What is Losartan?
Losartan is a prescribed drug which comes in an oral tablet. This tablet is available in the brand name Cozaar. It is also available as a generic drug. Generic drugs cost less than the branded drugs. It can be taken as a combination therapy with other medications to lower the blood pressure.
Losartan Uses
Losartan can be used for many purposes:
- For treating high blood pressure.
- Reduce the risk of stroke if you’re having high blood pressure and are left with ventricular hypertrophy.
- Treats diabetic nephropathy. This is a kidney disease which is caused by diabetics.
Controlling high blood pressure will help in preventing strokes, heart attack and kidney disease. Losartan also works by relaxing blood vessels so that blood can flow more easily.
Losartan Side Effects
Common Losartan side effects are:
- Respiratory infections (Common cold)
- Dizziness
- Stuffy nose
- Back pain
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Low blood sugar
- Chest pain
The common side effects will go away within a few days if major precautions are taken after consulting a Doctor.
Serious Losartan side effects are:
- High Potassium in the Blood:
- Heart rhythm problems
- Muscle weakness
- Heart rate getting slow
- Allergic reactions: Swelling of face, lips, throat and tongue
- Low blood pressure: Feeling Faint
- Kidney problems: Swelling in feet, ankles and hands
- Abnormal weight gain: If you have any of these serious symptoms immediately contact your doctor for further assistance. In any case, due to Losartan if you get any kind of reactions in your body try avoiding it.
If you have any of these serious symptoms immediately contact your doctor for further assistance. In any case, due to Losartan if you get any kind of reactions in your body try avoiding it.
A doctor advised you to take the medicines by seeing your problems and the benefits of this medicine are greater than the side effects. Majority Of the people who use this medicine don’t show any side effects. Get medical help immediately if you get any serious Losartan side effects.
Before taking losartan, tell your doctor if you’re taken any kind of medicine in the past. Also, tell him about the medications that you’re allergic to. Avoid the usage of alcohol or cigarettes if you are taking losartan tablets. Inform your doctor if you had liver disease or dehydration.
Inform your doctor if you have these problems:
- Liver Disease
- Kidney Disease
- Myasthenia Gravis
- Heartbeat Disorder
How to get rid of Losartan side effects?
Dizziness
If losartan tablets make you feel dizzy then stand for a while or try sitting slowly. Lie down for time being so that you won’t get any measure problems.
Headaches
Drink enough water. Avoid the consumption of alcohol to not get into any measure trouble. Keep your body dehydrated.
Nausea
Take losartan tablets after the meal. Try to avoid spicy foods.
Joint or muscle pain
If you get muscles pain or feel tired and weak then consult your doctor immediately.
How to take Losartan?
Losartan should be taken as prescribed by the Doctor. Follow your prescriptions for getting the best results. The dosage will depend on multiple factors:
- Type of condition
- Age
- Weight
- And other medical conditions
Forms of Losartan
Generic- Losartan/Hydrochlorothiazide(Tablet)
- 50 mg losartan/ 12.5 mg Hydrochlorothiazide
- 100 mg losartan/ 12.5 mg Hydrochlorothiazide
- 100mg losartan/ 25 mg Hydrochlorothiazide
Dosage for hypertension:
Adult dosage-First dosage is 50 mg losartan/ 12.5 mg Hydrochlorothiazide or *100 mg losartan/ 12.5 mg Hydrochlorothiazide once per day.
The dosage will depend on the blood pressure drug that you were taking before.
Dosage for left ventricular hypertrophy
Adult dosage - First dosage is 50 mg losartan/ 12.5 mg Hydrochlorothiazide or once per day. If it can’t control the blood pressure level then your doctor may increase the dosage.
Missed Dose
Missing one or two-dose of losartan won’t show any effect on your body. The skipped dose causes no problem. But with some medication, it won’t work if you don’t take the dosage on time. If you miss a dose some sudden chemical change may affect your body. In some cases, your doctor would advise you to take the prescribed medicine as soon as possible if you have missed the dose
Overdose
Overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed losartan tablets there is a chance of getting a harmful effect on your body’s functions. Overdose of a medicine can lead to some medical emergency.
Losartan Warnings
- Low blood pressure
- Sensitivity reaction
- Eye Problems
- Allergy Reaction
- Alcohol consumption
People with Serious Health Conditions
People with sulfonamide energy
If your body is allergic to sulfonamide then avoid taking losartan tablets. Consult your doctor if you have allergies.
People with kidney disease
If you’re having any kind of kidney disease then this drug can cause you some measure side effects.
People with diabetes
If you’re taking drugs for diabetics then your doctor may adjust the drugs. The doctor will also guide you in how often you can test the blood sugar levels.
Pregnant women
Research has shown that there will be adverse effects to the fetus if a mother is taking this drug. If a woman is using the drug during her pregnancy there is no such high risk of pregnancy loss, birth defects or any other problems. But to be on safe side consult your doctor before taking the medicine.
Breastfeeding
Losartan passes into the breast milk. It can cause some side effects to child’s who are breastfed. These can include diarrhea, vomiting and rash. Before taking losartan while breastfeeding consult your doctor.
Storage
Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines. The exposure of medicine may cause some harmful effects. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach.Mainly the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
Before taking losartan consult your Doctor. In case you face any problems or get any side effects after taking losartan rush immediately to your nearby hospital or consult your doctor for better treatment. Carry your medications always in your bag while travelling to avoid any immediate emergencies. Follow your prescription and follow your Doctor advice whenever you take losartan.
Fondaparinux vs Heparin:
Losartan |
Lisinopril |
|---|---|
| Losartan is a prescribed drug which comes in an oral tablet. This tablet is available in the brand name Cozaar. | Lisinopril belongs to an angiotensin-converting enzyme. It helps in controlling low blood pressure. The tablet is available in the brand name called Zestril and Prinivil. |
| Side effects of Losartan are: Vomiting, headache, chest pain, back pain and low blood pressure | Side effects of lisinopril are dry cough, headaches, diarrhea, itching and blurred vision. |
| Losartan can be used for treating high blood pressure | Lisinopril can be used for Treating high blood pressure and heart failure |
| Reduce the risk of stroke if you’re having high blood pressure and are left with ventricular hypertrophy. | Helps in preventing stroke and heart attacks. |
