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 sometimes given together with
other blood pressure medications.
Losartan may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking losartan?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to losartan.
Before using losartan, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or
special tests to safely take this medication.
FDA pregnancy category D. This medication can cause harm to an unborn baby. Losartan
may cause injury and even death to the unborn baby if you take it during the second and third trimesters
of pregnancy. Do not use losartan without your doctor's consent if you are pregnant. Use an effective
form of birth control. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become
pregnant during treatment.
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 this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger
amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your
prescription label.
Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this
medication.
You may take losartan with or without food.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood pressure will need to be
checked on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
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 losartan at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
What happens if I miss a dose of losartan?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the
missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time.
Do not
take
extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Where can I get more information about losartan?
Your pharmacist has information about losartan written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of losartan?
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 any other serious side effects, such as:
-
feeling like you might pass out;
-
painful or difficult urination;
-
chest pain;
-
numbness or tingly feeling;
-
pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding;
-
swelling in your hands or feet; or
-
slow heart rate, weak pulse, tingly feeling.
Less serious side effects may include:
-
runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough;
-
muscle, leg, or back pain;
-
stomach pain, diarrhea;
-
headache, dizziness;
-
tired feeling; or
-
sleep problems (insomnia).
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your
doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about losartan?
Do not
use this medication without telling your doctor if you are pregnant.
Losartan may cause injury and even death to the unborn baby if you take it during the second and third
trimesters of pregnancy. Use an effective form of birth control. 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.
Avoid drinking alcohol. It can lower your blood pressure and may increase some of the
side effects of losartan.
Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes while you are taking losartan, unless
your doctor has told you to.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood pressure will need to be
checked on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
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 avoid while taking losartan?
Avoid drinking alcohol. It can lower your blood pressure and may increase some of the
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.
What other drugs will affect losartan?
Before taking losartan, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with
losartan. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This
includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using
a new medication without telling your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of losartan?
