{"id":1139,"date":"2023-07-19T09:12:15","date_gmt":"2023-07-19T09:12:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/?p=1139"},"modified":"2023-09-08T14:35:05","modified_gmt":"2023-09-08T14:35:05","slug":"losartan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/blood-pressure-medications\/losartan\/","title":{"rendered":"About Losartan (Cozaar): A Patient&#8217;s Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><b>Highlights\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><b><\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Losartan is a blood pressure (hypertension) medication that blocks the hormone angiotensin II from raising your blood pressure.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Losartan is often a first-line hypertensive, especially for people who can\u2019t tolerate other types of blood pressure medications, such as ACE inhibitors.\u00a0<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Losartan is often prescribed for people with kidney disease and for kidney protection in people with diabetes and high blood pressure.\u00a0<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Finding the right pharmacy online can get you the lowest price on losartan.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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\u2019re 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>What Is Losartan and What Is It Used For?<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/home\/medicine_details\/losartan-potassium-25-mg-tab\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Losartan<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, 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 (\u201cwater pills\u201d). It\u2019s used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, enlargement of the left ventricle, and diabetic kidney disease.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>How Does Losartan Work?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Losartan is an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB), which <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/drugs-supplements\/losartan-oral-route\/precautions\/drg-20067341?p=1#:~:text=Losartan%20is%20an%20angiotensin%20II,and%20oxygen%20to%20the%20heart.\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">blocks the hormone angiotensin II<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>What Formulas Are Available for Losartan?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Losartan is available in tablet form to be taken by mouth. In some cases, it\u2019s <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/home\/medicine_details\/losartan-hctz-100-25-mg-tab\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">formulated with the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">; the combination drug is sold under the brand name Hyzaar.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Losartan Dosage and Administration<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1141\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/2.jpeg-3-min.jpg\" alt=\"Losartan bottle\" width=\"780\" height=\"520\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Initially, you\u2019ll 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>How Should I Take Losartan?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>What Are the Potential Side Effects of Losartan?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The more common side effects you might experience while taking losartan include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Congestion<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fever<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sore throat<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Muscle cramping<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Back or leg pain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pain in the stomach<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diarrhea<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Headache<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dizziness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fatigue<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Insomnia<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seek medical help immediately if you\u2019re experiencing any symptoms on this list:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dry cough\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lightheadedness or feeling like you may pass out<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drowsiness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Painful or burning urination<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Infrequent urination or no urine at all<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Swelling<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Weight gain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shortness of breath and rapid heart rate<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Difficulty with concentration\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Confusion<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sudden mood changes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unusual paleness of the skin<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chest pain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wheezing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increased thirst<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Appetite loss<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nausea and vomiting<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any sign of high potassium levels (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kidney.org\/atoz\/content\/what-hyperkalemia\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hyperkalemia<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">), such as a slow heart rate, weak pulse, tingly feeling, or muscle weakness<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In extremely rare cases, losartan can cause kidney problems.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>What Should I Avoid When Taking Losartan?<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1142\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/3.jpeg-3-min.jpg\" alt=\"woman feeling dizzy\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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\u2019re maintaining a proper balance.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Losartan?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If you\u2019re close to the time of your next dose, just take that instead. Don\u2019t take a double dose of losartan.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>What Should I Do If I Overdose on Losartan?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you overdose on losartan, seek medical attention right away, especially if you\u2019re experiencing:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unusual sleepiness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dizziness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pounding heartbeat<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These are signs of unusually low blood pressure.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Who Should Not Take Losartan?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re pregnant or might become pregnant, don\u2019t 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before taking losartan, inform your doctor if you have:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Personal of family history of kidney disease\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Personal or family history of liver disease\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Congestive heart failure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any condition or disease that may cause an electrolyte imbalance<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Possible concerns about dehydration, such as regularly working outdoors<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Are There Any Potential Drug Interactions With Losartan?<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1143\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/4.jpeg-1-min.jpg\" alt=\"doctor checking patient's lower back\" width=\"780\" height=\"520\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When taking losartan, be careful of the following drugs that may interact with it:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Diuretics.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> These can combine with losartan to increase your risk of dehydration. Only take a diuretic with losartan if you\u2019re specifically told to do that by your doctor.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Other blood pressure medication.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Combining blood pressure medications raises the risk of a sudden and possibly dangerous drop in blood pressure.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Aliskiren-containing drugs.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Losartan and aliskiren can interact to affect kidney function, cause sudden drops in blood pressure, and drive up blood potassium levels.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Lithium.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Losartan can prevent lithium from leaving the body at its normal pace.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Celecoxib (Celebrex).<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 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.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> These can combine with losartan to cause problems in the kidneys, especially in people who already have kidney disease.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Get the Lowest Price for Losartan With BidRx<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you\u2019re living with high blood pressure, the last thing you need is more aggravation. BidRx takes both the frustration and cost out of getting the lowest price for losartan by bringing pharmacies to you. When you create a bid, pharmacies will bid on your prescription. You can then choose your offer, and your medication will be delivered right to your door.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Get started by <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/home\/Contents\/customers\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">creating your bid today!<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Learn how losartan works, who should use losartan, its possible side effects, potential drug interactions, and where to get the lowest price on losartan.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1294,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1139","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blood-pressure-medications"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1139","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1139"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1139\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1144,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1139\/revisions\/1144"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1294"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1139"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1139"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1139"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}