Lybrate Logo
Get the App
For Doctors
Login/Sign-up
tab_logos
About
tab_logos
Feed
Overview

Losartan

Prescription vs OTC : Prescription by Doctor required

About Losartan

Losartan is primarily prescribed for the treatment of hypertension with or without concurrent use of thiazide diuretics. It belongs to the angiotensin II receptor antagonists group of drugs. It prevents the blood vessels in your body from narrowing, thus lowering your blood pressure and improving the blood circulation.

This medication has the ability to lower the possible risk of a stroke in people suffering from any heart condition. Apart from that, it can also slow down kidney damage among people with type 2 diabetes. You can take this medicine with as well as without food. It can take 3-6 weeks for your blood pressure to come under control after you have started a course of this medication.

Losartan is a prescription drug that is available in the form of an oral tablet. There are three main reasons for its usage. Firstly, it is used for the treatment of high blood pressure. The second usage is for reducing the risk of stroke in people, who already have high blood pressure as well as left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH).

LVH is a condition where the left ventricle (chamber) of the heart thickens as a result of which the heart is unable to pump well. Lastly, Losartan is used for treating diabetic nephropathy, a kidney disease caused due to diabetes.

Losartan blocks the action of the chemical named angiotension II in the body, which causes the blood vessels to narrow and tighten. This medication helps the blood vessels to relax and eventually widen. It lowers your blood pressure, thus reducing your risk of having a stroke or kidney damage.

The dosage and the form of having Losartan depends on your age, severity of your condition, your medical history and also how your body reacts when you take the first dose. If you miss a dose, take it once you realize the missed dose. However, ensure that you do not take two doses at the same time just because you missed the previous one. Overdosing can make you feel dizzy, weak or a pounding heart.

There are some common side effects of Losartan that are generally mild and go away in a few days. They include:

  • Stuffy nose
  • Back pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Fatigue and dizziness
  • Pain in the chest
  • High/low blood pressure

There are some serious side effects too for consuming Losartan. In case you experience any of the following symptoms, you must consult the doctor immediately and seek medical help:

  • If you experience problems in your heart rhythms, a slow heart rate or weakness in the muscles. It could be an indication of high potassium levels in your blood.
  • Symptoms of swelling in the tongue, throat, lips or face; indicating an allergic reaction.
  • Swelling in the ankles, feet, hand or sudden weight gain can be a sign of kidney problem. In case you are suffering from a kidney problem or disease, Losartan may worsen the condition.

Take exactly as directed; do not discontinue without consulting prescriber. Take first dose at bedtime. This drug does not eliminate need for diet or exercise regimen as recommended by prescriber.

May cause dizziness, fainting, lightheadedness (use caution when driving or engaging in tasks that require alertness until response to drug is known); diarrhea (buttermilk, boiled milk, yogurt may help).

Report chest pain or palpitations; unrelenting headache; swelling of extremities, face, or tongue; difficulty in breathing or unusual cough; flu-like symptoms; or other persistent adverse reactions.

Type I diabetes

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Cardiologist before using this medicine.

    What are the uses of Losartan

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Cardiologist before using this medicine.

    What are the contraindications of Losartan ?

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Cardiologist before using this medicine.

    What are the side effects of Losartan ?

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Cardiologist before using this medicine.

    Key highlights of Losartan

    • How long is the duration of effect?

      This medicine is excreted largely in faeces and the effect lasts for a duration of approximately 24 hours.

    • What is the onset of action?

      The peak effect of this medicine can be observed in 1 to 1.5 hours.

    • Are there any pregnancy warnings?

      This medicine is not recommended for pregnant women.

    • Is it habit forming?

      No habit forming tendency has been reported.

    • Are there any breast-feeding warnings?

      This medicine is not recommended for women who are breastfeeding.

    • Is It safe with alcohol?

      Caution must be taken while consuming alcohol during taking this medicine.

    • Is it safe to drive while on this medicine?

      This medicine may cause dizziness, thus patients ability to drive might get affected. Thus driving mst be avoided while taking this medicine.

    • Does this affect kidney function?

      None necessary. Kindly consult your doctor before taking it.

    • Does this affect liver function?

      Caution must be taken while using this medicine in patients with liver disease. Adjustment of dose is needed. Reduce the initial dose to 25 mg; divide dosage intervals into two. Kindly consult to doctor before taking it.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Cardiologist before using this medicine.

    What are the dosage instructions?

    • Are there any missed dose instructions?

      The missed dose should be taken as soon possible. It is advisable to skip the missed dose if it's already time for your next scheduled dose.

    • Are there any overdose instructions?

      Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of overdose.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Cardiologist before using this medicine.

    Where is the Losartan approved?

    • India

    • United States

    • Japan

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Cardiologist before using this medicine.

    Medicines containing Losartan

    Below is the list of medicines, which contains Losartan as ingredient

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Cardiologist before using this medicine.

    How does this medication work?

    This medicine works by displacing angiotensin II with very high affinity from its binding site at the AT1 receptor subtype, which is responsible for the known actions of angiotensin II.

      Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Cardiologist before using this medicine.

      What are the interactions of Losartan ?

      Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.

        test
      • Interaction with Alcohol

        Consumption of alcohol with this medicine will lower the blood pressure and can cause dizziness, headache, changes in heart rate. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if you have these symptoms.
      • Interaction with Lab Test

        Information not available.
      • Interaction with Medicine

        Concomitant use of Losartan along with the following must be avoided:
        • Fluconazole (and possibly other azoles) decreases the plasma level of losartan's active metabolite; monitor for decreased efficacy.
        • Lithium: Risk of toxicity may be increased by losartan; monitor lithium levels.
        • Potassium-sparing diuretics (amiloride, potassium, spironolactone, triamterene): Increased risk of hyperkalemia.
        • Potassium supplements may increase the risk of hyperkalemia.
        • Rifampin may reduce antihypertensive efficacy of losartan.
        • Trimethoprim (high dose) may increase the risk of hyperkalemia.
      • Interaction with Disease

        Congestive Heart Failure

        Losartan is used with caution in patients with congestive heart failure especially in volume or sodium depletion. Transient hypotension is also not a contraindication to further treatment with AR antagonists, since therapy can usually be reinstated without difficulty after blood pressure stabilizes.

        Others

        Avoid use or use a smaller dose in patients who are volume depleted; correct depletion first. Deterioration in renal function can occur with initiation. Use with caution in unilateral renal artery stenosis and pre-existing renal insufficiency; significant aortic/mitral stenosis.
      • Interaction with Food

        Information not available.

      FAQs about Losartan

      • Ques : What is Losartan used for?

        Ans : Losartan is used to lower the possible risk of a stroke in people suffering from any heart condition. It can also slow down kidney damage among people with type 2 diabetes.

      • Ques : What is the onset of action of Losartan?

        Ans : Losartan usually takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to show its effect.

      • Ques : What is the duration of the effect of Losartan?

        Ans : The effect of Losartan lasts for approximately 24 hours.

      • Ques : Should Losartan be taken with a meal or without a meal?

        Ans : The effectiveness of Losartan does not depend on a meal, it can be taken either way.

      • Ques : Where is Losartan approved?

        Ans : Losartan is approved in India, Micronesia, Japan, and the USA.

      • Ques : Is Losartan safe for usage in paediatrics?

        Ans : Losartan is not recommended for usage in children below the age of 6 as its safety and effectiveness are not verified.

      • Ques : How is Losartan administered?

        Ans : Losartan is administered orally with a glass of water.

      • Ques : What are the storage indications of Losartan?

        Ans : Losartan should be stored at room temperature away from humidity and heat.

      References

      • Tadalafil-Drug Information Portal [Internet].druginfo.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 25 May 2022].Available from:

        https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/name/tadalafil

      • Tadalafil-DrugBank Online [Internet].go.drugbank.com 2022 [Cited 25 May 2022].Available from:

        https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00820

      • TADALAFIL Tablet,solution-DailyMed [Internet].dailymed.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 25 May 2022].Available from:

        https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/search.cfm?labeltype=all&query=TADALAFIL

      Disclaimer : The information produced here is best of our knowledge and experience and we have tried our best to make it as accurate and up-to-date as possible, but we would like to request that it should not be treated as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.

      Lybrate is a medium to provide our audience with the common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. Even if there is no mention of a warning for any drug or combination, it never means that we are claiming that the drug or combination is safe for consumption without any proper consultation with an expert.

      Lybrate does not take responsibility for any aspect of medicines or treatments. If you have any doubts about your medication, we strongly recommend you to see a doctor immediately.
      swan-banner
      Sponsored

      Popular Questions & Answers

      View All

      Any remedies on the side Effects of losartan? I...

      related_content_doctor

      Dr. Vishram Rajhans

      Integrated Medicine Specialist

      Stop taking Losartan and change to a safer drug by consulting your doctor. muscle cramps may be b...

      I have coughing at night time. Easinophilia has...

      related_content_doctor

      Dr. Sumit Periwal

      Pediatrician

      Yes. Losartan can cause dey cough similar to ace inhibitors. This cough is more likely to occur i...

      Please suggest. Can we use coversyl plus tab as...

      related_content_doctor

      Dr. Sajeev Kumar

      General Physician

      Coversyl Plus HD Tablet is a combination of two medicines: Perindopril and indapamide which lower...

      I am taking losartan potassium 50 mg daily at b...

      related_content_doctor

      Dr. Sajeev Kumar

      General Physician

      YOu can take losartan potassium hydrochlorothiazide if losartan potassium 50 mg is not available

      Does losartan 25 mg increase blood sugar level ...

      related_content_doctor

      Dr. Prakhar Singh

      General Physician

      If it continues for a long time, the heart and arteries may not function properly. This can damag...

      Table of content

      Content Details
      Profile Image
      Written ByDrx Hina FirdousPhD (Pharmacology) Pursuing, M.Pharma (Pharmacology), B.Pharma - Certificate in Nutrition and Child CarePharmacology
      Reviewed By
      Profile Image
      Reviewed ByDr. Garima SharmaMBBS, Master in Healthcare Administration, Diploma in Occupational HealthGeneral Physician
      chat_icon

      Ask a free question

      Get FREE multiple opinions from Doctors

      posted anonymously
      swan-banner