Losar 50: Uses, How It Works, Side Effects
Also in: हिन्दी தமிழ் मराठी తెలుగు ಕನ್ನಡ বাংলা ગુજરાતી മലയാളം ਪੰਜਾਬੀ
Also known as: Losar, Losar 50 mg, Losar 50 tablet, Losartan 50 mg, Losartan potassium 50 mg
Losar 50 is a prescription tablet containing 50 mg of losartan potassium, used to treat high blood pressure and, in some people, heart failure and kidney disease caused by type 2 diabetes. It belongs to a group called angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). It is taken only on a doctor's prescription, is usually taken once a day for a long time, and must not be started or stopped without a doctor. It must not be taken during pregnancy.
- Active ingredient
- Losartan 50 mg
- Type of medicine
- Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)
- Used for
- High blood pressure
- Starts working in
- Blood pressure begins to fall within hours of a dose; the full effect can take a few weeks
- Effect lasts
- Usually taken once a day
- With or without food
- Can be taken with or without food; avoid grapefruit juice; follow the label or your doctor's advice
- Alcohol
- Alcohol can lower blood pressure further and cause dizziness; limit it and ask your doctor
- Pregnancy
- No. It can seriously harm the developing baby; tell your doctor at once if you are or may be pregnant
- Habit-forming
- No
- Made by
- Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd
Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.
On this page
What is Losar 50 used for?
Losar 50 is a prescription medicine. It is used, on a doctor's advice, to treat high blood pressure and in some people heart failure and kidney disease caused by type 2 diabetes.
- Treating high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults
- Treating heart failure in some people, when a doctor judges it suitable
- Treating kidney disease caused by type 2 diabetes in some people
How does Losar 50 work?
Your body makes a hormone called angiotensin II that narrows blood vessels and makes the body hold on to salt and water, which raises blood pressure. Losartan blocks the receptor that angiotensin II attaches to, so the vessels relax and widen and blood pressure falls. This also eases the work of the heart.
What happens in your body after you take it
You swallow the tablet
The tablet dissolves in the gut and losartan is absorbed into the blood. It can be taken with or without food.
It travels in the blood
Losartan is carried around the body and reaches the blood vessels, the kidneys and the heart.
It blocks the angiotensin II receptor
On the walls of blood vessels, losartan attaches to the receptor that angiotensin II would normally switch on, and stops the hormone from acting.
Vessels relax and widen
With the narrowing signal blocked, the blood vessels relax. The kidneys also hold on to less salt and water. Together, blood pressure falls.
The body clears it
Losartan is broken down by the liver and removed from the body. Blood pressure can rise again if doses are missed or stopped.
How to take Losar 50
Take Losar 50 exactly as your doctor has prescribed or as printed on the pack. Your doctor decides the dose and how long you need it.
- It is usually taken once a day, at about the same time each day.
- It can be taken with or without food. Avoid grapefruit juice. Follow the label or your doctor's advice.
- If you miss a dose, take the next dose as normal. Do not take two doses together.
- High blood pressure usually gives no symptoms, so you may feel well. Do not stop taking it on your own; talk to your doctor first.
- Your doctor will arrange blood tests and blood pressure checks from time to time, especially to check potassium and kidney function.
Side effects of Losar 50
Most people take losartan without serious problems. Some side effects are common and mild, but a few need medical help.
Uncommon or mild
- Dizziness
- Tiredness
- Headache
- Stomach pain, nausea or vomiting
- Swelling of the legs, ankles or feet
Rare but serious: get medical help
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing or swallowing (a severe allergic reaction). Get medical help immediately
- A fast or irregular heartbeat
- Fainting, or very low blood pressure with severe dizziness
- Passing much less urine than usual
- Yellow skin or eyes (possible liver problems)
Who should be careful
Some people need to check with a doctor before taking Losar 50, or need extra care while taking it.
When the label says not to use it
- Allergy to losartan or any ingredient of the tablet
- Pregnancy (it can seriously harm the unborn baby)
- Earlier angioedema (swelling of the face or throat) linked to similar medicines, unless a doctor advises otherwise
- Pregnancy: do not take it if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, because medicines of this type can seriously harm the unborn baby. If you become pregnant, tell your doctor straight away
- Breastfeeding: it is not usually used; ask your doctor
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease: blood tests may be needed
- Dehydration from vomiting, diarrhoea or heavy sweating: blood pressure can fall too far
- High potassium levels, or taking potassium supplements or salt substitutes
- Earlier swelling of the face or body parts (angioedema)
- Surgery or dental work: tell the doctor or dentist that you take it
Medicines and things that interact with Losar 50
Losar 50 can change how other medicines work, and some medicines change its effect. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about everything you take, including herbal remedies and painkillers bought over the counter.
- Other blood pressure medicines, including beta blockers and ACE inhibitors: blood pressure may fall too low
- Potassium supplements, salt substitutes and some water tablets such as spironolactone: potassium can become too high
- NSAID painkillers such as ibuprofen or diclofenac: they can weaken its effect and strain the kidneys
- Lithium: its level in the blood can rise
- Some antifungals, antidepressants and antipsychotics: ask your pharmacist
- Grapefruit juice: it can stop losartan working properly
- Alcohol: can add to dizziness and low blood pressure
If someone takes too much
Taking one extra tablet by mistake is unlikely to be serious, but larger amounts can cause very low blood pressure, dizziness and fainting. If someone has taken much more than prescribed, call 112 or go to the nearest hospital and take the medicine pack with you.
Storage
Store below 30 C in a dry place, protected from light and moisture, in the original strip, and out of the reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date. Check the pack for the exact storage instructions.
Regulatory status in India
Approved for sale in India as a prescription medicine. Single-ingredient losartan is not on the CDSCO list of medicines banned under section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Losar 50 contains losartan only.
Other brands with the same medicine
Losartan tablets are sold under other brand names and as generic medicines. They contain the same medicine; check the label for the strength. Some products also contain other medicines, so do not switch between them without asking your doctor.
Other strengths and forms
Losartan is sold in different strengths, and in combination tablets with other medicines such as a water tablet or amlodipine. The strength and contents are printed on the pack and are not the same across products, so check the label of the one you have.
Common questions
Is Losar 50 a prescription medicine?
Yes. Losartan is a prescription-only medicine in India. It should be taken only if a doctor has prescribed it, and it should not be started, stopped or changed without the doctor's advice. Keep taking it as directed even when you feel well.
Why do I need Losar 50 even when I feel fine?
High blood pressure usually causes no symptoms, but over the years it can damage the heart, brain, kidneys and eyes. The medicine keeps blood pressure down only while you take it. Do not stop on your own, even if readings are normal.
Can I take Losar 50 during pregnancy?
No. Medicines of this type can seriously harm an unborn baby, and the NHS says losartan is not usually used in pregnancy. If you are pregnant, may become pregnant or are planning a baby, tell your doctor right away. Do not stop it without speaking to your doctor.
Can I eat grapefruit while taking Losar 50?
The NHS advises avoiding grapefruit juice, because it can stop losartan working properly. You can otherwise eat normally. Ask your pharmacist if you are unsure.
Does Losar 50 need blood tests?
Doctors arrange regular blood tests and blood pressure checks, mainly to see how losartan is affecting the kidneys and potassium level. Follow your doctor's advice on tests.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Losar 50?
Alcohol can lower blood pressure further and add to dizziness, especially when you stand up. Keep alcohol low and ask your doctor what is reasonable for you.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Losar 50?
Take it when you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one and carry on as usual. Never take two doses together to make up for a missed one. If you often forget, ask your doctor or pharmacist for tips.
What is the difference between Losar 50 and Losartan?
Losar is a brand name, and losartan is the medicine inside it. Generic tablets of the same strength contain the same active ingredient. Check the strength and ingredient list on the pack, and ask your doctor before switching products.
Sources
- Losartan: a medicine for high blood pressure. NHS (UK)
- How and when to take losartan. NHS (UK)
- ATC/DDD Index: C09CA Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), plain. WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology
- List of drugs prohibited for manufacture and sale through gazette notifications under section 26A of the Drugs & Cosmetics Act 1940. Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)