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Losartan

  • Losartan is an angiotensin-II receptor antagonist.
  • Keep your regular appointments with your doctor to have your blood pressure measured.
  • Losartan should not be taken if you are pregnant.

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)
Also called Cozaar
Available as Tablets

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). The action of losartan results in widening of blood vessels and reduction of fluid in the blood, and therefore brings about a reduction in 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.

How to take losartan

  • Losartan is generally taken ONCE daily.
  • 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 A cough linctus, available from your pharmacist, may help.
Rash This may be temporary; speak to your pharmacist for advice.

Rarely, 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 of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

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.
© EMIS 2006 DocID:
993		 DocRef:
dils2039		 Last Updated:
30 Oct 2006		 Date of Next Review:
29 Oct 2008		 Version:
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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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