Guide To Losartan
Losartan is a medication primarily used to treat high blood pressure! Patients will take this as a daily tablet. The initial dose of this medication for adults is fifty milligrams! They are able to take up to one hundred milligrams daily. Liver dysfunction patients will need an initial dose of twenty-five milligrams. Children who require this medication will often take it as an oral suspension. Their dose will also be different!
High blood pressure pills are a critical part of treating hypertension. Patients should ask their doctor about a losartan prescription! It is one of the most effective blood pressure medicines available, after all. Natural supplements for blood pressure impact a patient's suitability for this medication. Patients should discuss all high blood pressure treatment options with their doctor!
How It Works
Losartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker. It blocks the chemical that narrows blood vessels and increases blood pressure! Thus, the medication helps keep the blood vessels wide. The result of this effect is lower blood pressure. Blood circulation is vastly improved! Patients can expect reduced strain on their heart as well.
This medication is also considered a uricosuric drug. This means that it will prevent certain urate transporters. It will stop cells from absorbing uric acid! Thus, more of the acid will remain in the bloodstream. The kidneys can filter it and excrete it through urine!
Uncover information on the uses and benefits of this medication next.
Uses And Benefits
Losartan is mostly used to treat hypertension! It also reduces stroke risk in patients with left ventricular hypertrophy who also have high blood pressure. Type 2 diabetes patients with high blood pressure also benefit! This medication will slow the progress of long-term kidney damage in these individuals. Losartan also treats heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and diabetic neuropathy!
This medication may also be prescribed 'off-label.' Doctors will discuss this directly with their patients. Of course, patients must discuss the risks and benefits of losartan with their doctor. This discussion is even more important when 'off-label' use is being considered!
Reveal the side effects of this medication next.
Side Effects
Losartan has many side effects linked with its use! The most common side effects are back pain, upper respiratory infections, and dizziness. Others include chest pain, fatigue, and diarrhea. Diabetes and kidney patients have low blood sugar as a side effect! Rarer side effects include anemia, insomnia, muscle cramps, and vertigo. Nasal congestion occurs as well. As their body adjusts to the medication, patients will deal with headaches, constipation, tinnitus, or appetite loss. Irritability is common too! These side effects will disappear within a few weeks. If they do not, patients must call their doctor!
Emergency medical attention is necessary for stomach discomfort and breathing issues. Blurry vision and confusion require immediate attention as well. They can also deal with increased potassium on this medication! This medication requires regular blood tests. These allow doctors to monitor a patient's potassium. Doctors will reduce a patient's dose to treat side effects!
Reveal the precautions related to taking this medication next.
Precautions To Know
Patients need to talk about losartan with their doctor! Doctors need to assess their medical history first. Specific points of interest are a history of liver disease, kidney disease, electrolyte imbalances, and heart failure. A history of low potassium is critical information as well! These conditions make losartan unsafe for some patients. Dehydrated individuals are often not prescribed this medication either! Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take it either. Women who already take it must stop doing so immediately if they get pregnant. They must then contact their doctor! Patients must also avoid consuming alcohol on this medication. Potassium supplements and salt substitutes are also not appropriate.
This medication can be taken with food, or without if individuals prefer. Patients need to keep it away from heat, light, and moisture. This means storing it at room temperature in a cupboard or drawer! Individuals will also need to discuss appropriate fluid intake with their doctor. This medication does cause dehydration easier! Patients will see improvement between three to six weeks of taking losartan.
Reveal medication interactions next.
Medication Interactions
Losartan has quite a few medication interactions! Ibuprofen and naproxen reduce its effectiveness, as do other anti-inflammatories. Additionally, taking both increases the risk of kidney damage! Patients who take lithium must also talk to their doctor, as losartan increases lithium in the body. They will likely need their dose lowered! Diuretics taken with this medication will increase a patient's risk of low blood pressure. Thus, they need to take the appropriate precautions. This includes alternative medication and adjusted doses.
Patients need to avoid interactions and stay safe! Thus, they need to make a list of all the medications that they currently take. Their doctor must know about prescription and over-the-counter medication, as well as nutritional supplements! A pharmacist should double-check this list before dispensing losartan.