Overview Of Losartan

Losartan is a prescription medication, typically taken as a tablet. It is designed to help reduce blood pressure. Doctors will start adult patients on an initial dose of fifty milligrams daily. This dose can be increased. The maximum is one hundred milligrams daily. Pediatricians may prescribe losartan to children who are older than six years. These patients may take it as an oral suspension. Individuals with liver dysfunction may need to start with an initial dose of twenty-five milligrams each day.

Many individuals need to take high blood pressure pills. This is why asking a doctor about a losartan prescription may be helpful. After all, everyone wants to get the most effective blood pressure medicine. Of course, other factors can influence if patients are suitable for losartan, including if they take natural supplements for high blood pressure.

How It Works

As an angiotensin II receptor blocker, losartan blocks the effects of angiotensin II. This chemical narrows the blood vessels and increases blood pressure. Blocking the chemical helps widen the veins and arteries, ultimately lowering the patient's blood pressure. Losartan helps improve blood circulation. It also reduces strain on the heart.

The medication is a uricosuric drug that inhibits specific urate transporters, including URAT1. It stops the body's cells from absorbing uric acid. As a result, more uric acid stays in the bloodstream. It can be filtered by the kidneys and excreted through urination. Some researchers believe that losartan and similar medications might block the effects of angiotensin II more effectively than ACE inhibitors.

Continue reading to learn about the uses and benefits next.

Losartan Uses And Benefits

Losartan is primarily used to reduce blood pressure in children and adults with hypertension. In addition, it is commonly prescribed to reduce the risk of stroke in patients with high blood pressure and left ventricular hypertrophy. Patients with high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes may take losartan to reduce the speed at which long-term kidney damage occurs. The medication is also used to treat diabetic neuropathy, chronic kidney disease, and heart failure.

Doctors may consider prescribing losartan for 'off-label' uses as well. Patients should always consult their doctor regarding the risks and benefits of using this medication. This is especially important when it is being considered for 'off-label' use.

Uncover the potential side effects of this medication next.

Potential Side Effects

During treatment with losartan, patients could develop a range of side effects. Upper respiratory infections, back pain, and dizziness are some of the most commonly reported side effects in adults. This medicine could also cause fatigue, diarrhea, chest pain, and low blood sugar in kidney disease and diabetes patients. Insomnia, anemia, orthostatic hypotension, vertigo, muscle cramps, coughing, and nasal congestion have also been reported. Patients might experience irritability, headaches, loss of appetite, constipation, or tinnitus as their body adjusts to the medication. They should let the prescribing doctor know if these symptoms persist for more than a few weeks.

Blurred vision, confusion, breathing difficulties, leg weakness, or stomach discomfort require immediate attention from the prescribing doctor. Some patients might have increased potassium levels in the blood while taking this medication. Doctors may need to test their blood frequently to monitor their potassium. If the patient has persistent or bothersome side effects, doctors may consider reducing the dose.

Reveal the precautions to remember when taking this medication next.

Precautions To Remember

Doctors need to know about any history of congestive heart failure, kidney disease, or liver disease. They will also ask about any history of electrolyte imbalances. It is especially important to mention a history of low potassium. This medication may not be safe for individuals who have had these conditions. It is not prescribed to dehydrated individuals either. Due to the risk of fetal injury or death, this medication should not be used during the second or third trimester of pregnancy. Patients should stop taking losartan immediately if they become pregnant. They must also inform their doctor right away. This medicine should not be used while breastfeeding. Patients cannot consume alcohol while taking this medication. Additionally, they should not take salt substitutes or potassium supplements.

Individuals can take losartan with or without food. It needs to be stored at room temperature away from moisture, light, and heat. Since this medicine may cause dizziness, patients may need to take extra time when getting up from a lying or sitting position. Losartan could cause some patients to become easily dehydrated. Patients should ask their doctor about appropriate fluid intake during their treatment. They may want to monitor their daily intake. It can take between three to six weeks to notice symptom improvement with this medicine. Patients should inform their doctor know if they have not seen an improvement after this time.

Get the full details on potential medication interactions next.

Potential Medication Interactions

Patients should let their doctor know about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter drugs, and nutritional supplements they use before taking losartan. This will reduce their risk of potential medication interactions. Pharmacists should also check for any interactions before dispensing this medication.

Patients who take it with ACE inhibitors, valsartan, or other angiotensin receptor blockers are at a higher risk of low blood pressure, kidney damage, and high potassium. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, such as naproxen and ibuprofen, should not be taken with this medication. Doing so could reduce the effectiveness of losartan. It may also increase the risk of kidney damage. Losartan increases lithium in the body. Patients who take lithium may need to have their dose reduced when taking losartan. Taking losartan with diuretics could increase a patient's risk of low blood pressure. Examples of diuretics that cause this include furosemide and spironolactone. Rifampin, a medicine used to treat tuberculosis, could make losartan less effective.