Information about Losartan
Generic Name : Losartan
Pronunciation : loe-SAR-tan
Latest prescription information about Losartan. Learn how to pronounce the drug's name, its indications, dosage, how to take, when to take, when not to take, side effects, special precautions, warnings and its storage instructions . Also listed are the International and Indian trade name(s) of the drug and its price list.
ICD Code : Y52.5 |
Therapeutic Classification : Angiotensin Receptor Blockers
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Trade Names/Brand Names of Losartan
India :
More... International :
Cozaar
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Why is Losartan Prescribed? (Indications)
This medication is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), prescribed for high blood pressure. It is also used for prevention of stroke, and diabetic nephropathy.
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When should Losartan not be taken? (Contraindications)
Contraindicated in patients with severe kidney problem, during third trimester of pregnancy, and hypersensitivity.
What is the dosage of Losartan?
Adult: PO- The recommended dose is 50 mg once daily. Max: 100 mg/day.
How should Losartan be taken?
It comes as a tablet to take by mouth, with or without food.
What are the warnings and precautions for Losartan?
• Caution should be exercised in patients with history of blood vessel problems, poor blood circulation, fluid retention, heart, liver or kidney problems, diabetes, stroke, recent heart attack, electrolyte problem, any allergy, during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• It may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting, do not drive a car or operate machinery while taking this medication.
• Avoid alcohol consumption.
• Patient may develop with increased risk of angioedema with swelling of the hands, face, lips, eyes throat, or tongue; difficulty in swallowing or breathing; or hoarseness. If it is so consult with your doctor.
• It should not be used in children less than 6 years old.
• Monitor blood pressure, blood electrolyte levels, and heart, kidney, or liver function regularly while taking this medication.
What are the side effects of Losartan?
• Most Frequent : Swelling, abdominal pain, chest pain, nausea, headache, inflammation of pharynx, diarrhea, indigestion, muscle pain, sleeplessness, cough and sinus disorder.
• Body as a Whole : Facial swelling, fever and fainting.
• Heart : Chest pain, low blood pressure, heart attack, fast heart rate and slow heart rate.
• Gastrointestinal : Loss of appetite, constipation, tooth pain, dry mouth, flatulence, stomach inflammation and vomiting.
• Blood : Anemia.
• Metabolic : Gout.
• Musculoskeletal : Arm pain, hip pain, joint swelling, knee pain, shoulder pain, stiffness, joint pain, joint inflammation, muscle weakness/cramp and back pain.
• Central Nervous System : Anxiety, incoordination, confusion, depression, dream abnormality, sensory loss, decreased sexual activity, memory loss, migraine, nervousness, tingling, numbness, weakness, burning pain , sleep disorder, drowsiness, tremor and unsteadiness.
• Respiratory : Difficulty in breathing, lung inflammation, nose bleed, nose inflammation, respiratory congestion and upper respiratory tract infection.
• Skin : Hair loss, skin inflammation, dry skin, redness, flushing, sensitivity to light, itching, rash, sweating and hives.
• Eye and ENT : Blurred vision, burning/stinging in the eye, taste perversion, ringing in the ear and decrease in vision.
• Genitourinary : Impotence, nighttime urination, urinary frequency and urinary tract infection.
What are the other precautions for Losartan?
Avoid excess dosage.
What are the storage conditions for Losartan?
Store it at controlled room temperature (25°to 30°C). Protect from light. Store the suspension in refrigerator for up to 4 weeks. Discard any unused suspension after 4 weeks of use.
Last Updated : May 2018
Losartan : Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Losartan cause weight gain?
A: Weight gain is not a side effect of losartan. But if this medication starts to interfere with your kidney function, your body may swell due to the accumulation of water, resulting in weight gain (1✔ ✔Trusted Source
Losartan
Go to source).
Q: Is Losartan harmful to the kidneys?
A: Losartan may impair kidney function in patients with severe heart failure, chronic kidney disease, or narrow blood vessels that lead to the kidneys. It may also affect kidney function in patients who have experienced severe fluid loss or dehydration due to vomiting or diarrhea (2✔ ✔Trusted Source
Losartan as an alternative to ACE inhibitors in patients with renal dysfunction
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Q: Can Losartan cause a slow heart rate?
A: Yes, losartan can cause a slow heart rate. Consult a physician if you have an abnormally slow heart rate, shortness of breath, fainting, or spinning (3✔ ✔Trusted Source
Effect of losartan on heart rate and blood pressure variability during tilt test and trinitroglycerine vasodilation
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Q: Is Losartan safe for use in children?
A: Losartan is not recommended for use in children under 6 years of age or children with kidney or liver problems (4✔ ✔Trusted Source
A Randomized, Open-Label, Dose-Response Study of Losartan in Hypertensive Children
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Q: What happens when alcohol is taken with Losartan?
A: Drinking alcohol while taking losartan may increase the side effects of the drug, which result in dizziness, drowsiness, or fainting (5✔ ✔Trusted Source
Losartan : Interaction with Food, Herbs and Alcohol
Go to source).
Losartan - Hydrochlorothiazide is a combination drug used to treat high blood pressure. Reduction of high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. This drug contains Losartan [an angiotensin receptor blocker] and Hydrochlorothiazide (a thiazide diuretic (water pill)). Losartan relaxes blood vessels and thus lowers the blood pressure.