Losartan (By mouth)
loe-SAR-tan
Treats high blood pressure. Reduces the risk of stroke in patients with high blood pressure and an enlarged heart. Treats kidney disease in patients with diabetes. This medicine is an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB).
Drug classes
Cardiovascular Agent, Renal Protective Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Losartan is used alone or together with other medicines to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure adds to the workload of the heart and arteries. If it continues for a long time, the heart and arteries may not function properly. This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. Lowering blood pressure may reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks.
Losartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). It works by blocking a substance in the body that causes blood vessels to tighten. As a result, losartan relaxes the blood vessels. A lower blood pressure will increase the supply of the blood and oxygen to the heart.
Losartan is also used to decrease the risk of stroke in patients with high blood pressure and enlargement of the heart. It is also used to treat kidney problems in patients with type 2 diabetes and a history of hypertension.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Tablet
Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
Drink plenty of fluids if you exercise, sweat more than usual, or have diarrhea or vomiting.
Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some medicines can affect how losartan works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
Lithium Rifampin A diuretic (water pill), such as spironolactone, triamterene, or amiloride NSAID pain or arthritis medicine, such as aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen, or naproxen Another blood pressure medicine, such as aliskiren, benazepril, enalapril, or lisinoprilAsk your doctor before you use any medicine, supplement, or salt substitute that contains potassium.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to losartan, or if you are pregnant. Do not use this medicine together with aliskiren if you have diabetes.
Warnings
It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, congestive heart failure, or diabetes. Tell your doctor if you have had angioedema that was caused by a blood pressure medicine.
This medicine could lower your blood pressure too much, especially when you first use it or if you are dehydrated. Stand or sit up slowly if you feel lightheaded or dizzy.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Change in how much or how often you urinate
Confusion, weakness, uneven heartbeat, trouble breathing, numbness or tingling in your hands, feet, or lips
Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting
Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Diarrhea
Tiredness
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Cozaar
There may be other brand names for this medicine.