Losartan

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Brand Name :

Besart 50mg Tablet , Emeelos 50mg Tablet ... show more

Approved Treatment Indication :

Left Ventricular Dysfunction, Left Ventricular Hypertrophy ... show more

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Summary

What conditions is Losartan used for?
Losartan is used for treating high blood pressure, heart failure and kidney disease in diabetes. It is also used to lower the risk of stroke in patients with high blood pressure and an enlarged heart.
How does Losartan work in the body?
Losartan works by blocking the action of a hormone called angiotensin II that constricts blood vessels. This helps to relax and widen blood vessels, lowering blood pressure and improving heart function.
What are the usual dosages and routes of administration for Losartan?
The usual starting dose of Losartan is 50 mg once daily, with maintenance doses ranging from 25 mg to 100 mg depending on the condition. It can be taken with or without food. The tablet should be swallowed whole and not crushed or chewed.
What are the most commonly observed adverse effects of Losartan?
Common side effects of Losartan include dizziness, headache, fatigue, and nasal congestion. More serious effects may include low blood pressure, elevated potassium levels, and kidney problems. In rare cases, it can cause swelling of deeper layers of skin.
What are important safety warnings and contraindications for Losartan?
Losartan should not be taken during pregnancy, particularly in the second and third trimesters, due to risks to the fetus. It should also not be used in patients with severe liver impairment or an allergy to the drug. Caution is advised for those with kidney problems, low blood pressure, or high potassium levels.

Approvals

US(FDA), UK(BNF)

Essential Medicine

YES

Teratogenicity

N/A

Pharmaceutical Class

Angiotensin 2 Receptor Blocker

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Drug Ingredient

Losartan

Know More About This Medicine -

Summary

What conditions is Losartan used for?
Losartan is used for treating high blood pressure, heart failure and kidney disease in diabetes. It is also used to lower the risk of stroke in patients with high blood pressure and an enlarged heart.
How does Losartan work in the body?
Losartan works by blocking the action of a hormone called angiotensin II that constricts blood vessels. This helps to relax and widen blood vessels, lowering blood pressure and improving heart function.
What are the usual dosages and routes of administration for Losartan?
The usual starting dose of Losartan is 50 mg once daily, with maintenance doses ranging from 25 mg to 100 mg depending on the condition. It can be taken with or without food. The tablet should be swallowed whole and not crushed or chewed.
What are the most commonly observed adverse effects of Losartan?
Common side effects of Losartan include dizziness, headache, fatigue, and nasal congestion. More serious effects may include low blood pressure, elevated potassium levels, and kidney problems. In rare cases, it can cause swelling of deeper layers of skin.
What are important safety warnings and contraindications for Losartan?
Losartan should not be taken during pregnancy, particularly in the second and third trimesters, due to risks to the fetus. It should also not be used in patients with severe liver impairment or an allergy to the drug. Caution is advised for those with kidney problems, low blood pressure, or high potassium levels.

Indications and Purpose

What is Losartan used for?

Losartan is indicated for treating hypertension (high blood pressure), heart failure, and diabetic nephropathy (kidney disease in diabetes). It’s also used to reduce the risk of stroke in patients with hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy (enlarged heart). Losartan helps lower blood pressure and protect kidney function, improving overall cardiovascular health.

How does Losartan work?

Losartan works by blocking the action of angiotensin II, a hormone that constricts blood vessels and raises blood pressure. By blocking angiotensin II receptors, Losartan helps relax and widen blood vessels, which lowers blood pressure. This action improves heart function, reduces strain on the heart, and helps protect the kidneys, particularly in people with diabetes.

Is Losartan effective?

Evidence supporting Losartan’s effectiveness comes from clinical trials showing it significantly reduces blood pressure, improving cardiovascular outcomes. Studies like the Losartan Heart Failure Study demonstrated its ability to reduce symptoms and hospitalizations in heart failure patients. It also effectively protects kidney function in those with diabetic nephropathy and reduces the risk of stroke in high-risk patients.

How does one know if Losartan is working?

The benefit of Losartan is evaluated by regularly monitoring blood pressure to ensure it stays within the target range. In patients with heart failure or diabetic nephropathy, kidney function and creatinine levels are also monitored. Additionally, doctors may assess heart function and symptoms to determine if the medication is effectively improving overall cardiovascular health and reducing risks.

Directions for Use

How do I take Losartan?

Losartan can be taken with or without food. There are no specific food restrictions, but avoid high-potassium foods or supplements as Losartan can increase potassium levels. Take once daily, at the same time each day. Swallow the tablet whole, without crushing or chewing. Follow your doctor’s advice on potassium intake and other medications you may be taking.

For how long do I take Losartan?

Losartan is often a medicine you take for a long time, maybe even your whole life.

How long does it take for Losartan to start working?

Your blood pressure may go down in the first week of taking losartan, but it may take up to 6 weeks to feel the full effects.

How should I store Losartan?

To keep your Losartan medicine in good condition, store it properly. Put it in a container that closes tightly to keep out light. The temperature should stay between 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C). Most importantly, keep it and all other medicines out of reach of children for safety.

Warnings and Precautions

Who should avoid taking Losartan?

Losartan is contraindicated in pregnancy, particularly in the second and third trimesters, due to risks to the fetus. It should not be used in patients with severe liver impairment or allergy to the drug. Caution is advised for those with kidney problems, low blood pressure, or high potassium levels. Regular monitoring of blood pressure, kidney function, and potassium is important.

Can I take Losartan with other prescription drugs?

Significant interactions with Losartan include diuretics (e.g., spironolactone) which may increase the risk of low blood pressure or kidney problems. ACE inhibitors (e.g., enalapril) or renin inhibitors (e.g., aliskiren) can cause hyperkalemia and kidney issues. NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen) may reduce Losartan’s effectiveness and harm kidney function. Always consult your doctor about all medications you're taking.

Can I take Losartan with vitamins or supplements?

Significant interactions with Losartan include potassium supplements or high-potassium foods (e.g., bananas, spinach), which can increase the risk of hyperkalemia (high potassium levels). Vitamin D and calcium supplements may also affect Losartan's effectiveness. It’s important to consult a healthcare provider before taking any vitamins or supplements to avoid interactions that could impact blood pressure or kidney function.

Can Losartan be taken safely while pregnant?

Losartan is a medication that should not be taken by pregnant women. If taken during pregnancy, it can decrease the amount of fluid surrounding the developing baby, especially in the second and third trimesters. This can cause harm to the baby's kidneys and lungs, leading to long-term health issues. If you discover you are pregnant while taking losartan, stop taking it and consult your doctor immediately.

Can Losartan be taken safely while breastfeeding?

It's usually okay to breastfeed while taking losartan, but it's important to talk to your doctor first. However, if your baby was born prematurely, it's best to avoid taking losartan. Your doctor can help you decide the best course of action.

Is Losartan safe for the elderly?

Losartan is a medicine for high blood pressure and kidney protection in people with type 2 diabetes. In studies, a smaller percentage of older people (65 and older) took part in the high blood pressure trials compared to the diabetes trials. Doctors found losartan worked similarly well in both younger and older adults, but some older people might be more sensitive to it. It's important for doctors to check potassium levels in the blood regularly, and they may need to adjust the dose or stop the medicine if necessary.

Is it safe to exercise while taking Losartan?

Regular exercise is beneficial, but since Losartan lowers blood pressure, you may feel dizzy during activity. Speak to your doctor before starting a new or intense exercise routine to ensure safety.

Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Losartan?

Alcohol can lower blood pressure, which might amplify Losartan's effects and cause dizziness or fainting. It's best to limit alcohol intake and consult your doctor for personalized advice.