If you have high blood pressure, which is also called hypertension, your doctor may prescribe losartan potassium.
High blood pressure makes the heart and arteries work harder and can cause a stroke, heart failure or kidney failure. Losartan potassium, a medicine that is also marketed under the brand name Cozaar®, blocks a substance in your body that causes your blood vessels to tighten. That relaxes your blood vessels and lets blood flow more smoothly and your heart work easier.
Your doctor may also prescribe losartan potassium if you have high blood pressure and are at risk of stroke, or if you have a condition called diabetic nephropathy, which affects how the kidneys work in patients who have type 2 diabetes.
Losartan potassium controls high blood pressure but is not a cure. Your doctor may start you on a low dosage of this medicine and increase it gradually. It may take a few weeks before you notice the full benefit of this medicine. Continue taking it even if you feel well. Do not stop taking it without consulting your doctor.
Tell your doctor about your medical history including liver disease or dehydration. Taking this medicine may increase your potassium levels, so talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking potassium supplements or salt substitutes that contain potassium.
Do not take losartan potassium if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It may cause serious harm to the fetus if taken in the last six months of pregnancy.
As with many prescription medicines, people have reported side effects while taking losartan potassium. Common side effects include:
- Dizziness
- Leg, knee, or back pain
- Heartburn
- Diarrhea
- Weakness or muscle cramps
- Decreased touch sensitivity
Reach your doctor if any of these side effects get worse or do not go away.
More serious side effects may include:
- Trouble breathing or swallowing
- Chest pain
- Hoarseness
- Swelling
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects.
Also, visit our Losartan Potassium page to get more information about the drug and to get free Losartan Potassium coupons to save off the retail cost of the medication.
