FDA Approves First Generic Versions of Two Drugs for the Treatment of Hypertension

On April 6, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first generic versions of two drugs used for the treatment of hypertension. Losartan potassium tablets and losartan potassium and hydrochlorothiazide tablets (a combination drug) are the generic equivalents of Cozaar and Hyzaar tablets, respectively.

Cozaar and Hyzaar tablets are widely-used antihypertensive drugs. Both generic losartan products will carry the same safety warnings as their brand counterparts. These warnings include a boxed warning against the use of these products during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.

Losartan potassium tablets are approved in 25 milligram, 50 mg, and 100 mg strengths, and Losartan potassium and hydrochlorothiazide tablets are approved in 50 mg/12.5 mg, 100mg/12.5 mg, and 100 mg/25 mg strengths. Both products are manufactured by TEVA Pharmaceuticals USA in North Wales, Pa.

In related actions, the FDA also approved applications from several other companies for losartan potassium and hydrochlorothiazide tablets for the 100 mg/12.5 mg strength only. These companies include Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc., Roxane Laboratories Inc., and Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Source: FDA Release News