Can you split Losartan?
By
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii, PhD, is a Pharmacist with expertise in Drug Design and Development, Enzymes, Molecular Modelling, and Photodynamic Therapy. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii’s Highlights:
- Postdoctoral fellow at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo, emphasizing therapy of neglected diseases using light.
- PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Six months as an international researcher at the Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases (University of California San Diego)
- Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes – São Paulo / Brazil
Professional Experience:
2012 – 2018 Project manager at University of São Paulo – Pharmacy Department
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii has worked with computational studies, synthesis, biological evaluation, design, and development of new inhibitor candidates for Chagas Disease and Leishmaniasis.
2017 – 2017 International research fellow at University of California San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences – Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases.
She used Virtual Screening (VS) and High-Throughput Screening (HTS) Integration in the Discovery of new drugs against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
2018 – 2019 Faculdades Oswaldo Cruz
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a professor in the Faculty of Pharmacy, teaching the subjects of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Drug Development.
2019 – 2021 Researcher in Biochemistry University of São Paulo – Biochemistry Department
She applied Photodynamic Therapy in Leishmaniasis Treatment, mentored undergraduate students in scientific activities, and wrote, executed, translated, and reported scientific projects with funding agencies.
2023-2023 UniPiaget – University Center.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a Biology, Nutrition, Physiotherapy, and Pharmacy professor.
Education:
2018 -2021 Postdoctoral at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo
2013 -2018 PhD of Science: Drugs and Medicines at Department of Pharmacy at University of São Paulo
2012 -2013 M.Sc. of Sciences: Drugs and Medicines at the Department of Pharmacy at the University of São Paulo
2005-2008 Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes
The leading publications of Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii are:
Vital-Fujii, D.G, Baptista, M.S. (2021). Progress in the photodynamic therapy treatment of Leishmaniasis. Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, 54, 1-11.
Gatti, F. M., Gomes, R.A., da Fonseca, A.L., Lima, E.J.C., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Taranto, A.G., Varotti, F.P., Trossini, G.H.G. (2020). Antiplasmodial activity of sulfonylhydrazones: in vitro and in silico approaches. Future medicinal chemistry, 13, 233-250.
Silva, E.J., Bezerra-Souza, A., Passero, L.F., Laurenti, M.D., Ferreira, G.M., Fujii, D.G.V., et al. (2018). Synthesis, leishmanicidal activity, structural descriptors and structure-activity relationship of quinoline derivatives. Future medicinal chemistry, 10, 2069-2085.
Leite, F.H.A., Froes, T.Q., da Silva, S.G., de Souza, E.I.M., Vital-Fuji,i D.G., Trossini, G.H.G., et al. (2017). An integrated approach towards the discovery of novel non-nucleoside Leishmania major pteridine reductase 1 inhibitors. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 132, 322-332.
Vital, D.G., Damasceno, F.S., Rapado, L.N., Silber, A.M., Vilella, F.S., Ferreira, R.S., et al. (2017). Application of bioisosterism in design of the semicarbazone derivatives as cruzain inhibitors: a theoretical and experimental study. Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, 35, 1244–1259.
Mello, J. F.R., Gomes, R.A., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Ferreira, G.M., Trossini, G.H.G. (2017). Fragment-based drug discovery as alternative strategy to the drug development for neglected diseases. Chemical Biology & Drug Design, 90, 1067-1078.
Pantaleao, S.Q., Fujii, D.G.V., Maltarollo, V.G., da C. Silva, D., Trossini, G.H.G., Weber, K.C., et al. (2017). The Role of QSAR and Virtual Screening Studies in Type 2 Diabetes Drug Discovery. Medicinal Chemistry, 13, 706-720.
Vital, D., Arribas, M., Trossini, G. (2014). Molecular Modeling and Docking Application to Evaluate Cruzain Inhibitory Activity by Chalcones and Hydrazides. Letters in Drug Design and Discovery, 11, 249-255.
Blau, L., Menegon, R.F., Trossini, G.H.G., Molino, J.V.D., Vital, D.G., Cicarelli, R.M.B., et al. (2013). Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of new aryl thiosemicarbazone as antichagasic candidates. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 67, 142-151.
You can view some of Dr Drielli’s work below and links to her professional profile.
Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9270-0466
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Drielli-Gomes-Vital-Fujii
Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=55829534000
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=F9U50AEAAAAJ&hl=pt-BR
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/driellivital
Escavador: https://www.escavador.com/sobre/6101380/drielli-gomes-vital
CDIPD: https://cdipd.org/index.php/about-us/visiting-scientists
Can you split Losartan?
Yes, you can split Losartan, but you should only do that if recommended by your healthcare provider. Losartan tablets mostly are immediate-release tablets and there’s nothing wrong with splitting such tablets (1).
However, there are some factors that may make this task difficult. Most Losartan tablets are available in odd asymmetrical shapes and they are not scored. This makes it extremely difficult to split these tablets into two equal halves (2).
What are the potential risks of splitting Losartan tablets?
As stated earlier, Losartan is available as immediate-release tablets and it can be split, but the tablets are not scored and splitting these tablets can lead to an uneven distribution of the active ingredient (2).
This can result in one portion containing more medication than the other, affecting the accuracy and consistency of the dosage. In some cases, splitting the tablets may lead to under-dosing or over-dosing, which can impact the effectiveness of the medication or increase the risk of side effects (1,2).
Additionally, Losartan is used to treat conditions like hypertension and certain kidney problems, where precise dosing is crucial for achieving desired therapeutic outcomes (3). Any alteration in the dosing accuracy may compromise the ability to manage these conditions effectively.
If a lower dose of Losartan is required, it is best to consult a healthcare professional who can prescribe the appropriate strength of the medication or consider alternative treatment options.
Taking an accurate dose of Losartan is also important due to the fact that this medication can be combined with other antihypertensive, like Amlodipine. Taking higher or lower doses in such cases can either cause side effects, particularly low blood pressure or may not help your condition adequately.
However, Losartan and other angiotensin II receptor blockers, like Irbesartan, Valsartan, Olmesartan, etc can be cut in half if you do it correctly and by following the guidance of your healthcare provider. However, extended-release dosage forms should never be cut in half.
What are the alternatives to cutting Losartan tablets?
If you need a lower dose of Losartan, it is essential to discuss it with your healthcare provider. Instead of cutting Losartan tablets, your doctor may prescribe a lower strength of the medication that meets your specific needs.
They can determine the appropriate dosage based on your medical condition, age, and other factors. Alternatively, your healthcare provider might suggest trying a different medication that provides the desired effects at a lower dose.
It is crucial to follow your doctor’s advice and never adjust your medication without their guidance to ensure your safety and the effectiveness of the treatment.
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References
1.-
LABEL: LOSARTAN POTASSIUM tablet, film-coated. DailyMed [Internet]. Available from: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/getFile.cfm?setid=1dadbe02-289c-4312-9e65-40f3314dcc31&type=pdf
2.-
The Food and Drug Administration, FDA [US]. Best Practices for Tablet Splitting [Internet]. Available from: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/ensuring-safe-use-medicine/best-practices-tablet-splitting
3.-
Mulla S, Siddiqui WJ. Losartan. 2022 Jul 18. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 30252321. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526065
