Losartan

What is Losartan?

Losartan is a drug for the treatment of high blood pressure or hypertension and to help protect the kidneys from the damage due to diabetes. Losartan is also prescribed for the purpose of lowering the patient’s risk of strokes if he has an enlarged heart and high blood pressure. Bringing down the high blood pressure can help in the prevention of heart attacks, strokes, and kidney problems. This drug belongs to the class of medicines known as angiotensin receptor blockers.

How does Losartan work?

Losartan belongs to the class of medicines called angiotensin II receptor antagonists. Losartan works by blocking the action of some natural substances that tighten the blood vessels. Losartan allows the smooth flow of blood and the heart to pump blood more efficiently.

What are the benefits of taking Losartan?

The main benefit of taking Losartan is lowering blood pressure. The medicine also effectively lowers the risk of strokes in patients with high blood pressure and an enlarged heart. This medicine is effective in lowering blood pressure, which results in the prevention of strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems.

How do I use Losartan?

Follow strictly the directions on the prescription label. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if there is anything that you do not understand. Take Losartan exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Losartan comes as a tablet that should be taken by mouth. It is usually taken once or twice daily with or without a meal. It will help you remember to take Losartan if you will take it at around the same time each day.

Your doctor will likely start you on a low dose of this medication and gradually increase the dose as your body gets used to it.

When giving this medication to a child, and the child cannot swallow a tablet, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Your pharmacist can prepare a liquid form of Losartan for your child.

Losartan controls high blood pressure but does not cure it. Expect your blood pressure to decrease during the first few weeks of treatment, but you may notice the full benefits of the medication after 3 to 6 weeks. Continue to take this medication even if you start feeling well. Do not stop taking this medication with the approval of your doctor.

Losartan dosage

Losartan tablet is usually taken once or twice daily, depending on the instruction of your doctor. Your doctor will likely start you on the low dose of this medication, gradually increasing the dose as your body gets used to it.

Side effects & precautions

Your doctor prescribed this medication because he deemed that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many individuals who use this medication did not experience serious side effects.

Lightheadedness or dizziness may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. If these effects persist or get worse, call your doctor immediately.

Tell your doctor immediately if you will experience serious side effects, such as fainting, slow or irregular heartbeat, or symptoms of high potassium blood level such as muscle weakness and slow or irregular heartbeat.

Losartan may be used in preventing kidney problems or treat people with kidney problems, but it may rarely cause serious kidney problems or make kidney problems worse. Your doctor needs to monitor your kidney function while you are taking this medication.  Report to your doctor right away if you experience any signs of kidney problems, such as a change in the amount of urine.

Report to your doctor if you experience any other side effects that are associated with your use of Losartan.

Inform your doctor if you are allergic to losartan, or if. You have any other allergies. Losartan may contain inactive ingredients that may trigger reactions or other problems.

Before you start using losartan, share with your doctor your medical history, especially of the liver and severe dehydration.

This medicine may make you dizzy. The use of alcohol or marijuana can make you dizzier. Do not drive a vehicle, operate machinery, or do any other activity that requires alertness until you are sure that you can perform the task safely. Limit your alcohol consumption and discuss with your doctor your marijuana use.

Losartan may increase potassium levels. Consult your doctor or pharmacist before you start using potassium supplements or salt substitutes that contain potassium.

Share with your medical professional a list of all medications you are currently taking before you undergo any surgical procedure.

Losartan is not recommended for use during pregnancy because of the possible harm to the fetus. Consult your doctor for the medication to take for your high blood pressure during your pregnancy.