From the Research
Losartan is not available in an intravenous (IV) formulation, and it is only available as an oral medication in tablet form. Losartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) used to treat hypertension, heart failure, and to protect the kidneys in patients with diabetes. If a patient cannot take oral medications and requires blood pressure control, healthcare providers must choose alternative IV antihypertensive medications such as labetalol, nicardipine, clevidipine, or hydralazine. The lack of an IV formulation for losartan is due to pharmacokinetic properties that make it more suitable for oral administration, including its metabolism in the liver to an active metabolite and its relatively long half-life, as described in the study by 1. For patients who normally take losartan but temporarily cannot take oral medications, their healthcare provider will need to substitute an appropriate IV medication until oral intake can be resumed. Key points to consider when managing patients who require alternative to losartan include:
- Identifying suitable alternative IV antihypertensive medications
- Monitoring blood pressure closely to ensure adequate control
- Considering the patient's underlying medical conditions and potential interactions with other medications
- Consulting with a healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment, as noted in studies such as 2, 3, 4, and 5.