Product Description
Losartan is a medication used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and to protect the kidneys from damage caused by diabetes. It's also used to lower the risk of strokes in patients with high blood pressure and an enlarged heart. Losartan belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). It works by relaxing blood vessels so that blood can flow more easily.
Here's a summary of key points about Losartan 100mg tablets:
Uses:
- High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): Losartan helps lower blood pressure, which reduces the risk of strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems.
- Diabetic Nephropathy: Losartan helps protect the kidneys from damage in patients with diabetes.
- Stroke Prevention: Losartan can lower the risk of strokes in patients with high blood pressure and an enlarged heart. This benefit may not apply to Black patients.
Dosage and Administration:
- Take Losartan by mouth with or without food, as directed by your doctor. The usual dose is one tablet (100mg) once daily.
- If you are using the liquid form of this medication, shake the bottle well before each dose. Carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.
- Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. Keep taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.
Side Effects:
- Common Side Effects: Dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, tiredness, stomach upset.
- Serious Side Effects: Fainting, symptoms of a high potassium blood level (such as muscle weakness, slow/irregular heartbeat), serious kidney problems (change in the amount of urine), allergic reactions (rash, itching/swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing).
Precautions:
- Pregnancy: This drug can cause serious (possibly fatal) harm to an unborn baby if used during pregnancy. It is important to prevent pregnancy while taking this medication. Consult your doctor for more details and to discuss the use of reliable forms of birth control while taking this medication. If you are planning pregnancy, become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor right away.
- Kidney Problems: Losartan may cause serious kidney problems or make them worse. Your doctor will check your kidney function while you are taking losartan. Tell your doctor right away if you have any signs of kidney problems such as a change in the amount of urine.
- Allergic Reactions: A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
- Alcohol and Marijuana: This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
- Dehydration: Severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting can cause dehydration and cause you to feel lightheaded. Tell your doctor if you have severe diarrhea or vomiting. To prevent dehydration, drink plenty of fluids unless your doctor tells you not to.
- Potassium Levels: This medication may increase your potassium levels. Before using potassium supplements or salt substitutes that contain potassium, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
- Surgery: Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
- Breastfeeding: It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Interactions:
- Other Medications: This medication may interact with other medications. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
- Aliskiren: If you have diabetes, do not take Losartan with any medication that contains aliskiren (a blood pressure medicine).
- Lithium: Losartan may interact with lithium, a medication used to treat bipolar disorder.
- NSAIDs: Losartan may interact with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), and others.
- Potassium-Sparing Diuretics: Losartan may interact with potassium-sparing diuretics such as spironolactone and triamterene.
- Birth Control Pills: Losartan may interact with birth control pills containing drospirenone.
- Cough and Cold Products: Some products have ingredients that could raise your blood pressure or worsen your heart failure. Tell your pharmacist what products you are using and ask how to use them safely (especially cough-and-cold products, diet aids, or NSAIDs like ibuprofen/naproxen).
Overdose:
- If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe dizziness, fainting.
Important Notes:
- Do not share this medication with others.
- Lifestyle changes such as stress reduction programs, exercise, and dietary changes may increase the effectiveness of this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about lifestyle changes that might benefit you.
- Lab and/or medical tests (such as kidney function, potassium levels) should be done while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
- Check your blood pressure regularly while taking this medication. Learn how to monitor your own blood pressure, and share the results with your doctor.
It is crucial to consult with your doctor or pharmacist before taking Losartan or any other medication. They can provide personalized advice based on your individual health needs and medical history.
