Losartan+atenolol
About
Losartan+atenolol belongs to a class of combination drugs called 'anti-hypertensive' primarily used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a lifelong or chronic condition in which the blood pressure against the artery walls becomes too high. This can lead to damaged blood vessels leading to heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and other problems.
Losartan+atenolol is a combination of Losartan (angiotensin II receptor blockers) and Atenolol (a beta-blocker). Losartan works by blocking a hormone called angiotensin II thereby preventing blood vessels from narrowing, lowering the blood pressure, and improving the overall blood flow. Atenolol works by blocking stress hormones like adrenaline and epinephrine, thereby slowing down the increased heart rate. Thus, it collectively helps lower raised blood pressure, reducing the chances of heart attack or stroke in the future.
Take Losartan+atenolol as prescribed by your doctor. You are advised to take Losartan+atenolol for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending upon your medical condition. The most common side effects of Losartan+atenolol are nausea, dizziness, taste change, headache, cold extremities, slow heart rate, increased potassium level, constipation, tiredness, and decreased blood pressure. They do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
Inform your doctor if you have had an allergic reaction to Losartan+atenolol, are pregnant or are planning to get pregnant, are breastfeeding, have liver disease, kidney disease, heart failure, a heart valve problem, or have a history of a heart attack. You must closely monitor your blood pressure if you ever have had a stroke, heart attack, or currently taking other blood pressure-lowering pills. It is advised to continue taking this drug and not stop taking it suddenly without consulting your doctor. It is advisable to drink plenty of fluids while taking this medicine. However, kidney patients should avoid taking plenty of fluids. Avoid potassium supplements with Losartan+atenolol as they may lead to high potassium levels in the blood.
Uses of Losartan+atenolol
Medicinal Benefits
Losartan+atenolol belongs to a class of combination drug called 'anti-hypertensive' primarily used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). Losartan+atenolol is a combination drug containing Losartan (angiotensin II receptor blockers) and Atenolol (a beta-blocker). Losartan works by blocking a hormone called angiotensin II thereby preventing blood vessels from narrowing, 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. Atenolol works by blocking stress hormones like adrenaline and epinephrine, thereby slowing down the increased heart rate. Thus, it collectively helps lower raised blood pressure, reducing the chances of heart attack or stroke in the future.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Losartan+atenolol
- Nausea
- Taste change
- Headache
- Cold extremities
- Slow heart rate
- Dizziness
- Increased potassium level
- Constipation
- Tiredness
- Decreased blood pressure
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Losartan+atenolol if you are allergic to Losartan+atenolol or any of its ingredients. If you have diabetes, kidney, or liver problems, please inform your doctor before taking Losartan+atenolol. Losartan+atenolol is not recommended for pregnant women. It has atenolol, a pregnancy category D drug, 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+atenolol. Do not consume alcohol with Losartan+atenolol as it may increase the risk of low blood pressure. Avoid potassium supplements with Losartan+atenolol as they may lead to high potassium levels in the blood. Regular blood tests and blood pressure monitoring are recommended while taking Losartan+atenolol.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Losartan+atenolol may have interaction with pain killers (ibuprofen, aspirin), high blood pressure-lowering medicines (lisinopril, enalapril, ramipril, benazepril, captopril, fosinopril, moexipril, perindopril, quinapril, aliskiren), water pills (amiloride, spironolactone, triamterene), blood thinners (heparin), muscle relaxant (tizanidine), antibiotics (trimethoprim), potassium supplements.
Drug- Food Interaction: Losartan+atenolol may interact with potassium salt substitutes, potassium supplements, 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+atenolol.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAvoid alcohol consumption while taking Losartan+atenolol as it may cause dizziness or lightheadedness.
Pregnancy
unsafeLosartan+atenolol contains atenolol, which is a pregnancy category D drug. When Losartan+atenolol 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+atenolol should be discontinued as soon as possible.
Breast Feeding
unsafeAvoid breastfeeding while taking Losartan+atenolol as it may be unsafe for the baby.
Driving
cautionLosartan+atenolol may cause dizziness or drowsiness in some people. So, drive only if you are alert after taking Losartan+atenolol.
Liver
cautionLosartan+atenolol to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of Liver diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Kidney
cautionLosartan+atenolol to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Children
cautionIt is not recommended for children below 6 years. However, for children above 6 years, give Losartan+atenolol 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 flavor 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.
- A low salt diet and regular exercise are recommended along with Losartan+atenolol for effective results.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Hypertension: Blood pressure is the measurement of the force that our heart uses to pump blood to all body parts. 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. Systolic pressure is the pressure with which the heart pumps blood out. On the other hand, diastolic pressure is 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+atenolol is a combination drug containing Losartan (angiotensin II receptor blockers) and Atenolol (a beta-blocker) primarily used to treat hypertension. Losartan works by blocking a hormone called angiotensin II and atenolol works by blocking stress hormones like adrenaline and epinephrine, thereby slowing down the increased heart rate. Thus, it collectively helps lower raised blood pressure, reducing the chances of heart attack or stroke in the future.
No, you are not recommended to take potassium supplements with Losartan+atenolol as it may increase the levels of potassium in the blood (hyperkalemia). However, please consult a doctor before taking other medicines with Losartan+atenolol.
Losartan+atenolol may be safe for diabetic patients if a doctor prescribes it. Losartan+atenolol protects the kidney and slows down kidney function decrease in hypertensive (high blood pressure) type 2 diabetic patients.
It is advised to continue your medicine even after your blood pressure is under control or becomes normal as blood pressure can shot up at any time. If you have a persistent headache, please consult your doctor immediately.
Yes, Losartan+atenolol can cause dizziness in some cases, so it is advised to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery while taking Losartan+atenolol. In case you feel dizzy or lightheaded, it is advised to rest for some time until you feel better.
