Uses

Losartan is a medication that falls under a category known as angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). It’s primarily used to manage high blood pressure (hypertension) and to protect your kidneys from damage due to diabetes.

Controlling blood pressure is essential for preventing serious health issues such as heart attacks, strokes, and kidney complications. Losartan achieves this by making blood vessels relax and widen, which helps in reducing blood pressure.

It is also used for reducing stroke risks in patients with hypertension and heart disease and is effective in treating kidney disease in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

How to Use Losartan

You should take losartan exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It’s usually taken once or twice a day with or without food. Generally, the dosage is based on your medical condition and how you respond to treatment.

For children, the dosage may also be based on their weight. It’s important for the treatment to be effective to take it regularly. Also, to help you stay consistent, try taking it at the same time each day.

If you’re using losartan for high blood pressure, you might not feel sick. However, it’s essential to continue taking it even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms, so you may not know if your treatment is working unless your doctor tells you.

Potential Side Effects

Losartan can cause side effects, although they may vary among individuals. Common side effects include feelings of tiredness, light-headedness, or dizziness as your body adapts to the medication. If these effects don’t go away or become bothersome, inform your doctor or pharmacist.

Move slowly from sitting or lying down to reduce the risk of dizziness. If you experience symptoms of a severe allergic reaction like swelling, rash, extreme dizziness, or breathing difficulty, seek immediate medical attention.

Safety Precautions

Before taking losartan, ensure your doctor or pharmacist knows about any allergies you have. The medication might have inactive ingredients that could trigger allergic reactions.

Inform your healthcare provider about any history of liver problems, dehydration, or high potassium levels (hyperkalemia).

Losartan can cause dizziness, so it’s advisable to avoid alcohol and be cautious when driving or operating machinery.

This medication should be used during pregnancy only when absolutely necessary, as it can harm the fetus, particularly in the later stages of pregnancy.

Drug Interactions

Be aware that losartan can interact with other medications, which might alter how it works or increase the risk of serious side effects. Always keep your healthcare providers informed about all the medications and supplements you are taking.

Drugs like aliskiren, lithium, and others that increase potassium levels (like ACE inhibitors or certain birth control pills) can interact with losartan.

Patients on specific heart medications (ACE inhibitors) or those with kidney diseases should avoid combining losartan with aliskiren.

What to Do in Case of Overdose

If you suspect an overdose and the person is showing serious symptoms such as loss of consciousness or difficulty breathing, contact emergency services immediately. Symptoms of overdose can include extreme dizziness, fainting, or a very slow heartbeat.