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Losartan Potassium

Losartan Potassium

September 23, 2019
Losartan Potassium

Losartan potassium is a film-coated tablet prescribed by most doctors for:

  • Lowering the blood pressure of adults and children aged 6 to 18 years suffering from hypertension or high blood pressure with no known cause
  • Treating diabetic kidney disease or diabetic nephropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes
  • Treating heart failure in adults who cannot take ACE inhibitor medications
  • Reduction stroke in adults with an enlarged heart or left ventricular hypertrophy and high blood pressure

Research has also shown that this drug has other positive effects like:

  • Reducing platelet aggregation
  • Decreased uric acid levels
  • Regression of left ventricular hypertrophy or enlargement of the heart’s left ventricle

This medication belongs to the group of drug known as Angiotensin receptor blocker or ARB mainly prescribed to treat high blood pressure. High blood pressure is a common condition that affects many people. Without treatment, hypertension or high blood pressure can lead to grave health conditions like stroke, heart failure, vision loss, kidney disease and many others. Causes of high blood pressure include unhealthy lifestyle such as being overweight, poor diet, smoking, drinking of alcoholic beverages and stress. Other causes are health conditions like diabetes, pregnancy and sleep apnea.

Losartan works by blocking the angiotensin II receptors and by preventing the action of angiotensin II hormones in the body. Angiotensin II is a hormone involved in regulating the fluid balance in the blood and blood pressure.  It works in two ways both of which increases the blood pressure in the blood:

  • Causing the blood vessels to constrict and to become narrow.
  • Reduces the amount of water and salt that the kidneys filter out from the blood.

Blocking the action of angiotensin II allows the blood vessels to widen. At the same time, it allows the kidney to filter out more fluid in the blood by the kidney which helps in lowering the blood pressure. Lowering the blood pressure also makes it easier for the heart to pump blood around the body which helps improve the symptoms of heart failure such as angina pectoris. Since it’s a combination medication, Losartan potassium can help protect the kidney and slow down kidney disease progression.

Losartan potassium is approved by the US Food and Drug Authority in treating a high blood pressure since 1995. It’s listed as one of the most essential medicines by the World Health Organization or WHO and is considered as one of the safest and most effective medications necessary in a healthcare system. An as ARB, Losartan is recommended as first-line treatment for people with high blood pressure who are under 55 years of age who can’t tolerate ACE inhibitors.

When and How to Use Losartan Potassium

Losartan potassium is a prescription drug so use it exactly as prescribed to you by your physician.

  • The recommended dose for patients suffering from hypertension is one tablet of 50 mg a day. The starting dose is 25 mg a day. Your doctor may increase your dose to 100 mg a day.
  • For patients with left ventricular hypertrophy, the dose is 50 mg a day along with 12.5 mg of diuretics. Your doctor may increase your dose to 100 mg a day with 25 mg of diuretics.
  • For patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment, the dose is 25 mg a day.
  • For patients 6 years or older, the dose is 0.7 mg per body kg up to 50 mg

Take Losartan potassium by mouth with a glass of water. It may take up to six weeks for you to see the full benefit of this drug. So, do not stop taking this even if you feel well. Doing so may cause your blood pressure to suddenly increase or your heart failure to become worse. You can order losartan potassium here.

What to know before taking Losartan Potassium

  • Losartan potassium is not suitable for everyone. Patients with high blood pressure must consult first with their doctor before using this medication.
  • Pregnant women must not use this medication as it can affect the fetus. It may also affect the kidney function of the fetus and increases its risk from death. Breastfeeding woman is also advice not to take this medication as it passes into the breast milk.

Take Losartan with care if you have:

  • Kidney and liver problems
  • Severe vomiting or diarrhea
  • Dehydrated
  • Losartan can make you feel dizzy, tired and can make you faint. If this happens, let your doctor know. If you feel dizzy, lie down until the symptoms pass. Drinking of alcoholic beverages doesn’t directly affect the medicine. However, alcohol drinking can increase the risk of side effects of Losartan which can make you feel dizzier. If you find this medication makes you feel dizzy, avoid drinking alcoholic beverages.
  • Avoid taking any potassium supplements or potassium-containing salt substitute without telling your doctor.

Possible Side Effects of Losartan Potassium

Losartan can cause side effects like any other medications. The following are common side effects of this drug:

  • Dizziness
  • Feeling weak or tired
  • Decreased kidney function
  • Spinning sensation
  • Migraine

Uncommon side effects are:

  • Sleepiness
  • Chest pain
  • Pain in the muscle and joint
  • Ringing in the ear
  • Headache
  • Fluid retention
  • Shortness of breath
  • Skin itching or rashes
  • Change in the sensation of taste
  • Cough
  • Feeling generally unwell

Rare side effects are:

  • Pins and needles sensation
  • Inflammation of the liver
  • Depression
  • Fainting
  • Swelling of face, lips, throat, tongue
  • Inflammation of the pancreas
  • Erectile dysfunction

In case of severe persistent side effects, contact your doctor right away. Seek medical help as soon as possible for symptoms that affects breathing or causes swelling of the throat or mouth.

Getting the Best Result from Losartan Potassium

  • Losartan potassium works best in reducing your blood pressure if used along with making a lifestyle change such as exercise, proper diet, avoiding alcohol and smoke.
  • Regularly check your blood pressure, the amount of potassium in your blood and your kidney function while you’re taking Losartan.
  • Always take this according to your doctor’s prescription to avoid any complications and to reduce high blood pressure. If you have any other concerns while under this medication, talk to your doctor.

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