Loranta

Loranta is an oral blood pressure medication containing Losartan Potassium as its active ingredient, available in 50 mg and 100 mg strengths. It belongs to the Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB) drug class.

Losartan works by blocking the Angiotensin II Type 1 (AT1) receptor, preventing Angiotensin II from binding. This causes blood vessels to dilate, lowering blood pressure and reducing the workload on the heart.

Key advantage of ARBs over ACE Inhibitors: ARBs like Losartan do not cause dry cough — a common side effect (10–15%) of ACE Inhibitors such as Enalapril and Enaril. This is because ARBs do not inhibit Bradykinin degradation.

Loranta contains the same active ingredient as Cozaar (the originator brand by Merck). Thai FDA approved — a cost-effective option for managing hypertension.

Hypertension: The primary indication. Losartan effectively lowers blood pressure, reducing risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.

Diabetic Nephropathy: Losartan slows kidney deterioration in Type 2 diabetic patients with concurrent hypertension by reducing proteinuria (protein in urine).

Stroke risk reduction: In hypertensive patients with Left Ventricular Hypertrophy (LVH).

Heart failure: Used as an alternative when patients cannot tolerate ACE Inhibitor side effects (dry cough).

Starting dose: Losartan 50 mg once daily. Can be taken at any time, with or without food. Swallow whole with water.

Maximum dose: May be increased to 100 mg once daily if blood pressure targets are not met. Your doctor will adjust the dose.

Liver impairment: May start at a lower dose (25 mg) as Losartan is metabolised by the liver.

If you miss a dose: Take it as soon as you remember. If close to the next dose, skip the missed one. Do not take a double dose.

Important:

• Take daily, consistently, even when feeling well
• Never stop without consulting your doctor — sudden discontinuation may cause a blood pressure spike
• Losartan reaches full effect within 3–6 weeks
• Monitor blood pressure regularly

Common side effects:

• Dizziness — especially when first starting treatment
• Hypotension (low blood pressure) — may occur in dehydrated individuals
• Hyperkalaemia (high potassium levels)
• Fatigue, headache

Less common side effects:

• Back pain, muscle pain
• Diarrhoea, nausea
• Insomnia

What it does NOT cause (advantage over ACEi):

• No dry cough — unlike ACE Inhibitors which cause cough in 10–15% of patients
• Much lower risk of angioedema

Important: If you experience swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat (angioedema), stop the medication immediately and seek emergency medical attention.

Do not use:

• Pregnant women or those planning pregnancy — Losartan may cause foetal harm or death, especially in the 2nd–3rd trimester
• Allergy to Losartan or any component of the medication
• Concurrent use of Aliskiren with diabetes or renal impairment (eGFR < 60)

Use with caution:

• Severe liver disease — dose reduction may be needed
• Dehydration or low salt levels — correct before starting; risk of hypotension upon initiation
• Kidney disease — monitor potassium levels and renal function regularly
• Do not combine with ACE Inhibitors (e.g., Enalapril) simultaneously — increased risk of renal impairment and hyperkalaemia
• Caution with NSAIDs (e.g., Ibuprofen) — may reduce antihypertensive efficacy

Loranta vs. Enalapril / Enaril (ACE Inhibitor): Both drug classes lower blood pressure equally well, but Loranta (ARB) does not cause dry cough, while Enalapril/Enaril may cause cough in 10–15% of users. If an ACEi causes cough, doctors typically switch to an ARB like Losartan. Different mechanisms — ACEi inhibits the ACE enzyme, while ARB directly blocks the AT1 receptor.

Loranta vs. Amlodipine (CCB): Different mechanisms. Amlodipine is a Calcium Channel Blocker that directly dilates blood vessels, while Loranta works through the Renin-Angiotensin system. Can be combined for enhanced efficacy. Amlodipine may cause ankle oedema, while Loranta rarely does.

Loranta vs. Cozaar (originator): Same active ingredient — Losartan Potassium. Cozaar is the originator brand by Merck at a higher price. Loranta is a generic, Thai FDA approved, with equivalent quality at a more accessible price.

Losartan starts lowering blood pressure within 1–2 hours of ingestion, reaching peak effect at 6 hours and lasting 24 hours — hence once-daily dosing.

Results timeline:

• Day 1: Blood pressure begins to decrease but has not yet reached target
• 1–2 weeks: Noticeable blood pressure reduction
• 3–6 weeks: Full effect achieved — blood pressure stabilises. Doctor will evaluate and consider dose adjustments

Half-life: Losartan has a half-life of approximately 2 hours, but its active metabolite (EXP3174) has a half-life of 6–9 hours, enabling 24-hour efficacy.

Take daily and consistently. Do not stop even if blood pressure has normalised.

Loranta is a pharmacist-dispensed medication. You can order online from Intimo Life.

Can I buy Loranta online?

Yes. Order through Intimo Life — select the product, consult with a licensed pharmacist online, and receive your medication at home.

Do I need a prescription?

A doctor's prescription is not required, but the medication must be dispensed by a licensed pharmacist. At Intimo Life, our pharmacist will review your symptoms and health history to confirm suitability before shipping.

How does Intimo Life ship orders?

We deliver nationwide in Thailand with discreet packaging — no product names on the outside.