losartan

Generic Name: losartan (loe SAR tan)

Brand Names: Cozaar

What is losartan?

Losartan is in a group of drugs called angiotensin II receptor antagonists. Losartan keeps blood vessels from narrowing, which lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow.

Losartan is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It is also used to lower the risk of stroke in certain people with heart disease.

Losartan is used to slow long-term kidney damage in people with type 2 diabetes who also have high blood pressure.

Losartan may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about losartan?

Do not use losartan if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. You should not use this medication if you are allergic to losartan. Drinking alcohol can further lower your blood pressure and may increase certain side effects of losartan. Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes while you are taking losartan, unless your doctor has told you to.

Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. Visit your doctor regularly.

Keep using this medication even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.

In rare cases, losartan can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, nausea or vomiting, and dark colored urine.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking losartan?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to losartan.

To make sure you can safely take losartan, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• kidney disease;


• liver disease;


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  congestive heart failure;

  
  


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  an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium in your blood); or

  
  


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  if you are dehydrated.

  
  

FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use losartan if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Losartan can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your second or third trimester. It is not known whether losartan passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take losartan?

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results.

You may take losartan with or without food.

Call your doctor if you have ongoing vomiting or diarrhea, or if you are sweating more than usual. You can easily become dehydrated while taking this medication, which can lead to severely low blood pressure or a serious electrolyte imbalance.

Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. Visit your doctor regularly.

It may take 3 to 6 weeks of using this medicine before your blood pressure is under control. For best results, keep using the medication as directed. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 3 weeks of treatment.

Keep using this medication even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

See also: Losartan dosage (in more detail)

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include fast or slow heartbeat, dizziness, or feeling like you might pass out.

What should I avoid while taking losartan?

Drinking alcohol can further lower your blood pressure and may increase certain side effects of losartan. Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes while you are taking losartan, unless your doctor has told you to. Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.

Losartan side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. In rare cases, losartan can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, nausea or vomiting, and dark colored urine. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

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  feeling like you might pass out;

  
  


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  pain or burning when you urinate;

  
  


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  pale skin, feeling light-headed or short of breath, rapid heart rate, trouble concentrating;

  
  


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  wheezing, chest pain;

  
  


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  drowsiness, confusion, mood changes, increased thirst, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting;

  
  


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  swelling, weight gain, feeling short of breath, urinating less than usual or not at all; or

  
  


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  high potassium (slow heart rate, weak pulse, muscle weakness, tingly feeling).

  
  

Less serious side effects may include:

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  cold or flu symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, fever;

  
  


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  dry cough;

  
  


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  muscle cramps;

  
  


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  pain in your legs or back;

  
  


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  stomach pain, diarrhea;

  
  


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  headache, dizziness;

  
  


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  tired feeling; or

  
  


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  sleep problems (insomnia).

  
  

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Losartan Dosing Information

Usual Adult Dose for Diabetic Nephropathy:

Initial dose: 50 mg orally once a day.
Maintenance dose: 25 to 100 mg orally in 1 to 2 divided doses.

Usual Adult Dose for Hypertension:

Initial dose: 50 mg orally once a day.
Maintenance dose: 25 to 100 mg orally in 1 to 2 divided doses.

What other drugs will affect losartan?

Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:

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  a diuretic (water pill);

  
  


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  lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid);

  
  


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  celecoxib (Celebrex); or

  
  


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  aspirin or other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), diclofenac (Cataflam, Voltaren), etodolac (Lodine), indomethacin (Indocin), nabumetone (Relafen), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), meloxicam (Mobic), piroxicam (Feldene), and others.

  
  

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with losartan. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

More losartan resources

• Losartan Side Effects (in more detail)
• Losartan Dosage
• Losartan Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Drug Images
• Losartan Drug Interactions
• Losartan Support Group
• 47 Reviews for Losartan - Add your own review/rating

• losartan Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information


• Losartan MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Losartan Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Cozaar Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Cozaar Monograph (AHFS DI)


• Cozaar Consumer Overview

Compare losartan with other medications

• Diabetic Kidney Disease
• High Blood Pressure

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about losartan.

See also: losartan side effects (in more detail)