Losartan

Molecule Description

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

Angiotensin-II receptor antagonists).

Uses

Contraindications

Side effects

Precautions and Warnings

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 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

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

Precautions and Warnings of Losartan

Pregnancy

Can I take Losartan during pregnancy?

Losartan can harm the fetus seriously. Do not take Losartan if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Losartan while breastfeeding?

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

Can I drive if I have consumed Losartan?

Losartan is not known to affect your driving ability. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness with Losartan, avoid driving.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Losartan?

Caution is advised as alcohol can the blood pressure level and can increase side effects like sedation or drowsiness.

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)

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...

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.

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 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...

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

Dr. Arpit Verma

MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

REVIEWED BY

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.

References

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Last Updated on: 05 Oct 2020 | 10:47 PM (IST)

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