What is Losartan?
Losartan is a prescribed drug which comes in an oral tablet. This tablet is available in the brand name Cozaar. It is also available as a generic drug. Generic drugs cost less than the branded drugs. It can be taken as a combination therapy with other medications to lower blood pressure.
Uses of Losartan
Losartan can be used for many purposes:
- For treating high blood pressure.
- Reduce the risk of stroke if you’re having high blood pressure and are left with ventricular hypertrophy.
- Treats diabetic nephropathy
Controlling high blood pressure can help prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney disease. Losartan also relaxes blood vessels so that blood can flow more easily.
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Get A Second OpinionSide Effects of Losartan
Common Losartan side effects are:
- Respiratory infections (Common cold)
- Dizziness
- Stuffy nose
- Back pain
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Low blood sugar
- Chest pain
The common side effects will go away within a few days if major precautions are taken after consulting a Doctor.
Serious Losartan side effects are:
High Potassium in the Blood:
- Heart rhythm problems
- Muscle weakness
- Heart rate getting slow
Allergic reactions: Swelling of face, lips, throat and tongue
Low blood pressure: Feeling Faint
Kidney problems: Swelling in feet, ankles and hands
Abnormal weight gain: If you have any of these serious symptoms, immediately contact your doctor for further assistance. In any case, due to Losartan, if you get any kind of reaction in your body, try avoiding it.
If you experience serious symptoms, contact your doctor promptly. Seek medical assistance immediately for any severe side effects of Losartan.
Precautions To Follow
Before taking losartan, tell your doctor if you’ve taken any medicine in the past or have had allergic reactions.
Avoid the usage of alcohol or cigarettes if you are taking losartan tablets.
Inform your doctor if you have these problems:
- Liver Disease
- Kidney Disease
- Myasthenia Gravis
- Heartbeat Disorder
- Dehydration
How to get rid of Losartan side effects?
Dizziness
If losartan tablets make you feel dizzy then stand for a while or try sitting slowly. Lie down for time being so that you won’t get any measure problems.
Headaches
Drink enough water. Avoid the consumption of alcohol to not get into any measure trouble. Keep your body dehydrated.
Nausea
Take losartan tablets after the meal. Try to avoid spicy foods.
Joint or muscle pain
If you get muscles pain or feel tired and weak then consult your doctor immediately.
How do you get rid of Losartan side effects?
Dizziness
If losartan tablets make you feel dizzy then stand for a while or try sitting slowly. Lie down for time being so that you won’t get any measure problems.
Headaches
Drink enough water. Avoid the consumption of alcohol to not get into any further trouble. Keep your body dehydrated.
Nausea
Take losartan tablets after the meal. Try to avoid spicy foods.
Joint or muscle pain
If you get muscle pain or feel tired and weak, then consult your doctor immediately.
How do you take Losartan?
Losartan should be taken as prescribed by the Doctor. Follow your prescriptions to get the best results. The dosage will depend on multiple factors:
- Type of condition
- Age
- Weight
- Other medical conditions
How to Use Losartan?
Forms of Losartan
Generic- Losartan/Hydrochlorothiazide(Tablet)
- 50 mg losartan/ 12.5 mg Hydrochlorothiazide
- 100 mg losartan/ 12.5 mg Hydrochlorothiazide
- 100mg losartan/ 25 mg Hydrochlorothiazide
Dosage for hypertension:
Adult dosage- First dosage is 50 mg losartan/ 12.5 mg Hydrochlorothiazide or *100 mg losartan/ 12.5 mg Hydrochlorothiazide once per day.
The dosage will depend on the blood pressure drug that you were taking before.
Dosage for left ventricular hypertrophy
Adult dosage - First dosage is 50 mg losartan/ 12.5 mg Hydrochlorothiazide or once per day. If it can’t control the blood pressure level then your doctor may increase the dosage.
Missed Dose
- Missing one or two-dose of losartan won’t show any effect on your body.
- The skipped dose causes no problem. However, with some medications, it won’t work if you don’t take the dosage on time.
- If you miss a dose some sudden chemical change may affect your body.
- In some cases, your doctor would advise you to take the prescribed medicine as soon as possible if you have missed the dose.
Overdose
- Overdose of a drug can be accidental.
- If you have taken more than the prescribed losartan tablets, there is a chance of getting a harmful effect on your body’s functions.
- Overdose of a medicine can lead to some medical emergency.
Losartan Warnings :
People with Serious Health Conditions
- Low blood pressure
- Sensitivity reaction
- Eye Problems
- Allergy Reaction
People with sulfonamide energy
If your body is allergic to sulfonamide then avoid taking losartan tablets. Consult your doctor if you have allergies.
People with kidney disease
If you’re having any kind of kidney disease then this drug can cause you some measure side effects.
People with diabetes
If you’re taking drugs for diabetics then your doctor may adjust the drugs. The doctor will also guide you in how often you can test the blood sugar levels.
Pregnant women
Research indicates potential fetal adverse effects if a mother takes this drug during pregnancy. While the risk of pregnancy loss or birth defects seems low, consult your doctor before using the medication to ensure safety.
Breastfeeding
Losartan passes into breast milk, potentially causing side effects in breastfed infants like diarrhea, vomiting, and rash. Consult your doctor before taking Losartan while breastfeeding.
Storage Instructions
- Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines.
- The exposure of medicine may cause some harmful effects.
- The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach.
- Mainly, the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
| Losartan | Lisinopril |
|---|---|
| Losartan is a prescribed drug which comes in an oral tablet. This tablet is available in the brand name Cozaar. | Lisinopril belongs to an angiotensin-converting enzyme. It helps in controlling low blood pressure. The tablet is available in the brand name called Zestril and Prinivil. |
| Side effects of Losartan are: Vomiting, headache, chest pain, back pain and low blood pressure | Side effects of lisinopril are dry cough, headaches, diarrhea, itching and blurred vision. |
| Losartan can be used for treating high blood pressure | Lisinopril can be used for Treating high blood pressure and heart failure |
| Reduce the risk of stroke if you’re having high blood pressure and are left with ventricular hypertrophy. | Helps in preventing stroke and heart attacks. |
Citations
Losartan Potassium Clinical Pharmacokinetics of Losartan Release modulating hydrophilic matrix systems of losartan potassium: Optimization of formulation using statistical experimental designReady to take control of your health journey? Book your appointment now and start your path towards wellness today!
Book an AppointmentFrequently Asked Questions
The most common side effects of losartan are vomiting, headache, chest pain, back pain and low blood pressure.
Losartan is safe to take if you’re experiencing any serious symptoms. However, you should consult your doctor for the best way to take it.
Grapefruits and juice may reduce the efficacy of losartan. If any interaction is suspected, then grapes should be avoided.
Irbesartan is a proper substitute for losartan. But before going for the substitute, consult your doctor.
