Losartan brands and prices in Pakistan

About Losartan

Losartan is a blood pressure medicine from the group called angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). It stops a natural hormone called angiotensin II from tightening the blood vessels. The vessels relax and widen, so blood pressure falls and the heart can pump blood more easily. It is a prescription medicine, usually taken as tablets, and most people take it long term.

Who should not take it, or should take care

• Do not take it if you are allergic to losartan or any of the tablet's ingredients. Tell your doctor if you have had an allergic reaction to another ARB medicine.
• Do not take it if you have severe liver problems.
• Do not take it if you have diabetes or kidney problems and are taking aliskiren (another blood pressure medicine).
• Pregnancy: it is not recommended in early pregnancy and must not be taken after the first three months, as it can seriously harm the baby, for example the baby's kidneys, skull and lungs, and the fluid around the baby. If you are planning a pregnancy, talk to your doctor about switching first. If you find out you are pregnant, contact your doctor straight away; you will usually be moved to a different medicine.
• Breastfeeding: it is not usually recommended, especially for a newborn or premature baby. Your doctor may suggest another medicine.
• Tell your doctor if you have ever had angioedema (sudden swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat).
• Tell your doctor if you have had severe vomiting or diarrhoea, have lost a lot of fluid or salt, take water tablets (diuretics) or follow a strict low-salt diet, as your blood pressure may drop too far.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems, narrowed arteries to the kidneys or a recent kidney transplant, or liver problems.
• Tell your doctor if you have heart failure, heart valve or heart muscle problems, a heart rhythm problem, coronary heart disease, or problems with the blood supply to the brain.
• Tell your doctor if you have primary hyperaldosteronism (a hormone condition of the adrenal glands).
• Some losartan tablets contain lactose. Check with your doctor if you have been told you cannot digest some sugars.

Medicines and drinks that can interact

• Potassium supplements and salt substitutes that contain potassium
• Medicines that can raise potassium, such as water tablets that keep potassium in the body (spironolactone, amiloride, triamterene), heparin and trimethoprim
• Other blood pressure medicines, including beta blockers, ACE inhibitors such as lisinopril, and water tablets (diuretics), which can make blood pressure drop further
• Aliskiren, especially if you have diabetes or kidney problems
• Anti-inflammatory painkillers (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen, and aspirin. They can weaken losartan's effect and harm the kidneys in people with kidney problems.
• Lithium (for mood conditions), which needs close checking
• Tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline, antipsychotics such as quetiapine, baclofen and amifostine, which can also lower blood pressure
• Fluconazole (an antifungal medicine)
• Grapefruit juice, which can stop losartan working properly
• Tell your doctor or pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin, supplement and herbal remedy you take.

Always tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, supplement and herbal product you take.

Using it safely

• Take it exactly as your doctor tells you, at about the same time of day. Swallow the tablets with water, with or without food.
• Keep taking it even when you feel well. Do not stop unless your doctor tells you to.
• If you forget a dose, never take two doses together to make up for it. UK advice is to take your next dose at the usual time.
• Get up slowly from lying or sitting, to avoid feeling dizzy or faint, especially when you first start.
• Vomiting, diarrhoea, a high temperature, heavy sweating or not drinking enough can make your blood pressure drop too low. Ask your doctor or pharmacist what to do if this happens.
• Do not use salt substitutes that contain potassium unless your doctor says so, and follow any low-salt diet you are given.
• Limit alcohol, as it can make side effects more likely.
• If you feel dizzy or tired, do not drive, ride a bike or use machines until it passes.
• Go to all your appointments. You will need blood pressure checks and blood tests to check your kidneys and potassium.
• A healthy lifestyle also helps: eat less salt and fat, keep a healthy weight, be active and do not smoke.
• Store the tablets at room temperature away from heat and damp (not in the bathroom), out of the reach of children, and do not share them.

Common questions

How long does losartan take to work?
Blood pressure may start to come down soon after you begin, but the full effect builds up gradually over time. You may not feel any different, so keep taking it and go to your check-ups.

Can I drink alcohol while taking losartan?
NHS advice is to limit alcohol, because it can increase side effects such as dizziness.

What if I become pregnant while taking losartan?
Contact your doctor as soon as you can. Taking it in early pregnancy is unlikely to harm the baby, but it can cause serious harm later in pregnancy, so you will usually be switched to a safer medicine. Do not simply go without blood pressure treatment; talk to your doctor.

Why do I need blood tests?
Losartan can affect your kidneys and raise the potassium level in your blood. Regular blood tests let your doctor check these and change your treatment if needed.

Can I take painkillers with losartan?
Anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen and naproxen can weaken losartan and affect the kidneys. Ask a pharmacist which painkiller is suitable for you.

Prepared from the sources listed by the MedInfoBase team. General information, not medical advice: it gives no doses. Your doctor or pharmacist decides the medicine and dose for you.