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Losartan

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Losartan is an angiotensin-II receptor antagonist.
Keep your regular appointments with your doctor to have your blood pressure measured.

About losartan

Type of medicine	Angiotensin-II receptor antagonist
Used for	High blood pressure High blood pressure with left ventricular hypertrophy (enlargement in the left side of the heart) Diabetic kidney disease (in type 2 diabetes) Heart failure (a condition where the pumping action of the heart is reduced)
Also called	Cozaar®
Available as	Tablets and oral suspension

Losartan works by preventing the action of a hormone called angiotensin II. Angiotensin II causes blood vessels to narrow and leads to production of another hormone called aldosterone which increases the amount of fluid in the blood. By preventing the action of angiotensin II, losartan widens blood vessels and reduces fluid in the blood, and therefore it reduces the work of the heart and lowers the blood pressure.

Before taking losartan

Before taking losartan make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
If you suffer from liver or kidney problems.
If you suffer from renal artery stenosis (a narrowing or blockage of the artery supplying the kidney).
If you have problems with your heart valves or heart muscle.
If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine, especially if your mouth or face became swollen.
If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.

How to take losartan

Take losartan exactly as directed by your doctor. It is usually taken once daily.
Read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible before beginning treatment.
Try to take losartan at the same time each day.
Losartan may be taken with or without food.

Getting the most from your treatment

Keep your regular appointments with your doctor. You will have regular blood tests to check your kidney function. Your doctor will also measure your blood pressure.
Do not stop taking this medicine without checking with your doctor first.

Can losartan cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine	What can I do if I experience this
Diarrhoea	Drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids
Dizziness, tiredness	Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert
Cough	Sucking sugar-free sweets or chewing gum, or taking a cough preparation available from your pharmacist, may help
Rash	This may be temporary; speak to your pharmacist for advice
Light-headedness, especially when moving from a sitting or lying position to a standing one	Moving more slowly may help. If you begin to feel dizzy, lie down for a few moments so that you do not faint, then sit for a while before standing. This usually improves as your body gets used to losartan but if it continues to trouble you let your doctor know

Important: if you develop an allergic reaction with swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital immediately.

How to store losartan

Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
Store the tablets in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Store the oral suspension in a refrigerator and do not use it after the expiry date. The expiry date is 4 weeks after it has been made up.

Important information about all medicines

Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

Manufacturer's PIL, Cozaar® 12.5mg, 25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg Film-Coated Tablets, Merck Sharp & Dohme Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Approved January 2009, accessed April 2009.
British National Formulary; 57th Edition (March 2009) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).

Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk

DocID: 993

DocRef: dils2039

Last Reviewed: 12 May 2009

Version: 25

The authors and editors of this article are employed to create accurate and up to date content reflecting reliable research evidence, guidance and best clinical practice. They are free from any commercial conflicts of interest. Find out more about updating.

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