Equivalent Doses of ARBs for Allisartan Isoproxil
Allisartan isoproxil 240 mg daily is approximately equivalent to losartan 100 mg daily or valsartan 160 mg daily based on the available evidence.
Understanding Allisartan Isoproxil
Allisartan isoproxil is a novel angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonist (ARB) that has been shown to effectively lower blood pressure and protect target organs 1. In clinical studies, allisartan at 240 mg/day demonstrated significant improvements in:
- Blood pressure reduction (13.2/9.35 mmHg)
- Endothelial function
- Vascular damage markers
Equivalent ARB Dosing Table
| ARB | Equivalent Daily Dose | Dosing Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Allisartan isoproxil | 240 mg | Once daily |
| Losartan | 100 mg | Once or twice daily |
| Valsartan | 160 mg | Once daily |
| Candesartan | 16-32 mg | Once daily |
| Telmisartan | 40-80 mg | Once daily |
Evidence for Equivalence
Losartan Equivalence
- FDA-approved dosing for losartan ranges from 25-100 mg daily 2
- Losartan 100 mg daily provides similar antihypertensive effects to allisartan 240 mg based on comparable blood pressure reductions 3, 1
- Losartan at 50-100 mg produces statistically significant systolic/diastolic mean decreases in blood pressure in the range of 5.5-10.5/3.5-7.5 mmHg 2
Valsartan Equivalence
- Valsartan 160 mg appears to be the optimal dose for initial therapy in patients with essential hypertension based on efficacy/tolerability profile 4
- Valsartan doses of 80,160, and 320 mg produced dose-related decreases in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, with differences from placebo of approximately 6-9/3-5 mmHg at 80-160 mg 5
- Comparative studies show valsartan 80/160 mg was as effective as losartan 50/100 mg in treating mild to moderate essential hypertension 6
Duration of Action Considerations
When selecting an equivalent ARB, consider the duration of action:
- Losartan has a shorter duration of action compared to other ARBs, with morning/evening effect ratios of 0.49/0.16 7
- Valsartan, candesartan, and telmisartan demonstrate more consistent 24-hour blood pressure control with morning/evening effect ratios of 0.82/0.88,0.69/1.01, and 0.88/0.88 respectively 7
Clinical Considerations
Dosage Adjustment:
- Start with standard doses and titrate based on blood pressure response
- For losartan, consider twice-daily dosing for more consistent 24-hour control 2
Special Populations:
- In renal impairment: Adjust dosing accordingly
- In elderly patients: Consider starting at lower doses
Contraindications:
Monitoring:
- Check renal function and potassium levels within 1-2 weeks after switching medications
- Follow-up evaluation of adherence and response to treatment should occur at monthly intervals until blood pressure control is achieved 9
Practical Switching Approach
When switching from allisartan to another ARB:
For allisartan 240 mg daily, switch to:
- Losartan 100 mg daily (may consider divided dosing for better 24-hour coverage)
- Valsartan 160 mg daily
- Monitor blood pressure closely during transition
Consider patient-specific factors:
- Comorbidities (heart failure, diabetes, chronic kidney disease)
- Concomitant medications
- Previous response to antihypertensive therapy
The choice between losartan and valsartan may depend on specific patient factors, with valsartan potentially offering more consistent 24-hour blood pressure control compared to losartan at equivalent doses.