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New search Medicine profile Losartan/Atenolol

Clinical medicine profile

Losartan/Atenolol

Angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB)

POM
Evidence state Source not available Reviewed 14 Aug 2026
Route
ORAL
Schedule
POM
ATC
Not assigned
PPB status
registered
Patient advice Check interactions
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A traceable source link is not attached to this profile. Confirm prescribing decisions against the current SmPC and Kenya STG/EML.

01 Risk first

Safety essentials

The information most likely to change a prescribing or dispensing decision.

Contraindications

  • Pregnancy.
  • Bilateral renal artery stenosis (or stenosis to solitary kidney).
  • Severe hyperkalaemia.
  • Concomitant aliskiren in diabetes (label restrictions).
  • Hypersensitivity.

Precautions

  • [Losartan] Ankle oedema common with DHPs (not always fluid overload).
  • Gingival hyperplasia rare.
  • Avoid abrupt withdrawal of some short-acting agents.
  • Grapefruit juice may raise levels (CYP3A4). [Atenolol] WARNINGS Cardiac Failure Sympathetic stimulation is necessary in supporting circulatory function in congestive heart failure, and beta-blockade carries the potential hazard of further depressing myocardial contractility and precipitating more severe failure.
  • In patients with acute myocardial infarction, cardiac failure which is not promptly and effectively controlled by 80 mg of intravenous furosemide or equivalent therapy is a contraindication to beta-blocker treatment.
  • In Patients Without a History of Cardiac Failure Continued depression of the myocardium with beta-blocking agents over a period of time can, in some cases, lead to cardiac failure.
  • At the first sign or symptom of impending cardiac failure, patients should be treated appropriately according to currently recommended guidelines, and the response observed closely.
  • If cardiac failure continues despite adequate treatment, atenolol should be withdrawn.
  • (See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION . ) Cessation of Therapy with Atenolol Patients with coronary artery disease, who are being treated with atenolol, should be advised against abrupt discontinuation of therapy.
  • Severe exacerbation of angina and the occurrence of myocardial infarction and ventricular arrhythmias have been reported in angina patients following the abrupt discontinuation of therapy with beta-blockers.
  • The last two complications may occur with or without preceding exacerbation of the angina pectoris.
  • As with other beta-blockers, when discontinuation of atenolol is planned, the patients should be carefully observed and advised to limit physical activity to a minimum.
02 Point of care

Dosing matrix

Population and organ-function guidance, shown together for faster comparison.

Adult

Dosing is indication-, age-, weight- and organ-function-specific for this INN. Do not use class averages for high-risk patients. Confirm the exact regimen in the current SmPC and Kenya Standard Treatment Guidelines. Typical professional workflow: (1) confirm indication, (2) check renal/hepatic function, (3) screen interactions/allergies, (4) select dose/route/duration, (5) define monitoring.

Paediatric

Paediatric dosing is weight- and age-based; use a paediatric formulary / SmPC. Do not extrapolate adult tablets without calculation.

Renal

Expect small creatinine rise; stop if large acute rise or hyperkalaemia — investigate RAS blockade + volume state.

  • CrCl 0–120: Confirm renal dosing in product SmPC / primary label.
Hepatic

Some agents need care in biliary obstruction/hepatic impairment.

03 Clinical use

Use, effects & interactions

Indications

  • Therapeutic use is agent- and indication-specific within the class (Angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB)).
  • Use according to culture results, national guidelines (Kenya STG/EML where applicable) and the current product SmPC.
  • Hypertension

Adverse effects

  • [Losartan] [Losartan] Flushing, headache, ankle oedema, palpitations (DHP).
  • Constipation, bradycardia, AV block (non-DHP).
  • Hypotension, rare hepatitis. [Amlodipine] manner.
  • Other adverse experiences not dose related but reported with an incidence >1.0% are fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, and somnolence.
  • ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Lupin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. at 1-800-399-2561 or www.lupinpharmaceuticals.com or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
  • Amlodipine has been evaluated for safety in more than 11,000 patients in U.S. and foreign clinical trials.
  • In general, treatment with amlodipine was well-tolerated at doses up to 10 mg daily.
  • Most adverse reactions reported during therapy with amlodipine were of mild or moderate severity.
  • In controlled clinical trials directly comparing amlodipine (N=1730) at doses up to 10 mg to placebo (N=1250), discontinuation of amlodipine because of adverse reactions was required in only about 1.5% of patients and was not significantly different from placebo (about 1%).
  • The most commonly reported side effects more frequent than placebo are reflected in the table below.
  • The incidence (%) of side effects that occurred in a dose related manner are as follows: Amlodipine Placebo 2 . 5 mg N = 275 5 mg N = 296 10 mg N = 268 N = 520 Edema 1.8 3.0 10.8 0.6 Dizziness 1.1 3.4 3.4 1.5 Flushing 0.7 1.4 2.6 0.0 Palpitation 0.7 1.4 4.5 0.6 Other adverse reactions that were not clearly dose related but were reported with an incidence greater than 1.0% in placebo-controlled clinical trials include the following: Amlodipine (%) (N=1730) Placebo (%) (N=1250) Fatigue 4.5 2.8 Nausea 2.9 1.9 Abdominal Pain 1.6 0.3 Somnolence 1.4 0.6 For several adverse experiences that appear to be drug and dose related, there was a greater incidence in women than men associated with amlodipine treatment as shown in the following table: Amlodipine Placebo Male =% ( N = 1218 ) Female =% ( N = 512 ) Male =% ( N = 914 ) Female =% ( N = 336 ) Edema 5.6 14.6 1.4 5.1 Flushing 1.5 4.5 0.3 0.9 Palpitations 1.4 3.3 0.9 0.9 Somnolence 1.3 1.6 0.8 0.3 The following events occurred in <1% but >0.1% of patients in controlled clinical trials or under conditions of open trials or marketing experience where a causal relationship is uncertain
  • they are listed to alert the physician to a possible relationship: Cardiovascular arrhythmia (including ventricular tachycardia and atrial fibrillation), bradycardia, chest pain, peripheral ischemia, syncope, tachycardia, vasculitis.
  • Central and Peripheral Nervous System hypoesthesia, neuropathy peripheral, paresthesia, tremor, vertigo.
  • Gastrointestinal anorexia, constipation, dysphagia, diarrhea, flatulence, pancreatitis, vomiting, gingival hyperplasia.
  • Fixed-dose/multi-ingredient product.
  • Clinical details partially inherited from component monographs: Losartan, Atenolol.
  • Confirm combination SmPC for exact dosing.
04 Pharmacology

Mechanism & disposition

Angiotensin (AT1) Receptor Blocker and a beta blocker ARBs selectively block AT1 receptors, antagonising angiotensin II-mediated vasoconstriction, aldosterone release and sympathetic facilitation.

Block RAS pathwayVasodilation↓ BP / proteinuria benefit
Read complete mechanism

Angiotensin (AT1) Receptor Blocker and a beta blocker ARBs selectively block AT1 receptors, antagonising angiotensin II-mediated vasoconstriction, aldosterone release and sympathetic facilitation. Result: reduced BP, afterload and proteinuria benefits in diabetic nephropathy/CKD pathways similar to ACE inhibitors without bradykinin cough pathway.

Onset

Hours; full BP effect 2–4 weeks

Duration

24 hours

Route

ORAL

Absorption

of an oral dose is rapid and consistent but incomplete. Approximately 50% of an oral dose is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, the remainder being excreted unchanged in the feces. Peak blood levels are reached between two (2) and four (4) hours after ingestion. Unlike pro...

Metabolism

(CYP3A4 for many). High protein binding. Amlodipine long

Elimination

half-life of oral atenolol is approximately 6 to 7 hours, and there is no alteration of the kinetic profile of the drug by chronic administration. Following intravenous administration, peak plasma levels are reached within 5 minutes. Declines from peak levels are rapid (5- to 10-...

Half-life

supports once-daily dosing. Hepatic impairment increases exposure. [Atenolol] CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY Atenolol is a beta 1 -selective (cardioselective) beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agent without membrane stabilizing or intrinsic sympathomimetic (partial agonist) activities. Th...

05 Special populations

Pregnancy, lactation & diet

Pregnancy

[Losartan] [Losartan] Nifedipine used in obstetric hypertension protocols in many settings; agent-specific — follow local guidance. [Amlodipine] 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary The limited available data based on post-marketing reports with amlodipine use in pregnant women are not sufficient to inform a drug-associated risk for major birth defects and miscarriage. There are risks to the mother and fetus associated with poorly controlled hypertension in pregnancy [see Clinical Considerations] . In animal reproduction studies, there was no evidence of adverse developmental effects when pregnant rats and rabbits were treated orally with amlodipine maleate during organogenesis at doses approximately 10 and 20-times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD), respectively. However for rats, litter size was significantly decreased (by about 50%) and the number of intrauterine deaths was significantly increased (about 5-fold). Amlodipine has been shown to prolong both the gestation period and the duration of labor in rats at this dose [see Data]. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations: Disease-associated maternal and/or embryo/fetal risk Hypertension in pregnancy increases the maternal risk for pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, premature delivery, and delivery complications (e.g., need for cesarean section and post-partum hemorrhage). Hypertension increases the fetal risk for intrauterine growth restriction and intrauterine death. Pregnant women with hypertension should be carefully monitored and managed accordingly. Data: Animal Data No evidence of teratogenicity or other embryo/fetal toxicity was found when pregnant rats and rabbits were treated orally with amlodipine maleate at doses up to 10 mg amlodipine/kg/day (approximately 10 and 20 times the MRHD based on body surface area, respectively) during their respective periods of major organogenesis. However for rats, litter size was significantly decreased (by about 50%) and the number of intrauterine deaths was significantly increased (about 5-fold)in rats receiving amlodipine maleate at a dose equivalent to 10 mg amlodipine/kg/day for 14 days before mating and throughout mating and gestation. Amlodipine maleate has been shown to prolong both the gestation period and the duration of labor in rats at this dose. [Atenolol] [Atenolol] Use only if potential benefit justifies potential risk; prefer agents with better reproductive data when alternatives exist. [Chlorthalidone] Pregnancy Teratogenic Effects. Pregnancy Category B Reproduction studies have been performed in the rat and the rabbit at doses up to 420 times the human dose and have revealed no evidence of harm to the fetus due to chlorthalidone. There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Nonteratogenic Effects Thiazides cross the placental barrier and appear in cord blood. The use of chlorthalidone and related drugs in pregnant women requires that the anticipated benefits of the drug be weighed against possible hazards to the fetus. These hazards include fetal or neonatal jaundice, thrombocytopenia, and possibly other adverse reactions that have occurred in the adult. Nursing Mothers Thiazides are excreted in human milk. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from chlorthalidone, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother. Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness in children have not been established.

Lactation

[Losartan] [Losartan] Several CCBs considered compatible; prefer agents with more lactation data. [Amlodipine] Pediatric: Effect on patients less than 6 years old is not known. ( 8.4 ) Geriatric: Start dosing at the low end of the dose range. ( 8.5 ) 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary The limited available data based on post-marketing reports with amlodipine use in pregnant women are not sufficient to inform a drug-associated risk for major birth defects and miscarriage. There are risks to the mother and fetus associated with poorly controlled hypertension in pregnancy [see Clinical Considerations] . In animal reproduction studies, there was no evidence of adverse developmental effects when pregnant rats and rabbits were treated orally with amlodipine maleate during organogenesis at doses approximately 10 and 20-times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD), respectively. However for rats, litter size was significantly decreased (by about 50%) and the number of intrauterine deaths was significantly increased (about 5-fold). Amlodipine has been shown to prolong both the gestation period and the duration of labor in rats at this dose [see Data]. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations: Disease-associated maternal and/or embryo/fetal risk Hypertension in pregnancy increases the maternal risk for pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, premature delivery, and delivery complications (e.g., need for cesarean section and post-partum hemorrhage). Hypertension increases the fetal risk for intrauterine growth restriction and intrauterine death. Pregnant women with hypertension should be carefully monitored and managed accordingly. Data: Animal Data No evidence of teratogenicity or other embryo/fetal toxicity was found when pregnant rats and rabbits were treated orally with amlodipine maleate at doses up to 10 mg amlodipine/kg/day (approximately 10 and 20 times the MRHD based on body surface area, respectively) during their respective periods of major organogenesis. However for rats, litter size was significantly decreased (by about 50%) and the number of intrauterine deaths was significantly increased (about 5-fold)in rats receiving amlodipine maleate at a dose equivalent to 10 mg amlodipine/kg/day for 14 days before mating and throughout mating and gestation. Amlodipine maleate has been shown to prolong both the gestation period and the duration of labor in rats at this dose. 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary Limited available data from a published clinical lactation study reports that amlodipine is present in human milk at an estimated median relative infant dose of 4.2%. No adverse effects of amlodipine on the breastfed infant have been observed. There is no available information on the effects of amlodipine on milk production. 8.4 Pediatric Use Amlodipine besylate (2.5 to 5 mg daily) is effective in lowering blood pressure in patients 6 to 17 years [see CLINICAL STUDIES ( 14.1 )]. Effect of Amlodipine besylate on blood pressure in patients less than 6 years of age is not known. 8.5 Geriatric Use Clinical studies of amlodipine did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy. Elderly patients have decreased clearance of amlodipine with a resulting increase of AUC of approximately 40 to 60%, and a lower initial dose may be required [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION (2.1) ] . [Atenolol] Nursing Mothers Atenolol is excreted in human breast milk at a ratio of 1.5 to 6.8 when compared to the concentration in plasma. Caution should be exercised when atenolol is administered to a nursing woman. Clinically significant bradycardia has been reported in breastfed infants. Premature infants, or infants with impaired renal function, may be more likely to develop adverse effects. Neonates born to mothers who are receiving atenolol at parturition or breastfeeding may be at risk for hypoglycemia and bradycardia. Caution should be exercised when atenolol is administered during pregnancy or to a woman who is breastfeeding (See WARNINGS, Pregnancy and Fetal Injury ).

06 Kenya market

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07 Provenance

Sources & review state

Primary sourceLocal active-ingredient clinical extract; Component monographs (multi-source pipeline); Professional class pharmacology (Angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB))
Last reviewed14 Aug 2026
EvidenceSource not available

Decision support only. Confirm patient-specific decisions against the current product SmPC, Kenya STG/EML, and professional judgement.