giftan (LOSARTAN)
Introduction to Giftan
Giftan is a medication primarily used to manage and treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and certain kidney conditions. It is known for its effectiveness in reducing the ris... See More
What is Giftan?
Giftan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) commonly used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and heart failure. It is also prescribed to protect the kidneys in diabetic nephropathy. Giftan works by blocking the action of angiotensin II, a hormone that causes blood vessels to constrict, thus helping to relax and widen blood vessels, lowering blood pressure and improving heart function.
What is the usual dose of Giftan?
The usual starting dose of this medicine for adults is typically 10 mg taken once daily. The dose may be adjusted based on the patient's response and tolerance, usually in increments of 10 mg, up to a maximum recommended dose of 40 mg per day. For secondary indications, such as anxiety, the dose might differ, and a healthcare provider will provide specific instructions. In special populations like children or the elderly, the dose may be lower to account for differences in metabolism and sensitivity. It's crucial to follow a healthcare provider's instructions for dosing to ensure safety and effectiveness.
How do I take Giftan?
Giftan can be taken with or without food. There are no specific food restrictions, but avoid high-potassium foods or supplements as Giftan can increase potassium levels. Take once daily, at the same time each day. Swallow the tablet whole, without crushing or chewing. Follow your doctor’s advice on potassium intake and other medications you may be taking.
For how long do I take Giftan?
Giftan is often a medicine you take for a long time, maybe even your whole life.
What disease or symptom is Giftan used for?
Giftan is indicated for treating hypertension (high blood pressure), heart failure, and diabetic nephropathy (kidney disease in diabetes). It’s also used to reduce the risk of stroke in patients with hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy (enlarged heart). Giftan helps lower blood pressure and protect kidney function, improving overall cardiovascular health.
How long does it take for Giftan to start working?
Your blood pressure may go down in the first week of taking Giftan, but it may take up to 6 weeks to feel the full effects.
Is Giftan effective?
Evidence supporting Giftan’s effectiveness comes from clinical trials showing it significantly reduces blood pressure, improving cardiovascular outcomes. Studies like the Giftan Heart Failure Study demonstrated its ability to reduce symptoms and hospitalizations in heart failure patients. It also effectively protects kidney function in those with diabetic nephropathy and reduces the risk of stroke in high-risk patients.
How do I know if Giftan is working?
The benefit of Giftan is evaluated by regularly monitoring blood pressure to ensure it stays within the target range. In patients with heart failure or diabetic nephropathy, kidney function and creatinine levels are also monitored. Additionally, doctors may assess heart function and symptoms to determine if the medication is effectively improving overall cardiovascular health and reducing risks.
How does Giftan work?
Giftan works by blocking the action of angiotensin II, a hormone that constricts blood vessels and raises blood pressure. By blocking angiotensin II receptors, Giftan helps relax and widen blood vessels, which lowers blood pressure. This action improves heart function, reduces strain on the heart, and helps protect the kidneys, particularly in people with diabetes.
Who should avoid taking Giftan?
Giftan is contraindicated in pregnancy, particularly in the second and third trimesters, due to risks to the fetus. It should not be used in patients with severe liver impairment or allergy to the drug. Caution is advised for those with kidney problems, low blood pressure, or high potassium levels. Regular monitoring of blood pressure, kidney function, and potassium is important.
Can I take Giftan with other prescription drugs?
Significant interactions with Giftan include diuretics (e.g., spironolactone) which may increase the risk of low blood pressure or kidney problems. ACE inhibitors (e.g., enalapril) or renin inhibitors (e.g., aliskiren) can cause hyperkalemia and kidney issues. NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen) may reduce Giftan’s effectiveness and harm kidney function. Always consult your doctor about all medications you're taking.
Can Giftan be taken safely while pregnant?
Giftan is a medication that should not be taken by pregnant women. If taken during pregnancy, it can decrease the amount of fluid surrounding the developing baby, especially in the second and third trimesters. This can cause harm to the baby's kidneys and lungs, leading to long-term health issues. If you discover you are pregnant while taking Giftan, stop taking it and consult your doctor immediately.
Can Giftan be taken safely while breastfeeding?
It's usually okay to breastfeed while taking Giftan, but it's important to talk to your doctor first. However, if your baby was born prematurely, it's best to avoid taking Giftan. Your doctor can help you decide the best course of action.
Is Giftan safe for the elderly?
Giftan is a medicine for high blood pressure and kidney protection in people with type 2 diabetes. In studies, a smaller percentage of older people (65 and older) took part in the high blood pressure trials compared to the diabetes trials. Doctors found Giftan worked similarly well in both younger and older adults, but some older people might be more sensitive to it. It's important for doctors to check potassium levels in the blood regularly, and they may need to adjust the dose or stop the medicine if necessary.
How should I store Giftan?
To keep your Giftan medicine in good condition, store it properly. Put it in a container that closes tightly to keep out light. The temperature should stay between 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C). Most importantly, keep it and all other medicines out of reach of children for safety.
Does Giftan make people tired or drowsy?
Yes, Giftan can cause dizziness, which was reported in 3% of patients in clinical trials. If you experience dizziness or lightheadedness, especially after getting up from a lying or sitting position, get up slowly and talk to your doctor.
Does Giftan cause stomach upset?
Yes, Giftan can cause stomach upset like abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These side effects were reported in less than 2% of patients. If you experience gastrointestinal issues, consult your doctor for advice on managing these side effects.
Does Giftan affect sleep?
Giftan can cause sleep disorders. If you experience a change in sleep, talk to your doctor to see if they recommend any changes to your medication or sleep habits.
Does Giftan make it hard to think or concentrate?
Yes, Giftan may affect your ability to think or concentrate. Side effects like somnolence and headache can cause problems with concentration, attention, and memory. If you experience these side effects, talk to your doctor.
Does Giftan affect mood?
Yes, Giftan can affect your mood. It may cause depression. If you experience mood swings, depression, or anxiety while taking this medication, it is important to consult your doctor for further evaluation and guidance.
Does Giftan interfere with sexual function?
Yes, Giftan can cause impotence. If you experience sexual side effects while taking Giftan, talk to your doctor as they may be able to adjust your dose or suggest alternative treatments.
Does Giftan affect appetite?
There is no enough data to prove that Giftan affects appetite.
Does Giftan cause weight gain?
Weight gain is not a commonly reported side effect of Giftan. In fact, it is more likely to cause weight loss in rare cases due to its potential impact on fluid retention and blood pressure.
Does Giftan cause headaches?
Giftan can cause headaches. If you experience headaches while taking Giftan, talk to your doctor to see if they recommend any changes to your medication or over-the-counter pain relief.
Does Giftan limit driving?
Giftan can cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, do not drive or operate machinery.
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Giftan?
Alcohol can lower blood pressure, which might amplify Giftan's effects and cause dizziness or fainting. It's best to limit alcohol intake and consult your doctor for personalized advice.
Is it safe to drink coffee or tea while taking Giftan?
Moderate consumption of coffee or tea is generally safe, but caffeine can sometimes raise blood pressure slightly. If you're concerned, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Is it safe to exercise while taking Giftan?
Regular exercise is beneficial, but since Giftan lowers blood pressure, you may feel dizzy during activity. Speak to your doctor before starting a new or intense exercise routine to ensure safety.
What are the most common side effects of Giftan?
A side effect is an unwanted or unexpected symptom caused by a medicine. For this medicine, common side effects may include nausea, which is feeling sick to your stomach, dizziness, which is feeling lightheaded or unsteady, headache, which is pain in the head, fatigue, which is feeling very tired, and dry mouth, which is a lack of saliva. The frequency of these side effects can vary, but they are generally considered common. It's important to note that when starting a new medicine, people might experience new symptoms that could be unrelated to the medicine, temporary, or due to another health issue. Always talk to a healthcare provider before stopping any medicine, as they can provide guidance on managing side effects and ensure your treatment is safe and effective.
Does Giftan have adverse effects?
Adverse effects, which are unwanted or harmful reactions to a medicine, can occur when taking any medication. For this medicine, some common adverse effects might include nausea, headache, dizziness, fatigue, and dry mouth. These effects can vary in how often they occur, but they are generally not severe. However, there are rare but serious adverse effects that require immediate medical attention, such as difficulty breathing, severe rash, or swelling of the face and throat. It's crucial to report any new or worsening symptoms to a healthcare provider. Never stop taking a medicine without consulting a healthcare professional, as they can provide guidance on how to manage side effects safely.
Is Giftan addictive?
This medicine does not have any known potential for dependence or addiction. It is considered safe in terms of habit-forming properties. Therefore, there is no need to worry about developing a physical or psychological dependence on this medication. However, it is always important to follow the prescribed dosage and instructions provided by your healthcare provider to ensure safe and effective use. If you have any concerns or experience any unusual symptoms while taking this medicine, consult your healthcare provider for further guidance.
Does Giftan have any safety warnings?
This medicine does have safety warnings. One key warning is the risk of allergic reactions, which can occur if you are allergic to any of the ingredients. Allergic reactions can lead to symptoms like rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help immediately. Another warning is the potential for liver damage, which can happen if the medicine is taken in high doses or for a long time. Signs of liver damage include yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or severe stomach pain. Monitoring these symptoms is crucial to prevent serious health issues. Lastly, this medicine may cause dizziness or drowsiness, which can affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. If you experience these symptoms, avoid such activities to ensure your safety.
Is it safe to stop Giftan?
To determine if it's safe to stop a medicine, first identify its purpose. If it's for managing a chronic condition like hypertension or diabetes, stopping it suddenly can lead to serious health risks, such as uncontrolled blood pressure or blood sugar levels. If the medicine is for symptomatic relief or treating a temporary condition, like an infection, stopping it might lead to a return of symptoms or incomplete treatment. Some medicines can cause withdrawal or rebound symptoms if stopped abruptly, which means symptoms can return stronger than before. In some cases, stopping a medicine suddenly can be life-threatening. Therefore, it's crucial to consult with a doctor before making any changes to your medication regimen. They can provide guidance on how to safely stop or adjust your medication.
How do I dispose of Giftan?
If you can, bring unused medicines to a drug take-back program or collection site at a pharmacy or hospital. They will dispose of this medicine properly so they don't harm people or the environment. If you can't find a take-back program, you can throw most medicines in the trash at home. But first, take them out of their original containers, mix them with something undesirable like used coffee grounds, seal the mixture in a plastic bag and throw it away.
What are Giftan possible harms and risks?
Common side effects of Giftan include dizziness, headache, fatigue, and nasal congestion. Significant adverse effects may include low blood pressure (hypotension), elevated potassium levels (hyperkalemia), and kidney problems. In rare cases, it can cause angioedema (swelling of deeper layers of skin). Serious side effects require immediate medical attention.
Available in 2 variations
Giftan 50mg Tablet 10s
Losartan (50mg)
strip of 10 tablets
Giftan 25mg Tablet 10s
Giftan 25mg Tablet 10s
Losartan (25mg)
strip of 10 tablets
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