What Is Losartan?

Losartan is a prescription medication that should reduce blood pressure. Patients may take it as a pill, though it appears that it also comes as an oral suspension. Adults may stat with a daily dose of fifty milligrams. Some patients may need a higher dose. However, they may only take up to one hundred milligrams daily. If they deal with liver dysfunction, their dose may need to be lower. They might start out with twenty-five milligrams a day.

Individuals may need to lower their blood pressure with high blood pressure pills. A losartan prescription may be the appropriate option for some patients. Everyone wants the most effective blood pressure medicine, although this may vary based on the patient. Natural supplements for high blood pressure may impact their ability to take this medicine. Ultimately, discussing blood pressure treatment with a doctor seems to be critical.

How It Works

Losartan appears to be an angiotensin II receptor blocker. This means that it should be able to block the effects of chemical that narrows blood vessels. Of course, narrow blood vessels seem to contribute to increases in blood pressure. If this medication blocks the chemical, the blood vessels should remain wide. Thus, the medication should help lower blood pressure. Another potential result is reduced strain on the heart. Blood circulation may improve as well.

This medication also seems to stop the cells from absorbing uric acid. When it does not absorb the acid, more should stay in the bloodstream. This can provide the kidneys with the ability to filter it. They should then excrete it through urine. Some research appears to claim that this medication may be more effective than ACE inhibitors in blocking the necessary chemical.

Discover more information about the potential uses and benefits next.

Potential Uses And Benefits

Most doctors seem to prescribe this medication to lower a patient's blood pressure when it has reached hypertension. It may also help reduce the risk of stroke. This appears to apply to high blood pressure patients who also have left ventricular hypertrophy. Type 2 diabetes patients may be able to slow down long-term kidney damage with this medication.

Other individuals can potentially benefit from it as well. Doctors seem to have used this medication for heart failure and chronic kidney disease, among other conditions. It may be possible to use this medication 'off-label.' However, this can come with some risks. Thus, patients may wish to have a detailed discussion with their doctor first.

Continue reading to uncover possible side effects next.

Possible Side Effects

Most medications come with possible side effects. It appears as if losartan is no different. It has an extensive list of potential unpleasant effects. Some of the most common ones seem to include back pain, upper respiratory infections, and dizziness. Fatigue and chest pain may also appear. Diarrhea could be another side effect of this medication. Individuals with diabetes or kidney disease may deal with low blood sugar because of this medication. Other effects may include insomnia, coughing, and vertigo. Anemia, muscle cramps, and nasal congestion can also appear. It may take their body a few weeks to fully adjust to the medication as well. During this time, they may deal with appetite loss or irritability. Headaches, constipation, and tinnitus appear to be possibilities as well.

These symptoms may not disappear after a few weeks. If this is the case, patients may want to call their doctor. They may also need immediate medical attention for some side effects. Possibilities include confusion, blurry vision, and leg weakness. This attention may also be necessary for breathing issues or stomach discomfort. Increased potassium can happen with this medication. This seems to be why many doctors will choose to conduct regular blood tests. They should be able to monitor a patient's potassium this way.

Uncover the precautions to remember next.

Precautions To Remember

Sometimes it may not be as simple as asking for this medication and receiving a prescription. Doctors will have to go over some precautions for patients first. There seem to be many parts of a patient's medical history to question. Kidney disease or liver disease are two conditions to disclose with a doctor. A history of congestive heart failure or electrolyte imbalances may mean a patient cannot take this medication. A history of low potassium also appears to be a serious concern. Individuals dealing with dehydration may not be able to take this medication either. Breastfeeding or pregnant women cannot take it due to the potential risk to their child.

Alcohol may not interact well with losartan. Thus, patients may want to avoid it. They should consider avoiding potassium supplements and salt substitutes as well. Patients may be able to take this medication with or without food. They do not seem to be able to store it near light or moisture. Heat does not appear to be good for it, either. Individuals may also need to stand up slowly after taking this medication. They can get dizzy easier with it. There appears to be a potential risk of dehydration. As such, patients may want to discuss their fluid intake with a doctor.

Discover some possible medication interactions next.

Possible Medication Interactions

Some medications taken with losartan appear to increase a patient's risk of high potassium and kidney damage. Low blood pressure is also a concern. The medicines that may do this consist of others in the same class as losartan, ACE inhibitors, and valsartan. Anti-inflammatories can decrease losartan's effectiveness or increase kidney damage. This may include ibuprofen and naproxen. It is worth noting that losartan may result in more lithium in the body. Thus, patients who take lithium may want to ask their doctor about a reduced dose if they need to take losartan. Diuretics taken along with this medication may dramatically increase a patient's risk of low blood pressure.

Clearly, losartan may interact with quite a few other medications and supplements. Thus, patients should consider making a list of everything that they take. This should include prescription medications, natural supplements, and over-the-counter drugs. Sharing this list with their doctor can be helpful. They should check the list to determine if there are possible medication interactions. Pharmacists may also be able to check the list.