Highlights
- Losartan is a blood pressure (hypertension) medication that blocks the hormone angiotensin II from raising your blood pressure.
- Losartan is often a first-line hypertensive, especially for people who can’t tolerate other types of blood pressure medications, such as ACE inhibitors.
- Losartan is often prescribed for people with kidney disease and for kidney protection in people with diabetes and high blood pressure.
- Finding the right pharmacy online can get you the lowest price on losartan.
High blood pressure can often have no symptoms, but over time it can wear on the body and make chronic conditions more difficult to manage. Losartan is an effective medication, especially if you’re living with diabetes or kidney concerns. Learn how losartan works, who should and should not use this medication, its possible side effects, and where to get the lowest price on losartan.
What Is Losartan and What Is It Used For?
Losartan, also sold under the brand name Cozaar, is a blood pressure medication that has less impact on the kidneys compared to some other forms of blood pressure drugs, like diuretics (“water pills”). It’s used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, enlargement of the left ventricle, and diabetic kidney disease.
How Does Losartan Work?
Losartan is an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB), which blocks the hormone angiotensin II from working. Angiotensin II tightens your blood vessels and tells the body to take up water and salt. This pushes up your blood pressure. Keeping angiotensin from doing this helps the body maintain a healthy blood pressure.
What Formulas Are Available for Losartan?
Losartan is available in tablet form to be taken by mouth. In some cases, it’s formulated with the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide; the combination drug is sold under the brand name Hyzaar.
Losartan Dosage and Administration
Initially, you’ll probably take 50 milligrams of losartan a day. After six weeks, your dosage may be adjusted down to 25 milligrams or raised to as high as 100 milligrams, depending on how your body responds to the medication.
How Should I Take Losartan?
Losartan is taken once a day, with or without food, and should be taken with water. Develop a regular schedule to check your blood pressure and a hydration plan throughout the day as part of your losartan regimen.
What Are the Potential Side Effects of Losartan?
The more common side effects you might experience while taking losartan include:
- Congestion
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Muscle cramping
- Back or leg pain
- Pain in the stomach
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
Seek medical help immediately if you’re experiencing any symptoms on this list:
- Dry cough
- Lightheadedness or feeling like you may pass out
- Drowsiness
- Painful or burning urination
- Infrequent urination or no urine at all
- Swelling
- Weight gain
- Shortness of breath and rapid heart rate
- Difficulty with concentration
- Confusion
- Sudden mood changes
- Unusual paleness of the skin
- Chest pain
- Wheezing
- Increased thirst
- Appetite loss
- Nausea and vomiting
- Any sign of high potassium levels (hyperkalemia), such as a slow heart rate, weak pulse, tingly feeling, or muscle weakness
In extremely rare cases, losartan can cause kidney problems.
What Should I Avoid When Taking Losartan?
Avoid potassium supplements and potassium-based salt substitutes while taking losartan, unless approved by your doctor. Losartan can affect potassium levels in the body, and too much potassium can create an electrolyte imbalance. Foods high in potassium, such as bananas or yogurt, are generally fine to eat. Review your diet plan with your doctor or a dietician to ensure you’re maintaining a proper balance.
Like any blood pressure medication, you can experience dizziness or fainting if you get up too quickly from lying down or sitting. Talk to your doctor about how to move safely when taking losartan.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Losartan?
If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If you’re close to the time of your next dose, just take that instead. Don’t take a double dose of losartan.
What Should I Do If I Overdose on Losartan?
If you overdose on losartan, seek medical attention right away, especially if you’re experiencing:
- Unusual sleepiness
- Dizziness
- Pounding heartbeat
These are signs of unusually low blood pressure.
Who Should Not Take Losartan?
If you’re pregnant or might become pregnant, don’t take losartan, or talk to your doctor about birth control. If you become pregnant, discontinue losartan immediately and contact your provider. People taking losartan should not breastfeed.
Before taking losartan, inform your doctor if you have:
- Personal of family history of kidney disease
- Personal or family history of liver disease
- Congestive heart failure
- Any condition or disease that may cause an electrolyte imbalance
- Possible concerns about dehydration, such as regularly working outdoors
Are There Any Potential Drug Interactions With Losartan?
When taking losartan, be careful of the following drugs that may interact with it:
- Diuretics. These can combine with losartan to increase your risk of dehydration. Only take a diuretic with losartan if you’re specifically told to do that by your doctor.
- Other blood pressure medication. Combining blood pressure medications raises the risk of a sudden and possibly dangerous drop in blood pressure.
- Aliskiren-containing drugs. Losartan and aliskiren can interact to affect kidney function, cause sudden drops in blood pressure, and drive up blood potassium levels.
- Lithium. Losartan can prevent lithium from leaving the body at its normal pace.
- Celecoxib (Celebrex). This NSAID can limit the effect of losartan on high blood pressure. If you need celecoxib for arthritis relief, talk to your doctor about alternative options.
- Other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). These can combine with losartan to cause problems in the kidneys, especially in people who already have kidney disease.
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