1. What Is Losartan and How Does It Work?

Losartan, typically sold under the brand name Cozaar, is a highly used medicine for treating high blood pressure. Doctors around the world suggested it because it works well and is generally gentle on the body. Losartan relates to a group of medications called Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs). To know how Losartan works, it helps to know what happens to your body. Your body produces a hormone called angiotensin II, which causes blood vessels to tighten. When blood vessels narrow, blood pressure goes up, and the heart has to work harder. Losartan blocks the action of this hormone by preventing it from attaching to specific receptors in blood vessels and organs like the heart and kidneys.

Once these receptors are blocked, blood vessels relax and widen. This allows blood to flow more easily, lowering blood pressure and reducing stress on the heart. Many patients prefer Losartan over other blood pressure medicines, especially ACE inhibitors, because it is much less likely to cause a long-lasting dry cough.

2. Uses of Losartan Beyond High Blood Pressure

Although Losartan is best known for treating hypertension, it also plays a major role in protecting main organs from long-term damage caused by high blood pressure.

Main uses include:

• Lowering High Blood Pressure: Keeping blood pressure under control helps reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other serious heart problems.
  
• Reducing Stroke Risk in Certain Patients: For people with high blood pressure and an enlarged heart chamber (called left ventricular hypertrophy), Losartan can lower the chance of having a stroke.
  
• Protecting the Kidneys in Diabetes: In adults with type 2 diabetes and kidney damage, Losartan helps slow down kidney disease by reducing pressure inside the kidneys and preventing further damage.
  

3. How to Take Losartan Safely

Losartan is taken by mouth, normally one time in a day. Some people may need it twice daily, it depends on their condition. It can be taken with or without food, but taking it at the same time each day helps it work more coherent.

Typical adult doses:

• High blood pressure: Starts at 50 mg once daily, with a maximum of 100 mg per day.
  
• People with low body fluid levels (from diuretics or dehydration): Often start at 25 mg daily.
  
• Diabetic kidney disease: Usually starts at 50 mg daily and may increase to 100 mg.
  
• Liver problems: A lower starting dose is recommended due to slower drug processing.
  

For children aged 6 to 16 with high blood pressure, dosing is based on body weight. A doctor will determine the exact amount.

Always follow your doctor’s instructions, and never change your dose on your own.

4. Important Warnings and Who Should Avoid Losartan

Losartan has a serious warning for pregnancy. It must be stopped as soon as possible if pregnancy occurs. Medicines like Losartan can harm an unborn baby, especially during the later stages of pregnancy.

Extra caution is needed if you:

• Have diabetes and are taking aliskiren
  
• Have had angioedema (severe swelling of the face or throat) from blood pressure medicines
  
• Are dehydrated due to vomiting, diarrhea, or strong diuretics
  

In these situations, your doctor may adjust your dose or choose another medication.

5. Possible Side Effects of Losartan

Most people tolerate Losartan well, but like any medication, it can cause side effects.

Common and usually mild effects:

• Dizziness, especially when standing up quickly
  
• Tiredness
  
• Back or leg pain
  
• Diarrhea
  
• Cold-like symptoms or a stuffy nose
  

Serious side effects that need urgent medical care:

• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  
• Very low blood pressure causing fainting
  
• High potassium levels, which may affect heart rhythm
  
• Worsening kidney function, shown by swelling or reduced urination
  

If you notice severe symptoms, seek medical help immediately.

6. Drug Interactions and Medical Monitoring

Losartan can interact with certain medications, so it’s important to tell your doctor about everything you take, including supplements.

Key interactions include:

• Potassium supplements or salt substitutes: May raise potassium levels too much
  
• Painkillers like ibuprofen or naproxen: Can reduce the effect of Losartan and strain the kidneys
  
• Diuretics (water pills): Often used together but may cause low blood pressure when starting treatment
  

Doctors usually order regular blood tests to check kidney function and potassium levels while you are on Losartan.

7. Lifestyle Changes That Improve Results

Losartan works best when combined with healthy habits. Medication alone is rarely enough for long-term blood pressure control.

Helpful changes include:

• Eating less salt and following a heart-friendly diet
  
• Staying physically active, such as walking most days of the week
  
• Maintaining a healthy weight
  
• Limiting alcohol and avoiding smoking
  

These steps can significantly boost the benefits of Losartan and protect your heart over time.

Common Questions About Losartan

Is Losartan a cure for high blood pressure?
No. Losartan controls blood pressure, but it does not cure hypertension. Blood pressure often rises again if the medication is stopped.

What if I miss a dose?
Take it when you remember unless it’s close to your next dose. Never take two doses at once.

Why do doctors choose Losartan instead of ACE inhibitors?
Losartan works in a similar way but does not usually cause the dry cough that ACE inhibitors are known for.

Does Losartan affect blood sugar or cholesterol?
No. It generally does not raise blood sugar or cholesterol and may even help protect kidneys in people with diabetes.

How long does it take to work?
Losartan starts lowering blood pressure within hours, but full benefits usually appear after 3 to 6 weeks of regular use.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting or changing any medication.