Losartan Tablets

LOSARTAN (loe SAR tan) treats high blood pressure. It may also be used to prevent a stroke in people with heart disease and high blood pressure. It can be used to prevent kidney damage in people with diabetes. It works by relaxing the blood vessels, which helps decrease the amount of work your heart has to do. It belongs to a group of medications called ARBs.

Take this medication by mouth. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 6 for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• High potassium level—muscle weakness, fast or irregular heartbeat
• Kidney injury—decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
• Low blood pressure—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, blurry vision

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Runny or stuffy nose

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep the container tightly closed. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Heart failure
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• An unusual or allergic reaction to losartan, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

• Aliskiren
• ACE inhibitors, like enalapril or lisinopril
• Diuretics, especially amiloride, eplerenone, spironolactone, or triamterene
• Lithium
• NSAIDs, medications for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
• Potassium salts or potassium supplements

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Check your blood pressure as directed. Know what your blood pressure should be and when to contact your care team.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or pain while you are using this medication without asking your care team for advice. Some medications may increase your blood pressure.

Taking this medication is only part of a total heart healthy program. Ask your care team if there are other changes you can make to improve your overall health.

Avoid salt substitutes unless you are told otherwise by your care team.

This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.

Discuss this medication with your care team if you may be pregnant. Serious birth defects can occur if you take this medication during the second and third trimesters. Discuss other treatment options with your care team. There are benefits and risks to taking medications during pregnancy. Your care team can help you find the option that works for you.