LOTAN-25

# Losartan Potassium 25 mg ## SHORT DESCRIPTION **Losartan Potassium 25 mg** is a prescription medicine belonging to a class of medicines called **angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)**. It is primarily used to treat **high blood pressure (hypertension)** and may also be prescribed for certain patients with heart failure, diabetic kidney disease, or increased cardiovascular risk. Losartan helps relax blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more easily and reducing blood pressure. ## KEY BENEFITS * Helps lower **high blood pressure** * Helps relax and widen blood vessels * May help protect kidney function in certain people with diabetes and hypertension * Can reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications associated with uncontrolled hypertension * May be used as part of treatment for certain patients with heart failure * Can be used alone or with other blood-pressure medicines when prescribed ## USES / INDICATIONS Losartan Potassium 25 mg may be prescribed for: * **Hypertension (high blood pressure)** * High blood pressure in certain children and adolescents * **Diabetic nephropathy** in appropriate patients with type 2 diabetes and hypertension * Certain cases of **heart failure** * Reduction of cardiovascular risk in selected patients, depending on clinical circumstances The exact indication and dose depend on the patient's medical condition and response to treatment. ## HOW IT WORKS Losartan is an **angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB)**. Angiotensin II is a hormone that causes blood vessels to constrict and promotes sodium and water retention, which can increase blood pressure. Losartan blocks the action of angiotensin II at **AT1 receptors**. This causes blood vessels to relax and reduces the effects of aldosterone, helping lower blood pressure. **Losartan → Blocks AT1 receptors → Relaxes blood vessels → Reduces vascular resistance → Lowers blood pressure** ## DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION The appropriate dose depends on the condition being treated, blood pressure response, kidney function, age, and other medicines. ### Usual Adult Dosage * The usual starting dose for hypertension is often **50 mg once daily**. * **25 mg once daily** may be used as a starting dose in some patients, such as those taking diuretics, with certain liver problems, or when a lower starting dose is considered appropriate. * The dose may be adjusted by the doctor according to blood-pressure response. * Some patients may require a higher daily dose. ### How to Take * Take exactly as prescribed. * Take once daily at approximately the same time each day. * Losartan can generally be taken **with or without food**. * Swallow the tablet with water. * Continue taking it regularly even if you feel well, because high blood pressure often has no symptoms. ### Missed Dose If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless it is almost time for your next dose. **Do not take two doses together.** ## SIDE EFFECTS Common side effects may include: * Dizziness * Headache * Fatigue * Low blood pressure * Increased potassium levels * Back pain * Diarrhea Some people may experience dizziness when starting treatment or when the dose is increased. ### Serious Side Effects Seek medical attention if you develop: * Severe dizziness or fainting * Significant swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat * Difficulty breathing or swallowing * Severe weakness or abnormal heartbeat * Signs of kidney problems, such as significant changes in urination ## PRECAUTIONS & WARNINGS ### Pregnancy **Losartan should not be used during pregnancy.** Medicines that act on the renin-angiotensin system can cause serious injury or death to the developing fetus, particularly during later pregnancy. Contact your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while taking losartan. ### Kidney Function Losartan can affect kidney function in some patients. Your doctor may monitor kidney function and blood potassium levels, especially if you have kidney disease or are taking medicines that affect the kidneys. ### High Potassium Losartan can increase potassium levels in the blood. Tell your doctor if you have: * Kidney disease * High potassium levels * Conditions affecting adrenal function * Previous problems with potassium balance Avoid potassium supplements or potassium-containing salt substitutes unless recommended by your healthcare professional. ### Low Blood Pressure Dizziness or low blood pressure may occur, particularly in people who are dehydrated or taking high doses of diuretics. ### Liver Disease Tell your doctor if you have liver disease. A lower starting dose may be appropriate for some patients. ### Dehydration Vomiting, diarrhea, excessive sweating, or inadequate fluid intake can increase the risk of low blood pressure and kidney problems while taking losartan. ### Breastfeeding Consult your healthcare professional before using losartan while breastfeeding. An alternative medicine may be preferred. ## DRUG INTERACTIONS Losartan may interact with: * **Potassium supplements** * Potassium-containing salt substitutes * **Potassium-sparing diuretics**, such as spironolactone * Other medicines that increase potassium levels * **NSAIDs**, such as ibuprofen, diclofenac, or naproxen * Other blood-pressure medicines * **Lithium** * **Rifampicin**, which may reduce losartan exposure * Certain medicines affecting the renin-angiotensin system ### Important Combination Combining losartan with an **ACE inhibitor** or another ARB is generally not recommended unless specifically directed and monitored by a specialist because it can increase the risk of kidney problems, low blood pressure, and high potassium. Always tell your doctor or pharmacist about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements you use. ## STORAGE INFORMATION * Store according to the manufacturer's instructions. * Keep at room temperature unless otherwise specified. * Protect from excessive heat, moisture, and direct sunlight. * Keep tablets in their original packaging. * Keep the container tightly closed. * Keep out of reach and sight of children. * Do not use after the expiry date. * Do not use tablets from damaged packaging. ## PRESCRIPTION STATUS **Losartan Potassium 25 mg is a prescription medicine.** It should be taken under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. Blood pressure, kidney function, and potassium levels may require monitoring during treatment. ## GENUINE MEDICINE ASSURANCE To help ensure you receive genuine Losartan Potassium 25 mg: * Purchase from a licensed and reputable pharmacy. * Check the medicine name and strength. * Verify the manufacturer's details. * Check the batch number and expiry date. * Ensure the packaging is sealed and undamaged. * Confirm the strength is **25 mg**. * Avoid products with altered or suspicious packaging. * Purchase prescription medicines only from authorized sources. * Ask your pharmacist to verify the product if you have concerns about authenticity. ## FAQ SECTION ### What is Losartan Potassium 25 mg used for? Losartan Potassium 25 mg is primarily used to **treat high blood pressure**. It may also be prescribed for certain patients with diabetic kidney disease, heart failure, or other cardiovascular conditions. ### Is Losartan 25 mg a blood-pressure medicine? Yes. Losartan is an **ARB blood-pressure medicine** that helps relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure. ### How does Losartan 25 mg work? Losartan blocks the action of angiotensin II at AT1 receptors. This relaxes blood vessels and reduces blood pressure. ### Is Losartan 25 mg a low dose? Yes. **25 mg is a relatively low dose** and may be used as a starting dose in certain patients. The appropriate dose depends on the individual's medical condition and response. ### When should I take Losartan 25 mg? Losartan is usually taken **once daily**, preferably at the same time each day. It can generally be taken with or without food. ### Can Losartan 25 mg be taken at night? Yes. Losartan can generally be taken at any consistent time of day. If your doctor has recommended a particular schedule, follow that instruction. ### Can Losartan be taken with food? Yes. Losartan can generally be taken with or without food. ### How long does Losartan take to lower blood pressure? Losartan begins lowering blood pressure after treatment starts, but the full blood-pressure-lowering effect may take several weeks. ### Does Losartan cure high blood pressure? No. Losartan **controls blood pressure** but does not cure the underlying tendency to hypertension. Treatment is often long-term. ### Can I stop Losartan when my blood pressure becomes normal? Do not stop losartan without medical advice. Normal blood pressure may indicate that the medicine is working effectively. ### Does Losartan protect the kidneys? Losartan can provide kidney-protective benefits in certain people with **type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and diabetic kidney disease**. It is not suitable 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 potassium-raising medicines. ### Can I take potassium supplements with Losartan? Do not take potassium supplements or potassium-containing salt substitutes unless your doctor recommends them. ### Can Losartan cause dizziness? Yes. Dizziness can occur, particularly when starting treatment or when blood pressure becomes too low. ### Does Losartan cause low blood pressure? Losartan is intended to lower blood pressure, and in some people it can lower it too much, causing dizziness, weakness, or fainting. ### Can Losartan be taken with other blood-pressure medicines? Yes, losartan is often combined with other blood-pressure medicines when clinically appropriate. Your doctor will select combinations and doses based on your individual needs. ### Can Losartan be taken with amlodipine? Yes. Losartan and amlodipine are sometimes prescribed together because they lower blood pressure through different mechanisms. ### Can Losartan be taken with hydrochlorothiazide? Yes. Losartan is commonly combined with hydrochlorothiazide. This combination may provide additional blood-pressure reduction, but monitoring may be required. ### Can I take ibuprofen with Losartan? NSAIDs such as ibuprofen can interact with losartan and may increase the risk of kidney problems or reduce blood-pressure control, particularly in people who are dehydrated or have kidney disease. Ask your healthcare professional before regular NSAID use. ### Can Losartan be taken during pregnancy? No. Losartan should **not be used during pregnancy** because medicines acting on the renin-angiotensin system can seriously harm the developing fetus. ### Can Losartan be used while breastfeeding? Consult your doctor before using losartan while breastfeeding. An alternative medicine may be recommended. ### Does Losartan cause weight gain? Weight gain is not a typical direct effect of losartan. Significant unexplained weight gain should be discussed with a healthcare professional. ### Does Losartan cause erectile dysfunction? Losartan is not generally associated with erectile dysfunction and may be less likely to cause sexual side effects than some other blood-pressure medicines. However, individual responses vary. ### 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 double the next dose. ### How long should I take Losartan 25 mg? Treatment duration depends on your medical condition and blood-pressure control. Many people require long-term treatment for hypertension. ### How should Losartan 25 mg be stored? Store according to the manufacturer's instructions, generally at room temperature and away from excessive heat, moisture, and direct sunlight. Keep it out of reach of children. ## MEDICAL DISCLAIMER This information about **Losartan Potassium 25 mg** is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Losartan is a prescription medicine and should be used according to a healthcare professional's recommendation. Particular caution is required in patients with **kidney disease, liver disease, low blood pressure, high potassium levels, or dehydration**. **Losartan must not be used during pregnancy.** If pregnancy occurs while taking losartan, contact your healthcare professional promptly. Do not change the dose or discontinue treatment without medical advice. Seek urgent medical attention for severe dizziness or fainting, swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, or other serious symptoms. Always follow your doctor's prescription and the manufacturer's product information regarding dosage, contraindications, drug interactions, monitoring, and duration of treatment.