Losartan is a drug to lower blood pressure in hypertensive conditions. This drug is also used to treat heart failure and prevent kidney damage from diabetes (diabetic nephropathy).
This drug works by blocking the angiotensin II receptor, so that previously narrowed blood vessels can widen. That way, blood can flow more smoothly and the workload of the heart can be reduced.
Losartan trademark: Angioten, Cozaar, Losartan Potassium, Lifezar, Santesar
What is Losartan
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB) |
| Benefit | Overcoming hypertension |
| Consumed by | Adults and children 6 years old |
| Losartan for pregnant and lactating women | Category D: There is positive evidence of risks to the human fetus, but the benefits may outweigh the risks, for example in dealing with life-threatening situations. Losartan is not known to be absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Tablet |
Warnings Before Taking Losartan
Losartan should only be used according to a doctor's prescription. Here are some things you need to pay attention to before taking losartan:
- Do not use losartan if you are allergic to this drug. Tell your doctor about any history of drug allergies you have.
- Tell your doctor if you have or are currently suffering from kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, heart disease, electrolyte disturbances, or dehydration.
- Tell your doctor if you are on a low-salt diet.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- Do not drive or operate equipment that requires vigilance while taking losartan, as this medicine can cause dizziness.
- This drug should not be used by pregnant women because it can increase the risk of interference with the fetus. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or are planning a pregnancy.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction, a more serious side effect, or an overdose, after taking losartan.
Dosage and Instructions for Use of Losartan
The dose of losartan given by the doctor depends on the condition and age of the patient. Here is the explanation:
Condition: Hypertension
- Mature: 50 mg, once a day. The dose can be increased up to 100 mg per day.
- Children 6 years old weighing 20–50kg: The initial dose is 0.7 mg/kgBW. The dose can be increased to a maximum of 50 mg per day.
- Children 6 years old weighing >50 kg: 50 mg, once a day. The dose can be increased up to 100 mg per day.
- seniors: 25 mg per day.
Condition: Diabetic nephropathy
- Mature: 50 mg per day. The dose may be increased to 100 mg per day, depending on the patient's blood pressure.
- seniors: 25 mg per day.
Condition: Heart failure
- Mature: 12.5 mg per day. The dose can be increased to a maximum of 150 mg per day.
- seniors: 25 mg per day.
How to Take Losartan Correctly
Follow your doctor's advice and read the instructions on the package before taking losartan. Do not increase or decrease the dose, and stop using losartan without consulting your doctor first.
Losartan tablets can be taken before or after meals. Use plain water to swallow the tablet. Do not chew, split, or crush the tablet, as this may increase the risk of side effects.
If you forget to take losartan, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of your next dose, ignore the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose of losartan to make up for a missed dose, unless directed by your doctor.
Perform regular blood pressure checks while using losartan to monitor the body's condition and the body's response to treatment.
Store losartan at room temperature. Keep this medicine away from direct sunlight, and do not store it in a humid place. Keep out of reach of children.
Losartan Interactions with Other Drugs
The following are some interactions that may occur if losartan is used with other medicines:
- Increased blood levels of losartan when used with fluconazole or rifampicin
- Increased levels and toxic effects of lithium
- Increased risk of kidney failure if used with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Increased potassium levels in the body and an increased risk of hyperkalemia when used with potassium-sparing diuretics, such as amiloride or spironolactone
- Increased risk of hypotension, hyperkalemia, and impaired renal function, if used with this class of drugs ACE inhibitor or aliskiren
Losartan Side Effects and Dangers
If consumed by pregnant women, losartan can cause disturbances to the fetus. In addition, some side effects that may occur after taking losartan are:
- Muscle cramps or pain
- Diarrhea
- Burning feeling in chest (heatburn)
- Dizzy
- Sleep disturbance
- Headache
- Feel tired
Check with a doctor if the complaints mentioned above do not go away or get worse. Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to your medication or experience more serious side effects, such as:
- Blurred vision
- Irregular heartbeat
- Fatigue is getting heavier
- Faint
- Severe stomach pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Excessive sweating
- Numbness or tingling
