Losartan is used on its own or together with other medicines to help keep your blood pressure under control.
This medicine is also used to treat heart failure (weakness and inability of the heart to pump blood), kidney disease in diabetic patients with high blood pressure, and helps reduce the risk of stroke in patients who have high blood pressure and left ventricular hypertrophy (enlargement and thickening of the wall of the heart's left chamber).
Losartan may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Take Losartan exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Losartan is available as a tablet or oral suspension.
If you are taking the tablet, swallow it whole with a glass of water.
If you are taking the oral suspension, shake the bottle well before you take it to ensure that the liquid is evenly mixed. Use the measuring spoon or cup provided to measure your dose.
Losartan must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have severe liver disease as Losartan may not be suitable for you.
Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon. If you become pregnant while being treated with this medicine, alert your doctor immediately. Losartan may cause harm to your unborn child. You must use proven birth control methods while taking this medicine.
Do not take Losartan with aliskiren (medicine to treat high blood pressure) especially if you have diabetes or kidney disease.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- history of angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, throat or tongue)
- low sodium levels in the blood
- low fluid volume or fluid loss caused by water pills or medicines for water retention, dietary salt restriction, diarrhoea or vomiting
- other heart diseases e.g. narrowing of heart valves or arteries
- narrowing of the blood vessels in the kidney
- cerebrovascular disease (a disorder of the blood vessels to the brain)
- abnormal levels of a hormone known as aldosterone in the blood
- kidney disease
- mild to moderate liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Losartan to a child or the elderly. Children and elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
If you are of a Black race, this medicine may be less effective. Inform your doctor if you are taking Losartan.
If you are going for an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medicine.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. kidney function, electrolyte levels) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Your blood pressure may fall to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure regularly during treatment.
What lifestyle changes can I make to improve my blood pressure?
Regular exercise and eating a healthy diet will help control your blood pressure and improve your overall health. Engage in physical activity like walking for at least 30 to 60 minutes on most days of the week. If you have not exercised for a long time, start with light exercises such as slow walks. Speak to your doctor about what type of exercise would be suitable for you. Follow a healthy diet plan by eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products and reduce your intake of foods high in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. Cutting down on deep-fried foods and using less salt when cooking can kick-start your healthy diet.
If you smoke, you should try to quit. Smoking is harmful to your blood pressure, heart and overall health. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about ways to stop your smoking habit.
Losartan may cause drowsiness or dizziness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
This medicine may cause your blood pressure to fall suddenly when you get up from a sitting or lying down position and you may feel giddy. To minimise this problem, stand up slowly.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, migraine, diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, back pain, tiredness, sleeping problems, and stomach pain.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
- swelling in your legs, ankles, or feet; change in the amount of urine passed
- muscle weakness, cramping or numbness; fast or irregular heartbeat
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Losartan with aliskiren (medicine to treat high blood pressure) especially if you have diabetes or kidney disease.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- other medicines for high blood pressure
- medicines for depression
- medicines for mood disorders e.g. lithium
- baclofen (medicine for muscle spasms)
- rifampicin (medicine to treat TB, an infection known as tuberculosis)
- fluconazole (medicine to treat fungal infection)
- water pills or medicines for water retention e.g. amiloride, spironolactone
- potassium supplements or potassium-containing medicines
- heparin (blood-thinning medicine)
- NSAIDs (medicines for pain and inflammation)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Losartan.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Cut down on your salt intake. This may help lower your blood pressure and improve your overall health. Discuss with your doctor or dietitian about ways to cut down on your salt intake.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. Protect from light.
Refrigerate the oral suspension (between 2-8°C) once the powder has been mixed with water. Do not freeze it otherwise, it will become less effective. Throw away unused portions after 4 weeks.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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