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losartan

This medicine is used in the treatment of hypertension (raised blood pressure) and diabetic nephropathy (kidney disease caused by diabetes) in type II diabetes mellitus (high blood sugar level).

Contradications

This medicine is contraindicated in patients of renal artery stenosis (narrowing) and severe hepatic (liver) impairment.

Side effects

Patients administered with this medication may experience dizziness (feeling of being sleepy), diarrhea (frequent watery stools), liver function abnormalities, myalgia (muscle pain), migraine, urticaria (red itchy bumps on skin), pruritis rash (pus-filled rash). Rarely, anaphylactic reaction (life threatening allergic reaction), angioedema (swelling under skin surface), hepatitis (inflammation of liver), cough, anemia (lack of red blood cells), hypotension (low blood pressure), renal (kidney) impairment, and increased blood urea; creatinine; potassium.

Expert Advice

Take with or without meals. Preferably, it should be taken on an empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.
Contact prescriber if there is prolonged diarrhea (watery stools), nausea or vomiting, chest pain, palpitations (feeling of having a fast heart beat), unrelieved headache, back pain, muscle pain, weakness, swelling of face/mouth/tongue throat etc.
Do not take potassium supplements or salt substitutes without consulting prescriber.
Avoid exercising in hot weather, avoid excessive intake of alcohol.
Change position slowly when climbing stairs and from lying or sitting to standing position.

FAQs

What does losartan do?

It works by blocking a substance in the body that causes blood vessels to tighten, hence, lowering blood pressure.

How to store this medicine?

Please store this medicine at room temperature (18-25 Celsius). Keep medicine away from excessive light, moisture, and children. Please do not flush medicines down the toilet. Please read the leaflet provided with the medicine for further storage guidance.

What is the dosage of losartan?

The recommended dosage for adults is 50mg once daily.

Can children take losartan?

This medication can not be given to children under 6 years of age.

How to administer this medicine?

This medicine mostly used orally (through mouth). The dosage is dependent on the severity of the condition and response to treatment. Not recommended for children.

How long does it take for losartan to work?

This medicine takes approximately 6 hours to reach peak action.

What time of day should you take losartan?

It is recommended to take this medication in the morning and preferably at the same time each day.