.ae0904af.png&w=1080&q=75)
Medicine Highlights
| Uses | 1- To treat high blood pressure 2- To treat heart failure |
| Common Side Effects | 1- Dizziness 2- Decreased blood pressure 3- Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose level) 4- Increased potassium level in blood 5- Increased blood urea |
| Additional Information | Alcohol should be avoided both before and after taking the medicine. |
| Storage | 1- The medicine should be stored at room temperature 2- Keep away from sunlight and moisture 3- Keep away from the reach of children |
| How to Take This Medicine | The medicine should be taken orally |
Losartan Summary
Losartan 50 mg is a widely prescribed medication used to manage high blood pressure (hypertension) and heart failure. As an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB), it works by relaxing blood vessels, making it easier for the heart to pump blood efficiently. This helps reduce the risk of stroke, heart attacks, and kidney damage, especially in patients with diabetes. Regular use of losartan under medical supervision can significantly improve cardiovascular health and lower the long-term risks associated with high blood pressure. To get the best results, losartan should be taken daily at the same time, as prescribed by your doctor. It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle alongside medication, exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, and avoiding excessive salt intake can further enhance its effectiveness. Patients should also avoid alcohol and smoking, as these can interfere with blood pressure control. If you experience dizziness, weakness, or any unusual side effects, consult your doctor immediately. Proper adherence to losartan therapy can help you achieve stable blood pressure and a healthier heart.
Losartan Uses
Losartan 50 mg is an oral medicine belonging to the class of angiotensinogen receptor blocker (ARB) medicines. It is used for following indications:
- High blood pressure (Hypertension)
- Heart failure
Directions for use
- Take losartan exactly as prescribed by your doctor, regularly at the same time each day.
- Do not stop taking losartan without your doctor’s approval, even if you feel better.
- If you forget to take the medicine, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for the next one, then just skip it.
Losartan side effects
More Common
- Dizziness
- Decreased blood pressure
- Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose level)
- Increased potassium level in blood
- Increased blood urea
Less Common
- Body aches or pain
- Chills
- Continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in the ears
- Decreased interest in sexual intercourse
- Difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)
- Ear congestion
- Feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
- Feeling sad or empty
- Headache, severe and throbbing
- Hearing loss
- Inability to have or keep an erection
- Increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight
- Irritability
- Lack of appetite
- Loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
- Loss of interest or pleasure
- Loss of voice
- Redness or other discoloration of the skin
- Sensation of spinning
- Severe sunburn
- Sneezing
- Sore throat
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Trouble concentrating
- Trouble sleeping
How Losartan works
Angiotensin is a protein that acts as a key, and the AT1 receptor is the lock. When angiotensin II attaches to the AT1 receptor, it triggers the constriction of smooth blood vessels, leading to hypertension. Losartan acts as a barrier by inhibiting the binding of angiotensin II to the AT1 receptor, thereby reducing blood pressure.
Safety Measures and Warning
📌 1- Allergy/Hypersensitivity
If you are allergic to this medicine or experience skin swelling, discontinue its use and consult your doctor immediately.
📌 2- Pregnancy
If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, inform your doctor. Taking losartan during pregnancy can reduce amniotic fluid, leading to the risk of the baby being born with underdeveloped lungs.
📌 3- Kidney Disease
If you have kidney disease, inform your doctor, as losartan may worsen kidney function.
Losartan Interaction with Other Medicines
Avoid taking losartan 50 mg with the following medicines, as it may increase or decrease the desired effect, or in worse cases, it could be fatal:
Losartan Interaction with Food Product
Alcohol and tobacco should not be taken with this medicine, as they can either decrease or increase its effects.
Storage
- The medicine should be stored at room temperature
- Keep away from sunlight and moisture
- Keep away from the reach of children
Losartan Chemical Structure
IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry)/ Chemical name-
(2-butyl-4-chloro-1-{[2′-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)-4-biphenylyl]methyl}-1H-imidazol-5-yl)methanol.
Intake routine/cycle
📌 Daily Dose
Take losartan exactly as your doctor recommends. The dose may change based on your condition and how well you respond. Do not take more than prescribed without consulting your doctor.
📌 Missed Dose
If you forget to take your medicine, take the medication soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Always consult the doctor before making any changes to your dosage.
📌 Overdose
There is no specific dose of losartan identified as causing an overdose. However, symptoms such as abdominal pain, severe low blood pressure (hypotension), dizziness, or fainting may occur. If you know someone who is taking losartan, and has these symptoms then take them to hospital immediately.
Dietary and Lifestyle Management
A few modifications in your diet and lifestyle can significantly help manage your blood pressure, to the point where your doctor may determine that medication is no longer necessary. Here are some dietary changes and lifestyle practices that can help you manage your blood pressure:
Lose Weight
Weight gain is directly linked to higher blood pressure. If you’re overweight or obese, losing weight can help lower your blood pressure. Pay attention to the weight around your waistline as well, excess weight in this area can be a significant risk factor for high blood pressure.
Regular Exercise
Exercise can lower your blood pressure by 5 to 8 mm Hg. Engaging in 30 minutes of physical activity daily can significantly help reduce your blood pressure. Activities like walking, jogging, cycling, swimming, and dancing are all effective in keeping your blood pressure under control.
Eat Healthy
Choosing a healthy diet not only helps lower your blood pressure but also offers numerous other health benefits. Incorporate the following foods into your diet to help reduce your blood pressure:
Quit or limit alcohol consumption
Alcohol can damage the kidneys, impairing their function. To protect your health, it’s best to quit or, at the very least, limit your alcohol intake.
Quit Smoking
Cigarettes contain nicotine, an addictive substance that causes blood vessels to constrict, leading to an increase in blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, it’s crucial to avoid smoking to protect your heart and overall health.
Increase your sleep duration
Lack of sleep forces your heart to work harder, causing your blood vessels to constrict, which can lead to high blood pressure. Aiming for 7 to 8 hours of sleep is ideal for those with elevated blood pressure.
FAQ’s
1. Which is better losartan or telmisartan?
➡️ A study [3] conducted on 40 adults with hypertension divided them into two groups. One group was given telmisartan, and the other received losartan. The study observed that both medications exhibited good safety profiles and were equally effective.
2. Can Losartan cause weight gain?
➡️ There is currently no evidence to suggest that losartan causes weight gain.
3. Can Losartan increase blood pressure?
➡️ No, losartan does not increase blood pressure. It is used to treat high blood pressure.
Reference
- Medical News Today. Losartan: Side effects and what to do about them [Internet]. 2023 [cited 2024 Dec 16]. Available from.
- Phillips RA, Kloner RA, Grimm RH Jr, Weinberger M. The effects of amlodipine compared to losartan in patients with mild to moderately severe hypertension. J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2003 Jan-Feb;5(1):17-23. doi: 10.1111/j.1524-6175.2003.01416.x. PMID: 12556649; PMCID: PMC8101887. Available from.
- Mulla S, Patel P, Siddiqui WJ. Losartan. [Updated 2024 Feb 26]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from.
- Netaji N. A Comparative Study of the Efficacy of Telmisartan and Losartan in the Treatment of Hypertension. Res. J. Pharm. 2024 May 10;18:45-8. Available from.
