LOREST 25

# Losartan 25 mg ## SHORT DESCRIPTION Losartan 25 mg is an oral medicine belonging to the **angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB)** class. It is commonly used to treat **high blood pressure (hypertension)** and may also be prescribed for certain heart and kidney-related conditions. Losartan works by relaxing blood vessels and reducing the effects of angiotensin II, helping lower blood pressure and reduce strain on the cardiovascular system. ## KEY BENEFITS * Helps lower and control high blood pressure * Relaxes blood vessels and improves blood flow * Reduces the workload on the heart * May help protect kidney function in certain people with diabetes and hypertension * May reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications associated with uncontrolled hypertension * Can be used alone or in combination with other blood pressure medicines ## USES / INDICATIONS Losartan 25 mg may be prescribed for: * Hypertension * High blood pressure in adults and, in selected cases, children * Hypertension associated with certain kidney conditions * Kidney protection in some patients with Type 2 diabetes and hypertension * Reduction of stroke risk in certain patients with hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy * Certain heart failure treatment regimens when clinically appropriate ## HOW IT WORKS Losartan is an **angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB)**. Angiotensin II is a hormone that causes blood vessels to narrow and promotes sodium and water retention, which can increase blood pressure. Losartan blocks angiotensin II from binding to AT1 receptors. This causes blood vessels to relax and reduces the effects that contribute to elevated blood pressure. ## DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION * Take Losartan 25 mg exactly as prescribed by your doctor. * It is commonly taken **once daily**, although some patients may require divided dosing depending on the condition being treated. * It may be taken with or without food. * Take it at approximately the same time each day. * Swallow the tablet with water. * Your doctor may adjust the dose based on blood pressure response and kidney function. * Continue taking losartan even if you feel well unless your doctor tells you to stop. * Do not change the dose or discontinue treatment without medical advice. ## SIDE EFFECTS Possible side effects may include: * Dizziness * Headache * Fatigue * Low blood pressure * Increased potassium levels * Nausea * Diarrhoea * Back pain * Changes in kidney function Rare but serious reactions may include severe allergic reactions, significant kidney problems, or dangerously high potassium levels. Seek medical attention for severe dizziness or fainting, facial or throat swelling, difficulty breathing, severe weakness, or abnormal heart rhythm. ## PRECAUTIONS & WARNINGS * **Losartan should not be used during pregnancy**, particularly after the first trimester, because medicines affecting the renin-angiotensin system can cause serious harm to the developing fetus. * Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while taking losartan. * Inform your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart failure, or dehydration. * Your doctor may monitor kidney function and potassium levels during treatment. * Avoid potassium supplements or potassium-containing salt substitutes unless specifically recommended by your doctor. * Use caution if you have low blood pressure or are taking medicines that can cause dehydration. * Tell your doctor if you have previously experienced swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat related to medicines. * Do not stop treatment suddenly without consulting your healthcare professional. ## DRUG INTERACTIONS Losartan may interact with: * Potassium supplements and potassium-containing salt substitutes * Potassium-sparing diuretics * ACE inhibitors * Other ARBs * Aliskiren * NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, diclofenac, and naproxen * Lithium * Other medicines that lower blood pressure Combining losartan with other medicines that increase potassium may cause **hyperkalaemia**. NSAIDs may reduce the blood-pressure-lowering effect and increase the risk of kidney problems in some patients. Always inform your doctor or pharmacist about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements you take. ## STORAGE INFORMATION * Store at room temperature according to the manufacturer's instructions. * Keep away from excessive heat, moisture, and direct sunlight. * Keep the tablets in their original packaging. * Keep out of reach and sight of children. * Do not use after the expiry date printed on the package. * Keep the container tightly closed when not in use. ## PRESCRIPTION STATUS Losartan 25 mg is generally a **prescription medicine**. It should be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional, particularly because blood pressure, kidney function, and potassium levels may require monitoring. ## GENUINE MEDICINE ASSURANCE For genuine medicine assurance: * Purchase Losartan 25 mg from a licensed and reputable pharmacy. * Check the product name, strength, batch number, manufacturer details, and expiry date. * Ensure the packaging and seal are intact. * Do not use products with damaged, altered, or suspicious packaging. * Follow the manufacturer's storage instructions. * Consult a pharmacist if you have concerns about the authenticity of the medicine. ## FAQ ### What is Losartan 25 mg used for? Losartan 25 mg is primarily used to treat high blood pressure. It may also be prescribed for certain kidney, heart, and cardiovascular conditions depending on the patient's medical needs. ### Is Losartan a blood pressure medicine? Yes. Losartan is an ARB (angiotensin II receptor blocker) that lowers blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels and blocking the effects of angiotensin II. ### How does Losartan 25 mg work? Losartan blocks angiotensin II from activating AT1 receptors. This relaxes blood vessels, reduces sodium and water-retaining effects, and helps lower blood pressure. ### Is 25 mg of Losartan a low dose? Losartan 25 mg is a relatively low dose and may be used as an initial or adjusted dose in certain patients. The appropriate dose depends on the condition being treated, blood pressure response, kidney function, and other factors. ### When should I take Losartan 25 mg? Losartan is commonly taken once daily and can generally be taken with or without food. Take it at approximately the same time each day according to your doctor's instructions. ### Can Losartan be taken with food? Yes. Losartan can generally be taken with or without food. Consistency in how and when you take it can help maintain stable treatment. ### Does Losartan lower heart rate? Losartan primarily lowers blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels. Unlike beta-blockers, it generally does not directly slow the heart rate. ### Can Losartan protect the kidneys? Losartan may help protect kidney function in certain patients, particularly some people with Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and protein in the urine. It is not appropriate for every kidney condition. ### Can Losartan increase potassium? Yes. Losartan can increase blood potassium levels in some people. Your doctor may monitor potassium, particularly if you have kidney disease or take other medicines that increase potassium. ### Can I take Losartan with Ibuprofen? NSAIDs such as ibuprofen may reduce the blood-pressure-lowering effect of losartan and may increase the risk of kidney problems, especially in people who are dehydrated or have kidney disease. Consult your doctor before using NSAIDs regularly. ### Can Losartan be taken during pregnancy? No. Losartan can cause serious harm to an unborn baby and should not be used during pregnancy. Contact your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while taking losartan. ### Does Losartan cause dizziness? Dizziness can occur, particularly when starting treatment or when blood pressure becomes lower than usual. Rise slowly from sitting or lying down and contact your doctor if dizziness is severe or persistent. ### Can I stop Losartan if my blood pressure becomes normal? Do not stop losartan without medical advice. Normal blood pressure often means that treatment is controlling your hypertension rather than that the condition has been cured. ### What happens if I miss a dose of Losartan? Take the missed dose when you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not take two doses together to compensate for a missed dose. ### How long does Losartan take to work? Losartan begins lowering blood pressure after treatment is started, but the full blood-pressure-lowering effect may take several weeks. Your doctor may adjust the dose based on your response. ## MEDICAL DISCLAIMER This information is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Losartan 25 mg should be used only as prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional. The appropriate dose may vary according to blood pressure, kidney function, potassium levels, age, medical conditions, and other medicines being used. **Losartan should not be used during pregnancy.** Do not start, stop, or change the dose without medical advice. Always read the product label and consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized guidance.