High blood pressure is often called the “silent killer” because it can quietly damage your body for years without showing any symptoms. If left untreated, it increases your risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure. That’s where Losartan steps in.
This medication helps lower blood pressure and protects your heart and kidneys. It’s especially helpful if you have diabetes or heart problems like left ventricular hypertrophy. Losartan works by relaxing your blood vessels, making it easier for your heart to pump blood.
In this article, you’ll learn what Losartan does, how it’s used, and how to take it safely for the best results.
🔑 Key Takeaways ➤ Losartan helps lower your blood pressure by relaxing your blood vessels, making it easier for your heart to work. ➤ If you have a thickened heart muscle, Losartan lowers your risk of stroke and heart failure. ➤ A typical starting dose for adults is 25–50 mg daily, but your doctor might adjust it based on your condition. ➤ Losartan is safe for children six and older, with doses based on their weight for effective treatment. ➤ Maximum dosing for Losartan is 100 mg daily. ➤ If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but skip it if it’s almost time for the next one. ➤ Losartan is not safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so talk to your doctor immediately if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant. |
What Is Losartan?
Losartan belongs to a group of drugs called angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). These drugs work by stopping a protein called angiotensin II from attaching to specific spots in your body. Normally, angiotensin II makes your blood vessels narrow, which raises your blood pressure. By blocking this protein, Losartan helps to lower your blood pressure.
Uses of Losartan
Losartan is mainly used to lower high blood pressure. In one study, participants took 50 to 100 milligrams of losartan once a day. This dose was just as good at lowering blood pressure as other common medicines like enalapril and atenolol.
When losartan was taken with another medicine called hydrochlorothiazide, it worked even better. About one out of three people with very high blood pressure saw their numbers drop with this combination. The rest may have had some blood pressure reduction, just not as much. Older adults also benefited from taking losartan.
High blood pressure can strain your heart and blood vessels, leading to serious health problems. By taking Losartan, you can reduce the risk of a stroke, especially if you have a thickened heart muscle, a condition known as left ventricular hypertrophy. This thickening can cause heart failure and other complications.
For people with type 2 diabetes, Losartan is effective in treating diabetic kidney disease. In a study, 1,513 participants took losartan for about three and a half years. Losartan did a great job lowering the amount of protein in the urine. Protein in the urine is a sign that the kidneys are not working well. Losartan reduced protein by about 34%. This is important because less protein means your kidneys are healthier.
Not only did losartan help the kidneys, but it also lowered the chances of serious heart problems. People taking losartan had a 21% lower risk of suffering a heart attack, stroke, or even death. This shows that losartan helps protect both the heart and the kidneys.
Dosage Overview
Losartan comes in different tablet strengths to meet the needs of various patients. You can find it in:
- 12.5 mg
- 25 mg
- 50 mg
- 100 mg
This variety allows doctors to customize the treatment for each person.
Adults
The starting dose is usually 25-50 mg once a day for most adults. However, your doctor might change the dose based on how you respond to the medication and any other health issues you might have.
For example, if you have liver problems or are at risk of losing too much fluid from your body, your doctor may start you on a lower dose to reduce the chance of side effects.
Children
Losartan is also safe for children, with the dosage determined by the child’s weight. Children aged six and older typically start with 0.7 mg per kilogram of their body weight once a day, up to a maximum of 50 mg. This ensures that both kids and adults receive the right amount of medicine for their needs.
⚠️ Important Note To ensure safety and prevent side effects, the maximum recommended dose of Losartan is 100 mg once daily. Taking more than this amount isn’t advised because higher doses haven’t been thoroughly studied and could lead to issues like dizziness, low blood pressure, and high potassium levels. If you have specific health conditions, such as liver problems or are losing too much fluid, your doctor might start you on a lower dose, like 25 mg once a day, to minimize risks. For children aged six and older, depending on how the child responds, the dose can be increased to 1.4 mg per kilogram daily, not exceeding 100 mg. |
Dosage by Condition
Losartan doses change depending on what condition it’s treating. Here’s a breakdown of the recommended dosages for different situations.
Diabetic Nephropathy
If you have diabetic nephropathy, your doctor will likely start you on 25-50 mg of Losartan once a day. Depending on how you respond, the dose can be increased to 100 mg daily.
For those with high blood pressure and a thickened heart muscle, or type 2 diabetes affecting the kidneys, moving up to 100 mg might be necessary. You should start noticing lower blood pressure within a week, but the full effect can take three to six weeks.
Hypertension
For high blood pressure, adults usually begin with 25-50 mg of Losartan each day. Your doctor might raise this to 100 mg once a day based on how your blood pressure responds and if you have other conditions like heart muscle thickening or diabetic kidney disease.
This approach helps control your blood pressure effectively and lowers the risk of strokes, especially if you have additional heart issues.
Pediatric Hypertension
Children six years and older need doses based on their weight. The starting dose is 0.7 mg per kilogram of body weight once a day, up to a maximum of 50 mg. Depending on how the child responds, the dose can be increased to 1.4 mg per kilogram daily, not exceeding 100 mg.
Losartan is available as tablets or a liquid suspension, making it easier for kids who have trouble swallowing pills.
⚠️ Important Consideration If you’re at risk of losing too much fluid from your body, your doctor may start you on a lower dose of 25 mg once a day. This helps prevent low blood pressure and other side effects. Always take Losartan as prescribed and talk to your healthcare provider before making any changes to your dosage. Regular check-ups are important to ensure the medication is working well and to adjust the dose if needed. |
Dosage Adjustments
Adjusting the Losartan dose is key to ensuring it works well and stays safe. This is especially important if you have certain health conditions. Let’s break down how dosages might change based on different factors.
Renal Impairment
For adults with kidney problems, no dose adjustment of Losartan is needed. However, if you’re a child and your kidney function, measured by the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), is below 30 mL/min/1.73 m², Losartan is not recommended.
If your kidney function gets worse while taking Losartan, your doctor might decide to stop the medication to keep you safe.
Liver Dysfunction
Liver issues also require careful dose adjustments. If you have mild to moderate liver problems, your doctor will likely start you on a lower dose of 25 mg once a day.
There isn’t enough information on how to dose Losartan for severe liver dysfunction, so doctors need to watch you closely if you’re in this category.
Intravascular Volume Depletion
If you’re losing too much fluid from your body, your doctor may start you on a lower dose of 25 mg once a day.
This helps prevent low blood pressure and other side effects, keeping you safe as you begin treatment.
Missed Dose or Overdose
If you forget to take a dose of Losartan, take it as soon as you remember. This helps your treatment stay on track. However, if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one.
Don’t take two doses at the same time. This can prevent taking too much medicine and avoid side effects. To help remember, try setting an alarm or using a medication reminder.
Also, taking too much Losartan can be serious and needs quick action. Symptoms of an overdose include dizziness, feeling very sleepy, and a racing heartbeat. You might have very low blood pressure or high potassium levels in worse cases. If you think you’ve taken too much Losartan, contact your local emergency number immediately.
Make sure to have your Losartan package or leaflet with you. If you feel faint, have a racing heart, or chest pain, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. This hotline is available 24/7 for free and confidential assistance.
Special Considerations for Pregnant and Breastfeeding
If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding and taking losartan, you need to act carefully. Losartan is not safe during pregnancy, especially in the second and third trimesters. It can lower amniotic fluid levels, which may harm your baby’s kidneys and lungs. It can also cause other problems, like joint stiffness and growth issues. In some cases, it can even lead to stillbirth.
Doctors usually recommend stopping losartan as soon as you find out you’re pregnant and no later than 12 weeks into pregnancy. They will prescribe a safer alternative to manage your condition.
If you’re breastfeeding, losartan might not be the best choice either. While only small amounts of the drug may pass into your breast milk, it could still lower your baby’s blood pressure. This risk is higher if your baby was born early. Your doctor might suggest switching to a different medicine until more is known about losartan’s safety for nursing mothers. If you notice your baby isn’t feeding well, seems very sleepy, or looks unusually pale, contact your doctor right away.
Wrap Up
Losartan is a medication that helps lower your blood pressure by relaxing your blood vessels, making it easier for your heart to pump blood. It’s especially useful if you have diabetes or a thickened heart muscle, as it protects your kidneys and reduces the risk of stroke or heart failure.
The usual dose for adults starts at 50 mg daily, but your doctor may adjust it to fit your needs. It’s safe for children aged six and older, with doses based on their weight. However, Losartan isn’t safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it’s close to the next one. Always follow your doctor’s advice to stay safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is losartan safe for kidney or liver problems?
It may require a lower dose for liver issues. For kidney problems, it can protect kidneys but might worsen function temporarily. Talk to your doctor.
What happens if I take too much losartan?
Overdosing may cause dizziness or low blood pressure. Seek medical attention immediately if symptoms are severe.
Can losartan cause weight changes?
Weight changes are not common with losartan. If you notice unusual weight gain or loss, consult your doctor.
Is it safe to drink alcohol while on losartan?
Drinking alcohol may increase dizziness or lower your blood pressure too much. It’s best to limit or avoid alcohol.
How long does it take for losartan to work?
Blood pressure effects can be seen within a week, but full benefits may take 3 to 6 weeks.
Can I eat foods high in potassium while taking losartan?
Limit potassium-rich foods (e.g., bananas, oranges) as losartan can raise potassium levels. Check with your doctor for dietary advice.
Sources
- National Health Service. (2022). How and when to take losartan. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/losartan/how-and-when-to-take-losartan/
- Goa, K. L., & Wagstaff, A. J. (1996). Losartan potassium: A review of its pharmacology, clinical efficacy and tolerability in the management of hypertension. Drugs, 51(5), 820–845. https://doi.org/10.2165/00003495-199651050-00008
- Shahinfar, S., Dickson, T. Z., Ahmed, T., Zhang, Z., Ramjit, D., Smith, R. D., & Brenner, B. M. (2002). Losartan in patients with type 2 diabetes and proteinuria: Observations from the RENAAL Study. Kidney International, 62(Supplement 82), S64–S67. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1523-1755.62.s82.13.x
- MotherToBaby. (2022). Losartan (Cozaar®). Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK582803/