Losartan is a generic blood pressure medication primarily prescribed to people with high blood pressure. As a medicine that lowers blood pressure, it also has more specialized uses in people with an enlarged heart or kidney damage. Losartan has few side effects, but it can seriously harm a fetus, so it’s never given to pregnant women.
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Losartan overview
BRAND NAMES:
Cozaar
Generic Names:
Losartan potassium
Uses:
Treats high blood pressure, reduces the risk of stroke in patients with high blood pressure and an enlarged heart, and treats kidney disease in patients with diabetes
Therapeutic Classes:
Angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), antihypertensive, cardiovascular agent, renal protective agent
Forms:
Tablet
How it’s taken:
By mouth
What is Losartan used for?
Losartan lowers blood pressure. Doctors primarily use losartan to lower blood pressure in adults and children older than 6 years old who have high blood pressure. Doctors also use it to reduce the risk of stroke in people with both high blood pressure and an enlarged chamber of their heart, a condition called left ventricular hypertrophy or LVH. Finally, losartan is prescribed to treat kidney damage in people with Type 2 diabetes and a history of high blood pressure.
What form(s) does Losartan come in
Tablet
25 mg
50 mg
100 mg
What are common Losartan doses?
For high blood pressure in adults: 50–100 mg taken once per day or in two divided doses
For high blood pressure in children 6 years of age or older: 0.7 mg/kg taken per day up to a maximum of 50 mg
For stroke prevention in people with an enlarged heart and high blood pressure: 50–100 mg taken once per day
For diabetic nephropathy (kidney damage) in people with Type 2 diabetes and a history of high blood pressure: 50–100 mg taken once per day
RELATED: Cozaar dosage, forms, and strengths
Common Losartan prescriptions
Losartan Potassium
30 tablets bottleLosartan Potassium
90 tablets bottleLosartan Potassium
30 tablets disp packLosartan Potassium
100mg tabletLosartan Potassium
25mg tabletLosartan Potassium
50mg tablet
How to take Losartan
Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
Losartan tablets can be taken with or without food.
Swallow losartan tablets with a drink of water.
Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature protected from light and out of the reach of children.
What to do if you miss a dose of Losartan
Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose.
Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Losartan contraindications
This medicine is not right for everyone.
Do not take losartan if you are pregnant. Losartan can harm an unborn baby.
Do not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to losartan.
If you have diabetes, do not use this medicine together with the blood pressure medication Tekturna (aliskiren).
Losartan warnings
It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
Tell any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you that you are using this medicine.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Tell your doctor if have:
Plans to become pregnant
Kidney disease
Liver disease
Congestive heart failure
Diabetes
Have had an allergic reaction involving facial swelling and similar symptoms caused by another blood pressure drug.
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
This medicine could lower your blood pressure too much, especially when you first use it or if you are dehydrated, salt-depleted, or using other blood pressure medications. Stand or sit up slowly if you feel lightheaded or dizzy.
When taking losartan, drink plenty of fluids if you exercise, sweat more than usual, or have diarrhea or vomiting.
Losartan interactions
To avoid potentially hazardous drug interactions, tell the prescribing healthcare provider about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements you are using before taking losartan.
Tell other healthcare providers you are using this medicine before they prescribe new medications.
Some medicines can affect how losartan works or worsen possible side effects. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
Drugs that make you pee (diuretics), particularly diuretics that help the body retain potassium such as spironolactone, triamterene, or amiloride
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen
Medicines that lower blood pressure, particularly ACE inhibitors or aliskiren
Potassium supplements
Salt substitutes that contain potassium
Lithium, a drug that treats bipolar disorder
Ask your doctor before you use any medicine, supplement, or salt substitute that contains potassium.
Find out more about losartan interactions to avoid here.
Losartan side effects
Serious side effects
Talk to a doctor if you notice any signs or symptoms of a possible serious side effect, including:
Change in how much or how often you urinate, rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting
Confusion, weakness, uneven heartbeat, trouble breathing, numbness or tingling in your hands, feet, or lips
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Losartan can cause serious side effects that may not have symptoms including:
Injury or death of an unborn baby
High potassium
Less serious side effects
Upper respiratory infections like colds
Dizziness
Stuffy nose
Back pain
Sources:
Cozaar losartan tablet prescribing information, NIH National Library of Medicine
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