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molecule

Losartan

Molecule Description

Losartan belongs to a group of medicines which lower increased blood pressure (

Angiotensin-II receptor antagonists).

uses

Uses of Losartan

  • High blood pressure
  • Chronic heart failure
  • Heart attack (myocardial infarction) causing dysfunction of left lower chamber of the heart
  • Diabetic kidney disease
contraindications

Contraindications of Losartan

When should one not use Losartan

  • Pregnancy
  • Allergic to the Losartan or any other ARAs
  • Renal Artery Stenosis (a condition where a blood vessel in the kidney is narrow)
  • Liver problems
  • Kidney disease
sideEffects

Side effects of Losartan

Common side effects of this drug are:

  • Excessive drop in blood pressure
  • Headache, and dizziness
  • Can cause allergic reactions like rash, swelling of face, lips and throat (serious). In such a scenario, seek emergency medical help
  • High levels of potassium in the blood
  • Vertigo
  • Low blood sugar
  • Fatigue
  • Changes in kidney function including kidney failure
  • Reduced number of red blood cells (anemia)
  • Can cause skeletal muscle injury called rhabdomyolysis. Hence, report if you experience fever or pain/ tenderness
precautionsAndWarnings

Precautions and Warnings of Losartan

pregnancy

Pregnancy

Q:
Can I take Losartan during pregnancy?
A:
Losartan can harm the fetus seriously. Do not take Losartan if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.
breastfeeding

Breast Feeding

Q:
Can I take Losartan while breastfeeding?
A:
Losartan is not recommended for breastfeeding mothers. There is no sufficient data available to say whether Losartan can be harmful to the nursing infant if breastfed by a mother who is on Losartan. But it is advisable to seek a physician’s help to find a safer alternative.
driving

Driving

Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed Losartan?
A:
Losartan is not known to affect your driving ability. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness with Losartan, avoid driving.
alcohol

Alcohol

Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Losartan?
A:
Caution is advised as alcohol can the blood pressure level and can increase side effects like sedation or drowsiness.
otherGeneralWarnings

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if
  • History of angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, throat, tongue)
  • Excessive vomiting or diarrhea
  • If you are known to have narrowing or blockage of the blood vessels leading to your kidneys or had a kidney transplant recently
  • Liver disease
  • You suffer from heart failure with or without renal impairment or concomitant severe life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias
  • Heart disease
  • If you have high blood pressure and diabetes-related kidney problems. Your doctor shall regularly ask you to do kidney tests and test for electrolytes (e.g. potassium)
modeOfAction

Mode of Action of Losartan

How Does It Work?

Angiotensin-II is a substance produced in the body which causes constriction of blood vessels. This leads to an increase in blood pressure. Losartan prevents the binding of Angiotensin-II to it’s rece...
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interactions

Interactions of Losartan

Interactions with other medicines

  • Many medicines are known to interact; hence any prescription that the patient is taking has to be reported
  • Aspirin and NSAIDs reduce the action of Losartan on blood pressure
  • All ACE inhibitors, Azathioprine, Lithium, Aspirin, and Aliskiren should be avoided
  • Medicines which are known to increase potassium levels like Diuretics

Interactions with food items

No information is available on interactions of Losartan when taken with food, consult your doctor or pharmacist for further information.
dietaryRestrictions

Dietary Restrictions of Losartan

Avoid high potassium-containing foods (spinach, banana, peas, kidney beans). Low-salt diet is preferred. Avoid fruits, foods and health supplements with high potassium contents.
dosage

Dosage of Losartan

Overdose

Overdose symptoms can include increased heart rate, extremely low blood pressure, dizziness, increased levels of potassium in the blood, kidney failure and loss of consciousness. Seek immediate emerge...
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Missed a Dose

Consume missed dose as soon as you remember it. If it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take extra doses to compensate for a missed one.

Content Details

WRITTEN BY
doctor

Dr. Arpit Verma

MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

REVIEWED BY
doctor

Dr. Ritu Budania

MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

^

Q: What should I inform my healthcare expert before I start treatment with Losartan?

A: You must give an account of your past and present diseases, especially diabetes, and all the ongoing medications, supplements and herbal medicines that you are taking. If you take antidiabetic medicines or insulin, track your blood sugar carefully while taking Losartan, particularly during the first month of its use. The combination of these diabetes medicines when on Losartan may cause a significant change in your blood sugar levels owing to drug-drug interactions. Aspirin and painkillers also diminish the positive effect on blood pressure of Losartan. Hence, sharing complete history is of utmost importance.
Last Updated on: 05 Oct 2020 | 10:47 PM (IST)

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Disclaimer
The information provided herein is supplied to the best of our abilities to make it accurate and reliable as it is published after a review by a team of professionals. This information is solely intended to provide a general overview on the product and must be used for informational purposes only. You should not use the information provided herein to diagnose, prevent, or cure a health problem. Nothing contained on this page is intended to create a doctor-patient relationship, replace or be a substitute for a registered medical practitioner's medical treatment/advice or consultation. The absence of any information or warning to any medicine shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance. We highly recommend that you consult your registered medical practitioner for all queries or doubts related to your medical condition. You hereby agree that you shall not make any health or medical-related decision based in whole or in part on anything contained in the Site. Please click here  for detailed T&C.
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