Side effects of missing a dose of losartan
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Side Effects of Missing a Dose of Losartan
Impact on Blood Pressure Control
Increase in Blood Pressure
Missing a dose of losartan can lead to a significant increase in blood pressure. Studies have shown that when patients miss a dose of losartan, their systolic and diastolic blood pressure tends to rise towards baseline levels. This effect is observed within 24 to 48 hours after the missed dose, indicating a loss of the antihypertensive effect of the medication 123. Specifically, one study noted that systolic blood pressure increased by an average of 3±2 mm Hg and diastolic by 2±1 mm Hg after a 2-day drug holiday .
Comparison with Other Antihypertensive Medications
When compared to other antihypertensive medications like amlodipine and candesartan cilexetil, losartan appears to be less effective in maintaining blood pressure control after a missed dose. For instance, amlodipine was found to be more effective than losartan in maintaining lower blood pressure levels after two missed doses, particularly for systolic blood pressure . Similarly, candesartan cilexetil provided a more consistent antihypertensive effect and better blood pressure control than losartan during the day of a missed dose 23.
Pharmacokinetic Considerations
Interaction with Other Medications
The pharmacokinetics of losartan do not appear to be significantly affected by the co-administration of other medications such as digoxin. Studies have shown that multiple doses of losartan do not alter the pharmacokinetic parameters of digoxin, indicating that losartan is well-tolerated and does not interfere with the metabolism of other drugs .
Conclusion
Missing a dose of losartan can lead to a noticeable increase in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, reducing the effectiveness of blood pressure control. This effect is more pronounced when compared to other antihypertensive medications like amlodipine and candesartan cilexetil. However, losartan does not significantly interact with other medications like digoxin, making it a safe option in terms of drug interactions. Patients on losartan should be advised to adhere strictly to their dosing schedule to maintain optimal blood pressure control.
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