Losar (Losartan Potassium)
What is Losartan Potassium?
Losartan Potassium is a medicine mainly used for the treatment of hypertension or high blood pressure. This medicine is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist that prevents the blood vessels from narrowing which improves blood flow and lowers blood pressure. It is also used to reduce the risk of stroke in certain people with heart disease. Another use of Losartan Potassium is to protect the kidneys from damage due to diabetes. Losartan Potassium is sold under various trade names, a couple of which are Cozaar, Losar (made by Unichem), and Repace (made by Sun Pharma). This medicine may also be prescribed for conditions other than those listed here.
Important Information About Losartan Potassium
Do not take Losartan Potassium (Cozaar, Losar, Repace) if you have a known allergy to Losartan Potassium. To make sure that this medicine is safe for you, inform your doctor in advance if you have any of these conditions: congestive heart failure, kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis), liver disease, or if you are dehydrated. In rare cases, Losartan Potassium can lead to a condition which results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, causing in kidney failure. Seek medical attention right away if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual fatigue, and dark colored urine. Losartan Potassium is a pregnancy category D drug. Do not take if you are a pregnant woman. If you become pregnant during the treatment with this medicine, stop taking it and contact your doctor immediately. Losartan Potassium can cause injury or death of an unborn baby if pregnant women take it in second or third trimester. Use of an effective birth control is recommended while taking this medicine. It is not known whether Losartan Potassium can pass into breast milk and harm a nursing baby. Do not take this medicine without your doctor’s advice if you are breast feeding. Losartan Potassium may increase your potassium levels. Hence, avoid potassium supplements or salt substitutes that contain potassium while taking this medicine.
Things And Activities To Avoid While Taking Losartan Potassium
Avoid or limit alcohol consumption while taking Losartan Potassium. This medicine can cause dizziness. To limit dizziness, do not get up from a lying or sitting position suddenly. Losartan Potassium may increase your potassium levels. Hence, avoid potassium supplements or salt substitutes that contain potassium while taking this medicine.
Before taking Losartan Potassium Hydrochlorothiazide
Before taking Losartan Potassium Hydrochlorothiazide (Cozaar, Losar, Repace), take care of all precautions mentioned above. Discuss them with your doctor and clear all doubts which you may have about this drug.
How should I take Losartan Potassium And Hydrochlorothiazide?
Take Losartan Potassium strictly according to your doctor’s direction or according to the instructions on the medication label. Do not alter the dosage unless your doctor advises you to do so. Also, do not take this medication after the prescribed period is over. All medications come with a patient leaflet. Refer the instructions in them for detailed information on that particular medication. Losartan Potassium can be taken with or without food. Always store this medicine in a cool and dry place. It may take up to 4 weeks of regular intake (as directed) for Losartan Potassium Hctz to reign in your blood pressure. You may have to take this medicine for many years, even if you look fine. High blood pressure doesn’t have any outwardly signs. Always store this medicine in a cool and dry place. While taking Losartan Potassium, watch out for vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive sweating. These can lead to severe dehydration which can further lower your blood pressure. Low blood pressure can be a dangerous and fatal condition. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these conditions while taking this medicine
Losartan Potassium Dosing Information
Losartan Potassium And Hydrochlorothiazide dosage may depend on a range of factors like age, sex, drug allergies, or seriousness of the condition among several other factors. Your dosage will be determined by your doctor after examining you properly. Remember to follow your doctor’s advice properly for best results.
Losartan Potassium Side Effects
Some common side effects of Losartan Potassium are dizziness, light headedness, swelling in ankles or feet, or flushing. If any of these effects persist or deteriorate, get medical attention right away. A serious side effect is unlikely. However, if you get any serious side effect like fast, irregular or rapid heartbeat, or fainting, or any other serious side effect, seek medical attention immediately.
The side effects mentioned above are not the only ones that you may experience or witness due to Losartan Potassium. If you get any serious side effects due to this medication, contact your doctor right away.
What If I Miss A Dose?
If you miss a dose of Losartan Potassium, take it as soon as you remember. Don’t take the missed dose if the time to take the next dose is almost up. Taking multiple doses near to each other can lead to excess medication in your body which can be harmful.
What If I Overdose?
In case of an overdose of Losartan Potassium, get emergency medical attention or call the Doctor Immedaitely.
Interaction With Other Drugs
Many other drugs can interact with Losartan Potassium. Let your doctor know in advance if you use any other drugs or related products (OTC vitamin pills or other medicines, or herbal products), especially the following ones: other medicines that lower blood pressure, lithium, celecoxib, aspirin or NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, or others), heart disease medication, a potassium supplement such as K-Dur, Klor-Con, salt substitutes that contain potassium, or a diuretic. These are not the only drugs that can interact with Losartan Potassium. There may be others. Never start a new medication without proper medical advice.
| Manufacturer | : | A. Menarini India Pvt Ltdine HCL) |
| Equivalent Brand | : | Cozaar |
| Generic Search | : | Losartan potassium |
| Strength | : | 25mg, 50mg |
