Indications
- Losartan treats high blood pressure (hypertension) and protects kidneys from diabetes damage.
- It reduces stroke risk in patients with high blood pressure and an enlarged heart.
- Lowering high blood pressure prevents strokes, heart attacks, and kidney issues.
- Losartan falls under angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) class.
- It relaxes blood vessels to improve blood flow.
Dosage and administration
- Read the Patient Information Leaflet before starting losartan and with each refill.
- Direct any questions to your doctor or pharmacist.
- Take orally with or without food, usually once daily.
- Dosage depends on your medical condition and response to treatment.
- Shake liquid medication well before each dose.
- Use a special measuring device/spoon to ensure the correct dose.
- Take regularly at the same time each day to maximize benefits.
- Continue even if feeling well; many with high blood pressure don’t feel sick.
- Inform your doctor if the condition doesn’t improve or worsens, like increased blood pressure readings.
Side effects
- Dizziness or lightheadedness may occur as your body adjusts.
- Inform your doctor or pharmacist if these effects persist or worsen.
- Rise slowly from sitting or lying down to reduce dizziness risk.
- Your doctor prescribed this medication because benefits outweigh risks.
- Many users don’t experience serious side effects.
- Contact your doctor immediately for serious side effects like fainting or signs of high potassium.
- Losartan may rarely cause or worsen kidney problems, monitor kidney function.
- Notify your doctor of any kidney problem symptoms.
- Serious allergic reactions to losartan are rare but seek immediate medical help if observed.
- Symptoms include rash, swelling, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing.
- Not all side effects are listed; consult your doctor or pharmacist for any unlisted effects.
Precautions
- Inform your doctor or pharmacist of any allergies to losartan or other substances.
- Inactive ingredients in the product may trigger allergic reactions; consult pharmacist for details.
- Before taking, disclose medical history, particularly liver disease, dehydration, or high blood potassium levels.
- Losartan may induce dizziness; avoid alcohol, cannabis, and activities requiring alertness until safe.
- Severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting can lead to dehydration; inform your doctor.
- Maintain fluid intake unless advised otherwise to prevent dehydration.
- Consult doctor before using potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium.
- Inform your healthcare provider of all products used before surgery, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and herbal remedies.
- Notify your doctor if pregnant or planning pregnancy; avoid using losartan during pregnancy due to potential harm to the fetus.
- Discuss breastfeeding concerns with your doctor, as it’s unclear if losartan passes into breast milk.