Losartan+amlodipine
About
Losartan+amlodipine belongs to the class of anti-hypertensive drugs, primarily used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Hypertension is a medical condition in which blood pressure is elevated persistently in the arteries. It is considered as an essential risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Losartan+amlodipine lowers the blood pressure by widening and relaxing blood vessels.
Losartan+amlodipine is a combination of two medicines, namely, Losartan and Amlodipine. Losartan belongs to a group of drugs called angiotensin II receptor antagonists. It lowers the blood pressure and increases the blood flow by preventing the narrowing of blood vessels. Losartan is also used to treat stroke and slow down kidney damage in people with type 2 diabetes. Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker that dilates (widens) blood vessels and increases blood flow. Altogether, it helps to lower high blood pressure, chest pain (angina) and other conditions caused by coronary artery disease.
Your doctor will decide the dosage based on your medical condition. In some cases, Losartan+amlodipine can cause side effects like sleepiness, taste changes, ankle swelling, headache, flushing (feeling warmth in the face, ears, neck and trunk), dizziness, tiredness, palpitations (irregular heartbeat), upset stomach, and hyperkalaemia (increased potassium levels in the blood). Most of these side effects of Losartan+amlodipine do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if these side effects persist longer, please consult your doctor.
If you are known to be allergic to Losartan+amlodipine or any other medicines, please inform your doctor. Before taking Losartan+amlodipine, let your doctor know if you have any kidney or liver problems or severe dehydration. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also consult their doctor before taking it. It is advised to complete the prescribed course, even if you feel better. Please do not stop taking Losartan+amlodipine on your own, as it may lead to the recurrence of symptoms or worsen the condition. Do not consume alcohol with Losartan+amlodipine as it may increase the risk of low blood pressure. Avoid potassium supplements with Losartan+amlodipine as it may lead to high potassium levels in the blood.
Uses of Losartan+amlodipine
Medicinal Benefits
Losartan+amlodipine is an anti-hypertensive drug that treats high blood pressure (hypertension). Losartan+amlodipine lowers the blood pressure by widening and relaxing blood vessels. Losartan+amlodipine consists of two medicines, namely: Losartan and Amlodipine. Losartan is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist. It lowers the blood pressure and increases the blood flow by preventing the narrowing of blood vessels. Losartan is also used to treat stroke and slow down kidney damage in people with type 2 diabetes. Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker that dilates (widens) blood vessels and increases blood flow. Altogether, it helps to lower high blood pressure, chest pain (angina) and other conditions caused by coronary artery disease.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Losartan+amlodipine
- Sleepiness
- Taste changes
- Ankle swelling
- Headache
- Flushing
- Dizziness
- Tiredness
- Palpitations
- Upset stomach
- Hyperkalaemia
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Monitor your blood pressure levels regularly. If you are known to be allergic to Losartan+amlodipine or have any kidney or liver problems or severe dehydration, please inform your doctor beforehand. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also consult their doctor before taking it. It is advised to complete the prescribed course, even if you feel better. Complete the course strictly as suggested by the doctor, even if you feel better, to avoid disease recurrence. Avoid consumption of alcohol with Losartan+amlodipine as it may increase the risk of low blood pressure. Avoid potassium supplements with Losartan+amlodipine as it may lead to high potassium levels in the blood.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Losartan+amlodipine may interact with other blood pressure treating medicines (Lisinopril, Ramipril, benazepril), pain killers (aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, hydrocodone), heart-related medicines (metoprolol, nitroglycerin), high cholesterol treating drugs (simvastatin), fluid retention drugs (hydrochlorothiazide), and drugs treating impotence (sildenafil).
Drug-Food Interaction: Minimize high potassium foods intake and avoid over the counter potassium supplements, grapefruit, or juice.
Drug-Disease Interaction: People with low blood pressure, heart, kidney or liver problems or severe dehydration, hyperkalaemia (high potassium levels in the blood), and diabetes should consult the doctor before taking Losartan+amlodipine.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeIt is unsafe to consume alcohol, since alcohol consumption with Losartan+amlodipine may increase the risk of low blood pressure and cause adverse effects such as dizziness, fainting, light-headedness, or headache.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult your doctor before taking Losartan+amlodipine if you plan to become pregnant or are already pregnant. Your doctor will weigh the potential risks and benefits before prescribing Losartan+amlodipine.
Breast Feeding
cautionThere is no evidence on how Losartan+amlodipine affects breastfeeding. Please consult your doctor before taking Losartan+amlodipine if you are breastfeeding.
Driving
cautionLosartan+amlodipine may cause side effects like dizziness, headaches, nausea or tiredness, which can affect your ability to concentrate and drive. Hence, it is recommended not to drive or operate machinery until you are mentally alert.
Liver
cautionLet your doctor know if you have any history of liver diseases before taking Losartan+amlodipine. The dosage will be initiated in lower doses and will be further increased in patients with liver diseases.
Kidney
cautionLosartan+amlodipine consists of Losartan drug, which may affect the kidney functioning. Hence it is advised to seek doctor advice before starting Losartan+amlodipine if you have kidney problems.
Children
cautionIt is not recommended for children below six years. However, for children above six years, give Losartan+amlodipine in doses as prescribed by a doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Reduce sodium intake in your diet to maintain your blood pressure.
- Eat natural and healthy foods by cutting down on high on sodium processed foods.
- Lose those extra pounds, since being obese can be a risk factor for hypertension.
- Exercise regularly to maintain good heart health.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol intake.
- 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.
Special Advise
Keep a check on your daily blood pressure, and if you notice any fluctuations, please consult a doctor. Low salt/sodium diet and regular exercise are recommended along with Losartan+amlodipine for effective results.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Blood pressure is the measurement of the force that our heart uses to pump blood to all parts of the body. Hypertension is a chronic condition when blood pressure is too high. This condition can lead to hardened arteries (blood vessels), decreasing the blood and oxygen flow to the heart. Raised blood pressure can cause chest pain (angina) and heart attack (when blood supply to the heart is blocked). Additionally, high blood pressure also causes brain damage (stroke) and kidney failure. High blood pressure can be diagnosed with the help of a blood pressure monitor or sphygmomanometer. Systolic pressure is the pressure when the heart pumps blood out. On the other hand, diastolic pressure is the pressure when your heart is at the resting stage between heartbeats. If your blood pressure is 140/90 mm of Hg, it means the systolic pressure is 140 mm of Hg and, diastolic pressure is 90 mm of Hg. Ideal blood pressure should be between 90/60 mm of Hg and 120/80 mm of Hg.
FAQs
Losartan+amlodipine consists of Losartan and Amlodipine. Losartan lowers the blood pressure and increases the blood flow by preventing the narrowing of blood vessels. Amlodipine dilates (widens) blood vessels and increases blood flow. Altogether, Losartan+amlodipine helps to lower high blood pressure, chest pain (angina) and other conditions caused by coronary artery disease.
Losartan+amlodipine can cause high levels of potassium in the blood leading to hyperkalaemia. Hence it is not recommended to use potassium supplements along with Losartan+amlodipine. However, consult your doctor if you are already taking other medicines before starting Losartan+amlodipine.
Do not stop using Losartan+amlodipine even if you feel better. It should be strictly used as advised by your doctor to avoid the recurrence of symptoms and worsening of the disease.
No, you are advised to inform your doctor and monitor your blood pressure for at least two weeks before stopping the medicine. Depending upon your current blood pressure readings, there is a possibility your doctor may lower your medicine dosage and not recommend to discontinue it.
