Losartan Potassium: Uses, indications and precautions when using

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Losartan (also known as Cozaar among others) is a medicine mainly used to treat high blood pressure and to help prevent heart attacks, strokes, and kidney problems.

1. Uses of the drug Losartan

Losartan is an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) medicine, commonly used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and to help protect the kidneys from damage caused by diabetes. In addition, Losartan is used to reduce the risk of stroke in patients with high blood pressure and an enlarged heart. Losartan works by relaxing blood vessels so that blood can flow more easily, reducing blood pressure, thereby helping to prevent the risk of stroke, heart attack and kidney problems.

2. Dosage and how to use Losartan

Losartan tablets are usually taken orally, once a day with/or without food (as directed by your doctor); If using Losartan in liquid form, shake the bottle well before drinking. Pay attention to measuring the dose of the drug with a special instrument. Dosage is based on the patient's medical condition, age, and response to treatment. Keep taking Losartan regularly to get the most benefit. To make it easier to remember your dosing schedule, take your pills at the same times each day. If treatment does not improve or worsens (eg, blood pressure rises), notify your doctor immediately.

3. Undesirable effects of the drug Losartan

Like many other medicines, Losartan can also bring some side effects such as:
Dizziness or lightheadedness may occur as the body adjusts to the drug. To reduce the risk of dizziness or lightheadedness, get up slowly from a sitting or lying position. Tell your doctor if you experience serious reactions such as: fainting, high blood potassium levels, muscle weakness, slow/irregular heartbeat. Although losartan can be used to prevent kidney problems or treat people with kidney problems, in rare cases it can backfire and make the situation worse. If you notice any signs of kidney failure or change in the amount of urine, tell your doctor. As noted, there are rare cases of serious allergic reactions to the drug. However, seek immediate medical attention if you see signs of a serious allergic reaction such as: difficulty breathing, hives, itching, swelling in the tongue/throat/face area and severe dizziness important.

4. Be careful when taking the drug Losartan

Before taking Losartan, be aware of the following:
If you are allergic to Losartan or any other allergic condition, tell your doctor immediately. Talk to your doctor about your patient's medical history, especially liver disease, dehydration, and mineral deficiencies. Losartan can cause dizziness, so patients should not use stimulants, limit alcoholic beverages. Do not drive, use machines, or do anything that requires alertness or concentration while the medicine is working. Losartan may increase blood potassium levels. So before using potassium supplements or salts that contain potassium, consult your doctor. Before surgery, it is necessary to inform the doctor about the products the patient is using (including over-the-counter drugs, prescription drugs, and herbal products). Losartan is not recommended for use during pregnancy because of the potential for harm to an unborn baby and it is not known whether it passes into breast milk. Talk to your doctor for specific instructions.

5. Losartan drug interactions

Drug interactions can change the way a drug works or increase the risk of serious side effects. Therefore, the patient needs to inform the doctor about all the medicines he is taking. At the same time; Do not use, stop, or change the dose of any medicine without your doctor's approval. Some drugs that can react with Losartan include: Aliskiren, Lithium, drugs that increase the amount of potassium in the blood (ACE inhibitors such as Lisinopril, Benazepril, birth control pills containing Drospirenone); Some products have ingredients that can raise your blood pressure or make your heart failure worse. Special care should be taken when using cough and cold medicines, NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen, Naproxen, diet aids.

6. Some notes when using Losartan

Overdose : If you take an overdose of Losartan, there will be serious symptoms such as fainting or difficulty breathing. At that time, the patient should be taken to the emergency room immediately. Symptoms of drug overdose include severe dizziness, fainting,... Note: Adjusting your lifestyle such as exercise, stress reduction, nutritional balance can increase the effect of the drug. use. Patients are recommended to perform tests to evaluate kidney function, measure potassium levels, blood pressure, ... to monitor the treatment process or detect side effects (if any). Missed dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose. Storage: Store the drug at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Medicines should not be stored in the bathroom. Keep medication out of reach of children and range of pets. Store liquid medicine in a refrigerator between 2-8 degrees Celsius, do not freeze. Keep container tightly closed and discard if not used after 14 days.

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Reference source: webmd.com