Losartan: Uses, How It Works, Medicines
Also in: हिन्दी தமிழ் मराठी తెలుగు ಕನ್ನಡ বাংলা ગુજરાતી മലയാളം ਪੰਜਾਬੀ
Losartan is a prescription medicine that lowers blood pressure. It is used to treat high blood pressure and, in some people, heart failure and kidney disease caused by type 2 diabetes. It belongs to the angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). It must not be taken in pregnancy and should only be started or stopped on a doctor's advice.
Also known as: Losartan potassium, Losartan 25 mg, Losartan 50 mg, Losartan 100 mg, Losar, Cozaar
Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.
How does Losartan work?
Losartan blocks the receptor that the hormone angiotensin II uses to narrow blood vessels and make the body hold on to salt and water. With that signal blocked, vessels relax and blood pressure falls.
How to take Losartan
Follow the label or your doctor's advice. Losartan is usually taken once a day, with or without food, at about the same time each day. Your doctor decides the dose and how long you need it.
Side effects of Losartan
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 (a severe allergic reaction). Get medical help immediately
- A fast or irregular heartbeat
- Yellow skin or eyes (possible liver problems)
- Fainting, or very low blood pressure with severe dizziness
- Passing much less urine than usual
Who should be careful
Some people need to check with a doctor before taking losartan, 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. Tell your doctor straight away if you become pregnant
- Breastfeeding: it is not usually used; ask your doctor
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease: blood tests may be needed from time to time
- 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)
Medicines and things that interact with Losartan
Losartan can change how other medicines work, and some medicines change its effect. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about everything you take, including 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: 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; limit it
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.
Regulatory status in India
Approved for sale in India as a prescription medicine. Losartan is not listed as a single ingredient on the CDSCO list of medicines banned under section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Fixed-dose combinations that contain losartan with other medicines may be treated differently, so check the ingredient list on the pack.
Type of medicine
Losartan belongs to this type of medicine.
Medicines that contain Losartan
These medicines sold in India contain Losartan. They are listed A to Z, not ranked.
- Losar 50 · 50 mg tablet
What is Losartan used for?
Medicines that contain Losartan are used for these conditions.
Other medicines of the same type
These active ingredients are of the same type as Losartan.
Common questions
Is losartan 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.
Can I take losartan 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 stop losartan when my blood pressure is normal?
Do not stop on your own. Blood pressure is normal because the medicine is working, and it can rise again if you stop. Talk to your doctor, who decides whether any change is suitable.
Can I eat grapefruit while taking losartan?
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 losartan 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.
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)