Description:
Coryton (Losartan potassium), the first of a new class of agents for the treatment of hypertension, is an angiotensin II receptor (type AT) antagonist. Coryton (Losartan potassium) and its principal active metabolite block the vasoconstrictor and aldosterone secreting effects of angiotensin II by selectively blocking the binding of angiotensin II to the AT, receptor found in many tissues (e.g. vascular smooth muscle, adrenal gland).Coryton (Losartan potassium) is a reversible, competitive inhibitor of the AT, receptor.


Presentation:
Coryton Tablet : Pack of 2x 10’s tablets.

Composition:
Each film coated tablet contains : Losartan (as Potassium) ....... 50mg.

Indications:
Coryton is indicated for the treatment of hypertension.

Dosage and Administration:
The usual starting and maintenance dose is 50mg once daily for most patients. The maximal antihypertensive effect is attained 3-6 weeks after initiation of therapy. Some patients may receive an additional benefit by increasing the dose to 100 mg once daily. Coryton may be administered with other antihypertensive agents. Coryton may be administered with or without food .

Side Effects:

Hypersensitivity: Anaphylactic reactions, angioedema including swelling of the larynx and glottis causing airway obstruction and/or swelling of the face, lips, pharynx and/or tongue has been reported rarely in patients treated with losartan.

Gastrointestinal: Hepatitis (reported rarely), liver function abnormalities.

Hematologic: Anemia.

Musculoskeletal: Myalgia.

Nervous System psychiatric: Migraine.

Respiratory: Cough.

Skin: Urticaria, pruritus.

Contraindications:
Coryton is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to any component of this product.

Cautions:
Hypotension and Electrolyte / Fluid Imbalance
In patients who are intravascularly volume-depleted (e.g. those treated with high-dose diuretics), symptomatic hypotension may occur. These conditions should be corrected prior to administration of Coryton or a lower starting dose should be used.

Liver Function Impairment
Based on pharmacokinetic data which demonstrate significantly increased plasma cocentrations of losartan in cirrhotic patients, a lower dose should be considered for patients with a history of hepatic impairment.

Renal Function Impairment
As a consequence of inhibiting the renin angiotensin system, changes in renal function including renal failure have been reported in susceptible individuals.

Other drugs that affect the renin angiotensin system may increase blood urea and serum creatinine in patients with bilateral renal artery stenosis or stenosis of the artery to a solitary kidney. Similar effects have been reported with Coryton, these changes in renal function may be reversible upon discontinuation of therapy.

Use in Pregnancy and Lactation:
When used in pregnancy during the second and third trimesters, drugs that act directly on the renin angiotensin system can cause injury and even death in the developing foetus. When pregnancy is detected Coryton should be discontinued as soon as possible.

It is not known whether losartan is excreted in human milk but because of the potential for adverse effects on the nursing infant, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.


Drug Interactions:
In clinical pharmacokinetic trials, no drug interactions of clinical significance have been identified with hydrochlorothiazide, digoxin, warfarin, cimetidine, phenobarbital, ketoconazole, and erythromycin.

Concomitant use of potassium-sparing diuretics. (e.g. spironolactone, triamterene, amiloride) potassium supplements, or salt substitutes containing potassium may lead to increase in serum potassium.

The antihypertensive effect of losartan may be attenuated by the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug indomethacin.


Over Dosage:
The most likely manifestation of overdosage would be hypotension and tachycardia,bradycardia could occur from parasympathetic (vagal) stimulation. If symptomatic hypotension does occur, then institute supportive therapy.

Storage:
Store below 30 C.
Protect from moisture.