Losartan
Losartan is a medication that belongs to a group of drugs called angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). It is commonly prescribed to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), helping to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of serious complications such as heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. Losartan is also used to protect the kidneys in people with type 2 diabetes who have diabetic nephropathy and to reduce the risk of stroke in certain patients with high blood pressure and an enlarged heart.
Losartan works by blocking the action of angiotensin II, a hormone that causes blood vessels to narrow and increases blood pressure. By preventing this hormone from binding to its receptors, losartan relaxes and widens blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more easily. This reduces blood pressure and decreases the workload on the heart.
The medication is available as oral tablets in different strengths, including 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg. It is usually taken once daily, with or without food, as directed by a healthcare provider. Patients should take losartan regularly and continue treatment even if they feel well, as high blood pressure often has no symptoms.
Common side effects include dizziness, headache, tiredness, and low blood pressure, especially when starting treatment. Less common but serious side effects include high potassium levels, kidney problems, and severe allergic reactions. Regular monitoring of blood pressure, kidney function, and potassium levels may be recommended.
Losartan should not be used during pregnancy because it can harm the developing baby. Patients should inform their healthcare provider about all other medications they are taking, especially potassium supplements, potassium-sparing diuretics, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), as these may interact with losartan.
When used as prescribed, losartan is an effective and well-tolerated medication that helps control blood pressure, protects the kidneys, and lowers the risk of cardiovascular complications.
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