Losartan
Brand Names
Losartan, CozaarWhat is Losartan
Losartan potassium (Cozaar) is a prescription medication approved to treat conditions related to the heart and blood vessels. It belongs to the class of drugs called angiotensin II receptor blockers or shortly ARBs. Losartan prevents blood vessels from narrowing as it lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow.
Side effects of Losartan
People with high blood pressure may notice some side effects caused by Losartan:
- Infections such as the cold or flu
- Dizziness
- Nasal congestion
- Back pain
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Anemia
- Potassium levels increase in blood
- Low blood pressure
- Weight gain
People with diabetic nephropathy may have:
Indication
Losartan is available as a tablet to take by mouth. Losartan is certified to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), isolated systolic hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy. It is beneficial to lower the risk of stroke of people that suffer from heart diseases.
Losartan can slow down the long-term kidney damage in people with type 2 diabetes who also have high blood pressure.
Precautions
You should be careful with Losartan if you have:
- Heart disease, including congestive heart failure
- Liver disease, including cirrhosis
- Kidney disease or kidney failure
- Diabetes
- Any allergies, including allergies to other angiotensin II receptor blockers, foods, dyes or preservatives
If you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, on dialysis or breastfeeding, you should inform your doctor.
Dosage forms
Losartan is usually prescribed to take once or twice a day with or without food.
Usual Adult Dose for Diabetic Nephropathy is 50 mg orally once a day initially and 25 to 100 mg orally in 1 to 2 divided doses for maintenance.Usual Adult Dose for Hypertension is 50 mg orally once a day initially and 25 to 100 mg orally in 1 to 2 divided doses for maintenance.
