Losartan, commonly known by the brand name Cozaar, is an Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB). This medication works by interfering with a hormone system that controls blood pressure and fluid balance, leading to the relaxation and widening of blood vessels. Losartan’s primary purpose is to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and reduce the risk of stroke in patients with hypertension and an enlarged heart muscle. It is also used to protect kidney function in individuals with type 2 diabetes and kidney disease.
Losartan and Food Intake
Losartan offers flexibility regarding food intake, meaning it can be taken with or without food. This flexibility is supported by studies showing that while taking Losartan with a meal may slightly alter the rate at which it is absorbed, the total amount of the drug that reaches the bloodstream remains nearly the same. The Losartan tablet is readily absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, and the presence of food does not interfere with the absorption process enough to impact its blood pressure-lowering effect.
Even with this flexibility, establishing a consistent routine for administration is important. If you choose to take your dose with breakfast every morning, you should maintain that schedule every day. Similarly, if you prefer to take it on an empty stomach, sticking to that exact pattern is advised. This consistency helps maintain stable drug levels in the blood, which ensures continuous blood pressure control throughout the day and night.
Standard Dosing Schedules
The most important aspect of taking Losartan is ensuring administration occurs at the same time every day, separate from the question of food intake. Losartan is typically prescribed as a once-daily medication. Taking the dose at a regular time ensures a predictable and steady concentration of the drug and its active metabolite in the bloodstream.
The active metabolite of Losartan has a longer half-life, ranging from six to nine hours, which contributes to the drug’s sustained 24-hour effect. This long duration of action is the reason why a once-daily schedule is usually sufficient for controlling blood pressure.
In some cases, a physician may recommend taking the first dose in the evening due to the potential for dizziness, a common side effect when first starting the medication. Regardless of whether the time chosen is morning or evening, the goal is to prevent peaks and troughs in the drug concentration that could lead to inconsistent blood pressure readings.
Managing Missed Doses
If a dose of Losartan is missed, you should take it immediately, provided it is not close to the time for your next scheduled dose. The general rule is to take the missed dose as soon as possible if you remember it within a few hours of the usual time.
If it is nearly time for the next scheduled dose, you should skip the missed dose entirely. Never take a double dose to compensate for the one that was forgotten. Taking two doses too close together can lead to an excessive drop in blood pressure, or hypotension. If an accidental overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency services right away.
Important Administration Precautions
When taking Losartan, specific precautions concerning other substances and health conditions must be considered to ensure safety and effectiveness. Losartan can cause the body to retain potassium, which increases the risk of developing hyperkalemia (dangerously high potassium levels in the blood). Patients should avoid using potassium supplements or salt substitutes, which often contain high levels of potassium chloride, unless specifically instructed by a healthcare provider.
Another important consideration involves hydration and fluid balance, particularly during periods of illness. Conditions that cause significant fluid loss, such as severe vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive sweating, can lead to dehydration. Dehydration while on Losartan can rapidly cause a drop in blood pressure and may also affect kidney function. If a person becomes sick with these symptoms, they should consult their physician, as temporarily stopping the medication may be recommended until they recover and their fluid balance is restored.
Certain over-the-counter medications, specifically Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen, can interfere with Losartan. Regular use of NSAIDs can reduce the blood pressure-lowering effect of Losartan and may also increase the risk of kidney problems. Patients should always discuss the use of any over-the-counter pain relievers or supplements with their doctor to manage these potential interactions safely.