{"id":52645,"date":"2022-07-19T09:01:48","date_gmt":"2022-07-19T13:01:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=52645"},"modified":"2026-05-08T16:37:35","modified_gmt":"2026-05-08T20:37:35","slug":"losartan-side-effects","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/losartan-side-effects\/","title":{"rendered":"Losartan side effects and how to avoid them"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/losartan-potassium\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Losartan potassium<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (generic <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/cozaar\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cozaar<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) is a prescription <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/angiotensin-ii-receptor-blockers\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">angiotensin II receptor blocker<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (ARB) used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure), reduce the risk of stroke, and prevent diabetes-related kidney disease. It\u2019s sometimes used off-label to treat heart failure or non-diabetic kidney problems. It relaxes blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more easily.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Losartan is generally well-tolerated and may be better tolerated than ACE inhibitor blood pressure medications. Still, side effects can occur. Knowing what to watch for can help you respond early and seek medical care when needed.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"common-side-effects-of-losartan\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Common side effects of losartan<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.accessdata.fda.gov\/drugsatfda_docs\/label\/2025\/020386s069lbl.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">the FDA drug label<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the most common side effects of losartan include dizziness and upper respiratory infection (such as the common cold). In clinical trials, about <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/dailymed.nlm.nih.gov\/dailymed\/drugInfo.cfm?setid=d5571a70-fe83-4277-ac42-ffaff2e051b2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">8% of people<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> taking losartan developed a cold, compared with 7% of those taking a placebo.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The most commonly reported side effects include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dizziness\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Upper respiratory infection<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nasal congestion<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Back pain\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People taking losartan for diabetic nephropathy also experience:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fatigue or weakness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Low blood pressure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High potassium levels<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chest pain<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"serious-side-effects-of-losartan\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Serious side effects of losartan<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although less common, losartan can cause serious side effects that require prompt medical attention. These include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Severely low blood pressure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High potassium levels (hyperkalemia)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kidney problems or failure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Liver disease<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Severe allergic reaction, including trouble breathing and\/or swelling of the face and throat)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"does-losartan-cause-weight-gain\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Does losartan cause weight gain?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/medications-that-cause-weight-gain\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Weight gain<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is not listed as a side effect of losartan in the drug label. In fact, some<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC6109660\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">post-market research<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> suggests that losartan may be associated with weight loss in certain patients.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are a few possible explanations for this. Some <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC8929071\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">studies<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> suggest losartan may improve insulin sensitivity, which can play a role in weight regulation. Other <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC3938885\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">research<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> indicates it may affect leptin signaling, a hormone involved in appetite and cravings. However, these findings are largely based on animal studies and limited data.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Overall, there\u2019s no strong evidence that losartan causes weight gain. While some people may experience weight loss, this effect is not common or guaranteed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"side-effects-of-losartan-by-dose\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Side effects of losartan by dose<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The typical <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/cozaar\/dosage\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">losartan dosage<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> ranges from 50-100 milligrams (mg) per day. It is taken orally as losartan film-coated tablets in strengths of 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ahajournals.org\/doi\/10.1161\/01.hyp.25.6.1345\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A study published in the <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">American Heart Association Journals<\/span><\/i><\/a> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">compared side effects across different doses of losartan (an ARB), <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/enalapril-maleate\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">enalapril<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (an ACE inhibitor), and a placebo. While side effects varied slightly between doses, researchers concluded that these differences were not clinically significant.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"can-you-overdose-on-losartan\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can you overdose on losartan?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, as with any prescription medication, taking too much losartan is a medical emergency. The typical maximum dose is 100 milligrams (mg) per day.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contact a poison control center or a healthcare provider right away if an overdose is suspected. Symptoms may include low blood pressure and changes in heart rate, such as a fast or slow heartbeat.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-soon-do-losartan-side-effects-start\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How soon do losartan side effects start?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Losartan<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/16029066\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">starts working<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> soon after the first dose, and common side effects may develop within the first few days to weeks of treatment,<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> according to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/jalorean-hayes\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">JaLorean Hayes, MPH, BSN<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a registered nurse, public health advocate, and founder of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/mealmaps.org\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Meal Maps<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Symptoms of severe allergic reaction to losartan, such as hives, shortness of breath, or swelling of the face or tongue, may occur within minutes to hours after taking the first dose.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-long-do-losartan-side-effects-last\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How long do losartan side effects last?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to the drug label, it takes about two hours for the body to eliminate half a dose of losartan. Because of this, some side effects may begin to improve within a few hours to a couple of days after stopping the medication.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, the duration of the side effects depends on the severity of what you experience. Mild side effects, such as nasal congestion and back pain, don\u2019t last long, according to<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/cynthia-odogwu-md-02334252\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cynthia Odogwu, MD<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a family and lifestyle medicine physician in Maryland<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In rare cases, a serious side effect such as kidney failure may take more time and additional treatment to resolve.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"what-are-the-long-term-side-effects-of-losartan\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What are the long-term side effects of losartan?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/what-is-losartan-used-for\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Losartan<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is generally considered safe and effective for long-term use. The drug label does not list specific long-term side effects. That said, rare but serious effects, such as a decline in kidney function, may have lasting consequences. People with existing kidney conditions may be at higher risk. Regular monitoring, such as routing blood work and kidney function tests, is recommended while taking losartan.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"losartan-interactions\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Losartan interactions<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Losartan is generally a well-tolerated drug, but the risk of adverse reactions increases when taking multiple medications. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/losartan-interactions\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drug interactions<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to avoid include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Potassium-raising agents:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Potassium-sparing diuretics, potassium supplements, or potassium-rich foods can raise potassium levels too high when combined with losartan. This includes common concerns around <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/losartan-and-eating-bananas\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">losartan and bananas<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, since bananas are high in potassium and may contribute to elevated levels (hyperkalemia).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs:<\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/nsaids\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NSAIDs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> such as ibuprofen or naproxen can increase the risk of kidney damage when used with losartan.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Other drugs that block the renin-angiotensin hormone system: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Combining losartan with<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/ace-inhibitors\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ACE inhibitors<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or other<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/angiotensin-ii-receptor-blockers\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ARBs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can intensify the risk of kidney problems.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Other blood pressure drugs: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Losartan widens blood vessels to lower blood pressure. Combining it with other blood pressure-lowering drugs can result in dangerously low blood pressure.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In patients with diabetes, losartan is also contraindicated. This means it should not be mixed with\u00a0Tekturna (aliskiren).<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"safety-measures-while-using-losartan\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Safety measures while using losartan<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Losartan is a well-tolerated drug. It is not habit-forming, and only a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/drugs\/drug-safety-and-availability\/drug-recalls\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">small number of recalls<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> have been reported. However, it may not be safe for everyone.<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/drugs\/drug-safety-and-availability\/drug-recalls\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"who-should-not-take-losartan\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Who should not take losartan?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to the drug label, losartan is not recommended for:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>People who are pregnant:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Losartan can cause serious harm to a fetus and may lead to fetal death. The FDA has issued a<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/black-box-warning\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">black box warning<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> advising that the drug should be discontinued as soon as pregnancy is detected.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Children younger than 6 years old:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Losartan is not approved for use in very young children. It is also contraindicated in pediatric patients with severe kidney disease.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Breastfeeding mothers:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> It\u2019s not known whether losartan passes into breast milk. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/losartan-alternatives\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other blood pressure drugs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> may be preferred while breastfeeding.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>People with an allergy to any of the medication\u2019s components<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"who-should-use-caution-when-taking-losartan\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Who should use caution when taking losartan?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The FDA also advises caution in people with:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kidney disease or impairment<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dehydration<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Low sodium<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Liver disease<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Severe congestive heart failure<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Losartan may affect kidney function and blood pressure levels, so monitoring is important in these groups.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Older adults are not restricted from using losartan, but they may be more sensitive to its blood pressure\u2013lowering effects and should be monitored closely.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/29808707\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">studies<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> suggest that ARBs, including losartan, may be less effective in lowering blood pressure in Black patients. Treatment response can vary, so a healthcare provider may adjust therapy based on individual needs.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-to-avoid-losartan-side-effects\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to avoid losartan side effects<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Losartan has few side effects, but there are practical ways to reduce the risk or minimize symptoms while taking this medication.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"1-take-losartan-as-instructed\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Take losartan as instructed<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Losartan is available in multiple strengths. Take only the dose prescribed by your healthcare provider.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is typically taken once or twice daily. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it\u2019s almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"2-stay-hydrated\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Stay hydrated<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Proper hydration helps maintain stable blood pressure and may reduce the risk of dizziness.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People taking diuretics (water pills) or laxatives should be especially mindful of fluid intake, as these can increase the risk of dehydration.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"3-limit-alcohol\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Limit alcohol<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Losartan can cause dizziness, which may worsen with alcohol consumption. Alcohol may also interfere with <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8130994\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">blood pressure control<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Limiting or avoiding alcohol is generally recommended while taking losartan.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"4-monitor-potassium-intake\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. Monitor potassium intake<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Though losartan can be taken with or without food, according to Hayes, it\u2019s important to pay attention to your overall diet while on losartan, particularly potassium intake.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201c<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/potassium-rich-foods\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Foods high in potassium<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or potassium supplements can increase the risk of too much potassium in the body,\u201d Hayes says. \u201cSome salt substitutes also have potassium chloride, which can contribute to developing hyperkalemia as well.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>RELATED: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/high-potassium-causes\"><b>What causes high potassium?<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"5-take-losartan-at-the-same-time-each-day\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5. Take losartan at the same time each day.<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is no specific \u201cbest\u201d time of day to take losartan, but consistency is important. Dr. Odogwu suggests finding a time that is comfortable for you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201c<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is important to take it at the same time each day, so that it is in your system for 24 hours,\u201d she adds. \u201cMy patients are more likely to remember to take their Losartan if they stick to taking it at the same time, every day.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-to-treat-the-side-effects-of-losartan\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to treat the side effects of losartan<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many common side effects can be treated at home as your body adjusts to the medication. However, seek medical attention right away if you experience signs of a serious reaction, such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Allergic reaction (hives, swelling of the face or throat, trouble breathing)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High potassium (weakness, nausea, tingling)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kidney problems (changes in urination, swelling, or unexplained weight gain)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For milder side effects, the following strategies may help:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Dizziness:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Move slowly when standing up or sitting down. Sit or lie down until symptoms pass.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Upper respiratory infection: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rest and stay hydrated.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Nasal congestion: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ask a healthcare provider about <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/cold-medicine-for-high-blood-pressure\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">appropriate over-the-counter (OTC) options<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Using a humidifier or taking steamy showers may also help.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Back pain<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Ask your provider about <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/tylenol-or-ibuprofen-for-back-pain\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">OTC pain relief<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Gentle stretching, heat therapy, or massage may provide relief.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"bottom-line-is-losartan-safe\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bottom line: Is losartan safe?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, Losartan is generally considered safe for people with the conditions it is prescribed to treat:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/hypertension-treatments-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hypertension<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (high blood pressure)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nephropathy in people with Type 2 diabetes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stroke risk reduction<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heart disease (off-label use)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because losartan is a prescription medication, it should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider. Do not start, stop, or change your dose without medical advice.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Losartan potassium (generic Cozaar) is a prescription angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure), reduce the risk of stroke, and prevent diabetes-related kidney disease. It\u2019s sometimes used off-label to treat heart failure or non-diabetic kidney problems. It relaxes blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more easily. Losartan is generally well-tolerated [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":52723,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4589],"tags":[9650,790,12752],"coauthors":[20942],"class_list":["post-52645","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drug-info","tag-blood-thinners","tag-chronic-disease","tag-medication-side-effects","wpautop"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.8 (Yoast SEO v27.8) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Losartan side effects and how to avoid them<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Losartan side effects include upper respiratory infections, dizziness, and back pain. 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