What is Losartan 50 mg?
Losartan 50 mg is a prescription medication used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It belongs to a class of drugs known as angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). ARBs work by blocking the action of angiotensin II, a hormone that narrows blood vessels and increases blood pressure.
How to Take Losartan 50 mg
The recommended starting dose of losartan is 50 mg once daily. Your doctor may adjust your dose based on your individual response to the medication. Losartan can be taken with or without food.
It is important to take losartan exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not skip doses or stop taking losartan without talking to your doctor.
Side Effects of Losartan 50 mg
Losartan is generally well-tolerated. However, some side effects can occur, including:
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
These side effects are usually mild and go away within a few days or weeks of starting treatment. If you experience any side effects that are bothersome, talk to your doctor.
Precautions for Taking Losartan 50 mg
Tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions before taking losartan:
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Diabetes
- Heart failure
- History of angioedema
Losartan may not be right for you if you have any of these conditions.
Interactions with Losartan 50 mg
Losartan can interact with other medications, including:
- Diuretics
- ACE inhibitors
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Lithium
Talk to your doctor about all of the medications you are taking before starting losartan.
Overdose of Losartan 50 mg
If you overdose on losartan, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. Symptoms of an overdose may include:
- Severe dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Fainting
- Seizures
Missed Dose of Losartan 50 mg
If you miss a dose of losartan, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not take two doses at once.
Storage of Losartan 50 mg
Store losartan at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. Keep losartan out of the reach of children.
Additional Information about Losartan 50 mg
Losartan is available as a generic medication. Generic medications are typically less expensive than brand-name medications. Losartan is also available in combination with other medications, such as hydrochlorothiazide.
Talk to your doctor if you have any questions about losartan.
Table 1: Common Side Effects of Losartan 50 mg
| Side Effect | Percentage of Patients |
|---|---|
| Dizziness | 3% |
| Lightheadedness | 2% |
| Headache | 1% |
| Fatigue | 1% |
| Nausea | 0.5% |
| Diarrhea | 0.5% |
Table 2: Drug Interactions with Losartan 50 mg
| Medication | Interaction |
|---|---|
| Diuretics | Increased risk of dizziness and lightheadedness |
| ACE inhibitors | Increased risk of kidney problems |
| NSAIDs | May reduce the effectiveness of losartan |
| Lithium | May increase lithium levels in the blood |
Table 3: Precautions for Taking Losartan 50 mg
| Condition | Precautions |
|---|---|
| Kidney disease | Losartan may need to be used with caution |
| Liver disease | Losartan may need to be used with caution |
| Diabetes | Losartan should be used with caution in patients with diabetes |
| Heart failure | Losartan should be used with caution in patients with heart failure |
| History of angioedema | Losartan should not be used in patients with a history of angioedema |
Table 4: Dosage of Losartan 50 mg
| Condition | Dosage |
|---|---|
| Mild to moderate hypertension | 50 mg once daily |
| Severe hypertension | 50 mg twice daily |
| Heart failure | 25 mg twice daily, up to 100 mg twice daily |
