Losartan is a medication called angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) that is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and heart failure. It is also used to protect the kidneys if you have both kidney disease and diabetes (diabetic kidney disease) . Losartan can help to prevent strokes and heart attacks, and is used to improve your survival if youre taking it for heart failure or after a heart attack. It works by blocking a substance in the body that causes blood vessels to tighten, which relaxes the blood vessels and lowers blood pressure. Losartan can be taken alone or in combination with hydrochlorothiazide, and is available in tablet form.

Here are some key points to keep in mind about losartan:

• Losartan is often used as a second-choice treatment if you had to stop taking another medicine to lower your blood pressure because it gave you a dry, irritating cough.
• If you have diarrhea and vomiting from a stomach bug or illness while taking losartan, tell your doctor. You may need to stop taking it until you feel better.
• The main side effects of losartan are feeling dizzy and tired, but theyre usually mild and do not last long.
• Losartan can make you feel dizzy, especially when you first start taking it or after taking a bigger dose. If this happens, do not drive a car, ride a bike, or use tools or machinery until you feel better.
• Losartan is not normally recommended in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.