How does it work?

This medicine contains the active ingredient losartan potassium, which is a type of medicine called an angiotensin II antagonist. It works by preventing the action of a hormone in the body called angiotensin II. Angiotensin II normally acts on special receptors in the body, with two main results. Firstly, it causes the peripheral blood vessels to narrow, and secondly, it stimulates the production of another hormone called aldosterone. Aldosterone causes salt and water to be retained by the kidneys, which increases the volume of fluid in the blood vessels. Losartan blocks the receptors that angiotensin II acts on, and so prevents its actions. The main result of this is that the peripheral blood vessels are allowed to widen, which means that there is more space and less resistance in these blood vessels. This is the main mechanism by which the pressure in the blood vessels is lowered. Blocking the actions of angiotensin II also reduces the action of aldosterone on the kidneys. The result of this is an increase in the amount of fluid removed from the blood by the kidneys. This decreases the amount of fluid in the blood vessels, which also lessens the resistance and pressure in the blood vessels. The combined overall effect of these changes is to lower the blood pressure. Losartan has been shown to prevent the progression of kidney diease in people with type 2 diabetes who have related kidney complications. If you have diabetic kidney disease you may be prescribed losartan for this reason, regardless of whether or not you also have high blood pressure.

What is it used for?

High blood pressure

Preventing progression of kidney disease in people with type 2 diabetes and kidney complications

Warning!

You should have regular blood tests to monitor the amount of potassium in your blood while you are taking this medicine.

Use with caution in

Decreased fluid volume in the body due to, eg diuretic therapy, low salt diet, kidney dialysis, diarrhoea, vomiting

Elderly people over 75 years

History of decreased liver function

History of swelling of the lips, face or tongue (angioedema) caused by an ACE inhibitor or other medicine

Moderate to severely decreased kidney function

Narrowing of the artery which supplies blood to the kidneys (renal artery stenosis)

People receiving kidney dialysis

People who have had a kidney transplant

Severe heart failure

Not to be used in

Breastfeeding

Pregnancy

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should not be used during pregnancy as it may be harmful to the unborn baby. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

It is not known whether this medicine passes into breast milk. Breastfeeding mothers should therefore either stop breastfeeding while taking this medicine, or not take this medicine. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Diarrhoea

Fatigue

Low blood pressure (hypotension)

High blood potassium level (hyperkalaemia)

Dizziness

Low red blood cell count (anaemia)

Inflammation of the liver (hepatitis)

Alteration in results of liver function tests

Weakness or loss of strength (asthenia)

Migraine

Pain in the muscles and joints

Rash or itching

Severe swelling of lips, face or tongue (angioedema)

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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