Losartan
About
Losartan belongs to a class of drugs known as angiotensin II receptor blockers that are used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and lower the risk of stroke in certain people with heart disease. Hypertension is a medical condition in which blood pressure is elevated persistently (<140/90) in the arteries. Heart failure is a chronic condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood as effectively as it should.
Losartan contains Losartan which works by blocking the action of a hormone called angiotensin II thereby preventing blood vessels from narrowing, in turn lowering the blood pressure and improving the overall blood flow. Besides this, it also protects your kidneys if you have both kidney disease and diabetes.
Take Losartan irrespective of food daily at the same time and swallow whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, chew or break it. Your doctor will advise you on how many doses you should take based on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience dizziness, tiredness, low blood pressure, weakness, anaemia (lack of blood), hyperkalaemia (high potassium levels in the blood), change in kidney function, orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure when standing up from lying or sitting position) or hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar). Most of these side effects of Losartan do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist, please consult your doctor.
If you are known to be allergic to Losartan or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. It is advised to complete a full course of medication and not stop taking Losartan suddenly as it may cause recurring symptoms or worsen the condition. Losartan is not recommended for pregnant, breastfeeding women, and children below six years of age. Do not consume alcohol with Losartan as it may increase the risk of low blood pressure. Avoid potassium supplements with Losartan as they may lead to high potassium levels in the blood.
Uses of Losartan
Medicinal Benefits
Losartan is used to treat high blood pressure and prevent heart failure. Losartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker that blocks the action of a hormone called angiotensin II in the body that causes narrowing of blood vessels leading to high blood pressure. Thereby, lowers high blood pressure by widening and relaxing blood vessels.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Losartan
- Dizziness
- Tiredness
- Low blood pressure
- Weakness
- Anaemia (lack of blood)
- Hyperkalaemia (high potassium levels in blood)
- Changes in kidney function
- Orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure when standing up from lying or sitting position)
- Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar)
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
If you have diabetes, kidney or liver problems, please inform your doctor before taking Losartan. Losartan is not recommended for pregnant women especially in second and third trimesters as it may cause serious harm to the unborn baby (fetus). Therefore, pregnant or breastfeeding women are advised to consult a doctor before taking Losartan. Do not consume alcohol with Losartan as it may increase the risk of low blood pressure. Avoid potassium supplements with Losartan as it may lead to high potassium levels in blood. Regular blood tests and blood pressure monitoring are recommended while taking Losartan.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Losartan may have interaction with pain killers (ibuprofen, aspirin)
Drug- Food Interaction: Losartan may interact with potassium salt substitutes, potassium supplements and grapefruit or its juice.
Drug-Disease Interaction: People with angioedema (swelling of tissue below skin), low blood pressure (hypotension), diabetes, kidney, liver, and heart problems should consult a doctor before taking Losartan.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeYou are recommended to avoid consumption of alcohol with Losartan as it may increase the risk of low blood pressure and cause adverse effects such as dizziness, fainting, light-headedness or headache.
Pregnancy
unsafeWhen Losartan is used in the pregnancy during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters it affects the renin-angiotensin system can cause injury and even death to the unborn baby. So when pregnancy is detected, Losartan should be discontinued as soon as possible.
Breast Feeding
unsafeAvoid breastfeeding while taking Losartan as it may be unsafe for the baby.
Driving
cautionLosartan may cause dizziness or drowsiness in some people. So, drive only if you are alert after taking Losartan.
Liver
cautionLosartan should be given with caution, especially if you have a history of Liver diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Kidney
cautionLosartan should be given with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Children
cautionIt is not recommended for children below 6 years. However, for children above 6 years, give Losartan in doses as prescribed by a doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Maintain a low salt diet and minimize eating processed foods as they contain more sodium. Try to replace salt with spices or herbs to add flavour to the food.
- Do regular exercise such as cycling, walking, jogging, dancing or swimming for a minimum of 30 minutes per day.
- Chronic stress may also cause high blood pressure. Therefore, avoid stress triggers and make time for yourself to relax and do activities that you enjoy.
- Maintain a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol intake.
Special Advise
- Monitor your blood pressure regularly and if you notice any fluctuations, please consult a doctor.
- Low salt diet and regular exercise are recommended along with Losartan for effective results.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a medical condition in which the blood pressure is elevated persistently in the arteries. High blood pressure is mostly caused by obesity, diabetes, smoking, high salt intake, stress, lack of physical activity, or aging. Normal blood pressure lies between 90/60 mmHg and 120/80 mmHg. If the blood pressure is 140/90 mmHg or greater, it is considered high blood pressure. If it is left untreated, it may lead to heart disease and stroke. Heart failure is a chronic condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood as effectively as it should. Heart failure may occur due to certain conditions like high blood pressure, swelling or damage of heart muscle, faulty heart valves, or narrow arteries in the heart. Symptoms of heart failure include tiredness, shortness of breath, fast heartbeat, and swollen legs.
FAQs
No, Losartan is not recommended for use during pregnancy especially in the second and third trimesters as it may harm the developing baby. Therefore, if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy, please inform your doctor before taking Losartan.
You are not recommended to take more than the prescribed dose of Losartan as it may cause Losartan overdose resulting in symptoms such as low blood pressure, fast or slow heartbeat. However, if you experience any of these symptoms while taking Losartan, please consult a doctor immediately.
No, you are not recommended to take ibuprofen with Losartan as co-administration of these two medicines may reduce the effect of Losartan and increase the risk of impaired kidney function. However, if you experience loss of appetite, sudden weight loss or weight gain, weakness, muscle cramps, vomiting, nausea, decreased or increased urination, irregular heart rhythm and fluid retention, please consult a doctor immediately. If you are supposed to use these medicines together, you are advised to contact your doctor so that the dose may be adjusted to use safely.
No, you are not recommended to take potassium supplements with Losartan as it may increase the levels of potassium in blood (hyperkalaemia). However, please consult a doctor before taking other medicines with Losartan.
Losartan may be safe for diabetic patients if it is prescribed by a doctor. Losartan protects kidney and slows down the decrease of kidney function in hypertensive (high blood pressure) type 2 diabetic patients.
If you have any kidney problems, it is advised to inform your doctor before taking Losartan. Losartan may worsen kidneys function if there is any existing kidney problem. However, if you experience unexplained weight gain, swelling in feet, ankles or hands, please consult your doctor immediately.
