Despite the marked decrease in blood pressure, Losartan had no clinically significant effects on heart rate.

Losartan is equally effective in males and females, and in younger (below the age of 65 years) and older hypertensive patients.

LIFE Study

The Losartan Intervention For Endpoint reduction in hypertension (LIFE) study was a randomised, triple-blind, active-controlled study in 9193 hypertensive patients aged 55 to 80 years with ECG-documented left ventricular hypertrophy. Patients were randomised to once daily losartan 50 mg or once daily atenolol 50 mg. If goal blood pressure (<140/90 mmHg) was not reached, hydrochlorothiazide (12.5 mg) was added first and, if needed, the dose of losartan or atenolol was then increased to 100 mg once daily. Other antihypertensives, with the exception of ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II antagonists or beta-blockers were added if necessary to reach the goal blood pressure.

The mean length of follow up was 4.8 years.

The primary endpoint was the composite of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality as measured by a reduction in the combined incidence of cardiovascular death, stroke and myocardial infarction. Blood pressure was significantly lowered to similar levels in the two groups. Treatment with losartan resulted in a 13.0% risk reduction (p=0.021, 95 % confidence interval 0.77-0.98) compared with atenolol for patients reaching the primary composite endpoint. This was mainly attributable to a reduction of the incidence of stroke. Treatment with losartan reduced the risk of stroke by 25% relative to atenolol (p=0.001 95% confidence interval 0.63-0.89). The rates of cardiovascular death and myocardial infarction were not significantly different between the treatment groups.

Hydrochlorothiazide

Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic. The mechanism of the antihypertensive effect of thiazide diuretics is not fully known. Thiazides affect the renal tubular mechanisms of electrolyte reabsorption, directly increasing excretion of sodium and chloride in approximately equivalent amounts. The diuretic action of hydrochlorothiazide reduces plasma volume, increases plasma renin activity and increases aldosterone secretion, with consequent increases in urinary potassium and bicarbonate loss, and decreases in serum potassium. The renin-aldosterone link is mediated by angiotensin II and therefore coadministration of an angiotensin II receptor antagonist tends to reverse the potassium loss associated with thiazide diuretics.

After oral use, diuresis begins within 2 hours, peaks in about 4 hours and lasts about 6 to 12 hours the antihypertensive effect persists for up to 24 hours.

5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties

Absorption

Losartan

Following oral administration, losartan is well absorbed and undergoes first-pass metabolism, forming an active carboxylic acid metabolite and other inactive metabolites. The systemic bioavailability of losartan tablets is approximately 33%. Mean peak concentrations of losartan and its active metabolite are reached in 1 hour and in 3-4 hours, respectively. There was no clinically significant effect on the plasma concentration profile of losartan when the drug was administered with a standardized meal.

Distribution

Losartan

Both losartan and its active metabolite are >99% bound to plasma proteins, primarily albumin. The volume of distribution of losartan is 34 liters. Studies in rats indicate that losartan crosses the blood-brain barrier poorly, if at all.

Hydrochlorothiazide

Hydrochlorothiazide crosses the placental but not the blood-brain barrier and is excreted in breast milk.

Biotransformation

Losartan

About 14% of an intravenously- or orally-administered dose of losartan is converted to its active metabolite. Following oral and intravenous administration of ¹⁴C-labeled losartan potassium, circulating plasma radioactivity primarily is attributed to losartan and its active metabolite. Minimal conversion of losartan to its active metabolite was seen in about one percent of individuals studied.

In addition to the active metabolite, inactive metabolites are formed, including two major metabolites formed by hydroxylation of the butyl side chain and a minor metabolite, an N-2 tetrazole glucuronide.

Elimination

Losartan

Plasma clearance of losartan and its active metabolite is about 600 mL/min and 50 mL/min, respectively. Renal clearance of losartan and its active metabolite is about 74 mL/min and 26 mL/min, respectively. When losartan is administered orally, about 4% of the dose is excreted unchanged in the urine, and about 6% of the dose is excreted in the urine as active metabolite. The pharmacokinetics of losartan and its active metabolite are linear with oral losartan potassium doses up to 200 mg.

Following oral administration, plasma concentrations of losartan and its active metabolite decline polyexponentially with a terminal half-life of about 2 hours and 69 hours, respectively. During once-daily dosing with 100 mg, neither losartan nor its active metabolite accumulates significantly in plasma.

Both biliary and urinary excretion contribute to the elimination of losartan and its metabolites.

Following an oral dose of ¹⁴C-labeled losartan in man, about 35% of radioactivity is recovered in the urine and 58% in the feces.

Hydrochlorothiazide

Hydrochlorothiazide is not metabolized but is eliminated rapidly by the kidney. When plasma levels have been followed for at least 24 hours, the plasma half-life has been observed to vary between 5.6 and 14.8 hours. At least 61 percent of the oral dose is eliminated unchanged within 24 hours.

Characteristics in Patients

Losartan-Hydrochlorothiazide

The plasma concentrations of losartan and its active metabolite and the absorption of hydrochlorothiazide in elderly hypertensives are not significantly different from those in young hypertensives.

Losartan

Following oral administration in patients with mild to moderate alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver, plasma concentrations of losartan and its active metabolite were, respectively, 5-fold and 1.7-fold greater than those seen in young male volunteers.

Neither losartan nor the active metabolite can be removed by hemodialysis.

5.3 Preclinical safety data

Preclinical data reveal no special hazard for humans based on conventional studies of general pharmacology, genotoxicity and carcinogenic potential. The toxic potential of the combination of losartan/hydrochlorothiazide was evaluated in chronic toxicity studies for up to six months duration in rats and dogs after oral administration, and the changes observed in these studies with the combination were mainly produced by the losartan component. The administration of the losartan/hydrochlorothiazide combination induced a decrease in the red blood cell parameters (erythrocytes, haemoglobin, haematocrit), a rise in urea-N in the serum, a decrease in heart weight (without a histological correlate) and gastrointestinal changes (mucous membrane lesions, ulcers, erosions, haemorrhages). There was no evidence of teratogenicity in rats or rabbits treated with the losartan/hydrochlorothiazide combination. Foetal toxicity in rats, as evidenced by a slight increase in supernumerary ribs in the F₁ generation, was observed when females were treated prior to and throughout gestation. As observed in studies with losartan alone, adverse foetal and neonatal effects, including renal toxicity and foetal death, occurred when pregnant rats were treated with the losartan/hydrochlorothiazide combination during late gestation and/or lactation.

6    PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS

6.1    List of excipients

Tablet core:

-    Lactose monohydrate

-    Starch, pregelatinised (maize)

-    Cellulose, microcrystalline

-    Hydroxypropyl cellulose

-    Magnesium stearate

Tablet coating:

-    Hydroxypropylcellulose

-    Hypromellose

-    Titanium dioxide (E171)

-    Quinoline Yellow Aluminium lake (E104)

6.2 Incompatibilities

Not applicable.

22/04/2011