High blood pressure is a very common problem that many people face. And it is in such cases that patients are prescribed the drug "Blocktran". The instructions for use are simple, and the reviews of doctors indicate that the drug really helps to cope with hypertension.
Of course, many patients are looking for additional information about the medicine. What properties does the tool have? In what cases is the use of this antihypertensive drug advisable? Are adverse reactions possible? In what cases can not be taken? The answers to these questions are important.
The drug "Blocktran": composition and description of the release form
To begin with, it’s worth understanding the basic information. The drug is available in the form of biconvex round-shaped tablets. Above they are covered with a film shell of light pink color, sometimes with an orange tint. In a cross section, a white core can be seen.
Blocktran tablets contain losartan potassium - this is the main active substance. The composition, of course, contains auxiliary substances, in particular, microcrystalline cellulose, potato starch, lactose monohydrate, povidone, magnesium stearate, sodium carboxymethyl starch, colloidal silicon dioxide.
In the production of film coatings, substances such as copovidone, polysorbate-80, hypromellose, titanium dioxide and yellow dye (“sunset”) are used.
What properties does the medicine have?
This drug has a lot of properties that are widely used in modern medicine. Losartan is a substance that blocks the processes of increasing diastolic and systolic blood pressure. The fact is that this component is a selective antagonist of angiotensin II AT1 receptors.
Angiotensin II is a vasoconstrictor. It binds to AT1 receptors, which are part of many tissues. In particular, such receptors are present in the cells of the heart, kidneys, adrenal glands, smooth muscles that form the walls of blood vessels. Angiotensin provides vasoconstriction and triggers the release of aldosterone.
Pharmacokinetics Information
According to research results, the active substance of the drug is well absorbed, quickly penetrates through the intestinal wall into the bloodstream, and then passes through the liver. As a result of this, a carboxylated form of the active component and several inactive metabolites are formed.
Systemic bioavailability of the drug is approximately 33%. The maximum concentration of losartan in the blood is observed an hour after administration. After 3-4 hours, the level of its active carboxylated metabolite also rises to a maximum. There is no evidence that eating somehow affects the absorption and metabolism of drug components.
The active substance is 99% bound to blood proteins. During the studies, it was determined that about 14% of the taken losartan is converted to an arbo-oxidized metabolite. Approximately 42-43% of metabolites are excreted from the body by the kidneys, along with urine. Most of the active component is excreted along with bile into the intestines and leaves the digestive system along with feces.
Indications: when should I take pills?
In what cases is it advisable to use the Blocktran drug? Indications for use are as follows:
- arterial hypertension (especially chronic forms of the disease);
- type 2 diabetes mellitus (the medicine is used to protect the blood vessels of the kidneys, as well as to slow down the development of existing renal failure);
- chronic heart failure (the drug is used if ACE inhibitors do not give the desired result or the patient has intolerance to ACE inhibitors);
- to prevent the development of complications from the heart and blood vessels against the background of arterial hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy.
Instructions and dosage
How to take the drug "Blocktran"? Dosage, as well as the schedule of administration, are determined individually. As a rule, patients are first prescribed 50 mg of the active substance per day. The maximum effect in most cases can be achieved after 3-6 weeks from the start of treatment. In the event that the desired result cannot be achieved, the dose can be increased to 100 mg per day, but only temporarily (then the daily amount of the drug is gradually reduced).
If the patient has a decrease in the volume of circulating blood (this happens, for example, against the background of the use of diuretics), then the daily dose is reduced to 25 mg of losartan per day. Sometimes doctors recommend dividing the daily amount into two doses (for example, two tablets with a dosage of 12.5 mg per day).
The same dose (12.5 mg once a day) is prescribed for patients with chronic heart failure. If the effect is absent, then the amount of the drug can be gradually increased. In the event that the tablets are used to protect the kidneys in diabetes, the daily dose is 50-100 mg.
During therapy, patients are advised to be careful or completely refuse to drive a car, engage in potentially dangerous activities, work with mechanisms that require a quick reaction. The fact is that tablets affect the general condition - patients often suffer from weakness, problems with concentration, as well as dizziness and a slowdown in psychomotor reactions.
It is worth recalling once again that in no case should you arbitrarily use the drug “Blocktran”. The instruction for use contains only general data, which are intended for informational purposes only.
Are there any contraindications?
In all cases, can Blocktran be used? Instructions for use contain data that these tablets have a number of contraindications:
- The medicine is not prescribed for patients with hypersensitivity to any component of the tablets (be sure to check the list of constituent substances).
- The drug is not recommended for minors (therapy is possible only if the patient is over 18 years old).
- The medicine "Blocktran" is not prescribed to patients during pregnancy, as well as during breastfeeding.
- The list of contraindications include diseases such as glucose-galactose malabsorption syndrome, lactase deficiency, hereditary lactose intolerance.
- The drug is not prescribed if the patient has severe functional impairment from the liver (there are no test results in this case).
There are relative contraindications. In such cases, the use of tablets is possible, but is carried out only under the strict supervision of a physician. Their list includes:
- the period after a kidney transplant;
- renal artery stenosis ;
- hyperkalemia
- mitral and aortic stenosis;
- some forms of heart failure, especially if severe kidney complications are present;
- hypertrophic cardiomyopathy;
- coronary heart disease;
- the presence in the patient's history of angioedema;
- cerebrovascular disease.
That is why it is important to undergo a complete diagnosis and inform the doctor about the presence of certain health problems.
Information on adverse reactions and possible complications
This drug really helps to cope with high blood pressure. Nevertheless, there is always the likelihood of developing complications while taking Blocktran tablets. Side effects may be different:
- Sometimes there are disorders of the nervous system. Patients complain of periodically occurring dizziness, headaches. Various sleep disturbances, constant drowsiness and weakness at night are also possible.
- In some cases, patients complain of a feeling of a strong heartbeat. Perhaps the development of angina pectoris.
- Occasionally, complications arise from the vascular system. There is a likelihood of hypotension (a sharp decrease in blood pressure, which is life threatening).
- There is always a risk of adverse reactions from the digestive system. Some people complain of abdominal pain that occurs periodically. Possible constipation.
- Possible side effects include severe weakness, constant fatigue, decreased performance, and the formation of persistent edema.
- The likelihood of developing an allergic reaction is not excluded. In some patients, redness, rashes appear on the skin, and this process is often accompanied by severe itching and swelling of the soft tissues. Anaphylactic shock and angioedema are dangerous complications, but, fortunately, they are rarely recorded against the background of such therapy.
- Occasionally, paresthesias develop.
- There is a risk of anemia. That is why patients are advised to periodically take tests and undergo examinations.
- A list of side effects include circulatory disorders in the brain.
- A sharp decrease in blood pressure can lead to loss of consciousness.
- Perhaps the appearance of cough, shortness of breath and some other complications from the respiratory system.
- Therapy sometimes leads to impaired renal function. There is a chance of developing kidney failure.
- Other side effects include hepatitis and other liver disorders. Occasionally, pancreatitis develops during treatment.
- Perhaps the development of arthralgia, myalgia.
- In male patients, taking this medication can lead to erectile dysfunction, temporary impotence.
- There is a likelihood of migraines, the development of depressive states.
To date, there is no data on overdose. It is believed that taking too large doses of the drug enhances the manifestation of side effects. In such cases, the person must be taken to the hospital. Symptomatic therapy and forced diuresis are performed. Hemodialysis in this case does not have the desired effect.
Information on therapy during pregnancy and lactation
As already mentioned, during pregnancy, the drug "Blocktran" should not be used. The active substance of the drug negatively affects the development of the embryo. According to studies, the use of this medication in the second and / or third trimester has a detrimental effect on the development and functioning of the fetal kidneys. In addition, during therapy, the likelihood of intrauterine death increases. Possible complications include various deformations of the skeleton of the child, as well as progressive hypoplasia of the fetal lungs . Perhaps the development of renal failure and severe arterial hypertension in newborns.
If it is still impossible to avoid such therapy, then the patient must be informed of possible complications. A pregnant woman should be constantly monitored by a doctor, take tests, and undergo an ultrasound examination regularly. To date, there is no information on whether losartan or its active metabolites are excreted together with breast milk. Nevertheless, patients are still advised to stop feeding during therapy. The fact is that active substances can adversely affect the baby's body.
Interaction with other drugs
During the diagnosis, it is very important to inform the doctor about all the drugs taken, since there is a chance of their interaction with the Blocktran drug.
The instructions for use contain important information:
- The drug should not be taken in conjunction with Aliskiren, as there is a risk of a sharp decrease in blood pressure and serious kidney damage.
- It is not recommended to combine this medicine with ACE inhibitors. There is a likelihood of developing hyperkalemia, acute renal failure, severe forms of hypotension.
- You should not combine these pills with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, as this can weaken the antihypertensive effect, as well as provoke the appearance of various disorders of the excretory system.
- You can not take medicine with potassium preparations, since there is always a risk of developing hyperkalemia. The use of potassium-sparing diuretics can lead to the same effect.
- With simultaneous administration with sympatholytics and other antihypertensive drugs, a mutual enhancement of the effect is possible.
- If you use "Blocktran" with fluconazole, then there is a chance of reducing the antihypertensive effect. Simultaneous administration with Rifampicin may lead to the same result.
- If the patient takes large doses of diuretics, then the volume of circulating blood decreases, which can lead to the development of symptomatic arterial hypotension.
How much are the pills?
You already know about in which cases this drug is prescribed and how the Blocktran drug affects the body. Price is another important factor that many patients pay attention to. Of course, it’s difficult to specify the exact number, because much depends on the financial policies of the pharmacy, manufacturing company and distributor. So how much does Blocktran medicine cost? The price of a package of 30 tablets with a dosage of the active ingredient of 12.5 mg is about 150 rubles. For the same number of tablets, but with a dose of 50 mg, you will have to pay about 170-190 rubles. A pack of 60 tablets will cost about 300-350 rubles (50 mg).
The drug "Blocktran": analogues and substitutes
Unfortunately, far from in all cases the use of this drug is possible. Is it possible to replace the drug "Blocktran" with something? Analogues of the drug, of course, exist, and their choice is quite large. If we talk about the same price category of drugs, then “Lozap”, “Lozartan” and “Vazotens” are considered effective. A good substitute is Kozzar.
Lorista, Presartan are also good antihypertensive drugs that are widely used in modern medicine. Of course, it is impossible to use such medicines without permission. Only the attending specialist can choose truly effective and maximally safe drugs.
Drug Reviews
In modern medical practice, very often with hypertension, it is the Blocktran drug that is used. Testimonials are important information that is worth exploring.
Doctors often prescribe this drug as a patient. According to the results of statistical studies, Blocktran really helps with pressure. The decrease in these indicators occurs quickly, and the effect of the tablets lasts for a long time. The treatment regimen is also quite simple. The undoubted advantages of the drug include its low cost - many analogues are many times more expensive.
As for negative reviews, some patients indicate the appearance of side effects. Most often, therapy is associated with severe fatigue, the formation of skin rashes, severe itching. In some cases (as a rule, if you use too large doses of the drug yourself), the tablets cause a too sharp drop in blood pressure.