From the Guidelines
Relationship Between Flash Pulmonary Edema and Losartan
Losartan, an angiotensin II receptor antagonist, is not typically recommended as a first-line treatment for flash pulmonary edema. However, in patients with hypertension and flash pulmonary edema, losartan may be considered as part of the management plan to control blood pressure 1.
- The primary treatment for flash pulmonary edema focuses on addressing the underlying cause, typically with nitrates, diuretics, and non-invasive positive pressure ventilation, rather than losartan.
- Losartan may be initiated at a dose of 25-50mg orally once daily, with titration to a maximum dose of 100mg orally once daily as needed to control blood pressure.
- It's essential to note that the evidence does not directly link losartan to the treatment of flash pulmonary edema, but its use in managing hypertension can be beneficial in patients with flash pulmonary edema 1.
- The management of flash pulmonary edema should prioritize treating the underlying cause, and losartan should be used cautiously, considering its potential effects on blood pressure and renal function.
From the Research
Relationship between Flash Pulmonary Edema and Losartan
- Flash pulmonary edema is a clinical manifestation of renovascular hypertension, which can be caused by elevated angiotensin II concentrations and volume overload due to decreased pressor natriuresis in significant stenoses of renal arteries 2.
- Losartan, an angiotensin II receptor antagonist, is used to treat hypertension and has been shown to be effective in reducing blood pressure and preventing end-organ damage 3, 4, 5.
- However, losartan can cause acute pulmonary edema in patients with severe renal artery stenosis, especially in those with a solitary kidney 6.
- The use of losartan in patients with renal artery stenosis requires careful consideration, as it can worsen renal function and lead to pulmonary edema 6.
- In patients with flash pulmonary edema, the use of losartan may need to be avoided or used with caution, especially if they have underlying renal artery stenosis or other conditions that may increase the risk of pulmonary edema 2, 6.