MedDataToolLosortan Potassium
Generic: Losartan Potassium
Angiotensin II receptor blocker✓ FDA-verified
View full FDA label ↗Losartan potassium is a medication used to treat high blood pressure in adults and children over 6 years old, as well as to help protect the kidneys in people with type 2 diabetes. It works by blocking a substance in the body that causes blood vessels to tighten, which helps to relax and widen the blood vessels, lowering blood pressure. You usually take it as a tablet once a day, starting with a dose of 50 mg, which can be increased to a maximum of 100 mg if needed. It's important to know that this medication should not be taken if you are allergic to any of its components or if you are using it alongside a drug called aliskiren if you have diabetes. Additionally, if you have liver problems, your doctor may recommend a lower starting dose of 25 mg.
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Uses
- Treatment of hypertension in adults and children over 6 years old.
- Reduction of stroke risk in patients with hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy.
- Treatment of diabetic nephropathy in type 2 diabetes patients with hypertension.
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Dosage
Adults: 50 mg once daily, can increase to 100 mg if needed.
Children: 0.7 mg per kg once daily, up to 50 mg.
For patients with mild to moderate liver issues: start with 25 mg once daily.
Always take at the same time each day.
Always follow your doctor's specific instructions for your dose.
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Side effects
Common
dizzinessupper respiratory infectionnasal congestionback pain
Serious
angioedemaliver issuessevere allergic reactions
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Warnings
⚠ Important warnings
- Can harm a developing fetus; discontinue if pregnancy is detected.
- Not recommended for children under 6 years old.
- Monitor potassium levels if taking with other potassium-increasing drugs.
- Risk of lithium toxicity when taken with lithium.
- NSAIDs may worsen kidney function when taken with losartan.
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Drug interactions
- Lithiumrisk of lithium toxicityCaution
- NSAIDsincreased risk of kidney problemsMonitor
- Agents increasing serum potassiumrisk of hyperkalemiaCaution
- Dual RAS inhibitorsincreased risk of kidney issues and low blood pressureMonitor
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Answers pulled from the FDA label only.
Medical Disclaimer: This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before taking any medication.
Data Source: Publicly available drug labeling information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Data Source: Publicly available drug labeling information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).