Imagine this: You visit your doctor, and they prescribe a new medication. Naturally, questions pop into your mind, What is this medicine for? How does it work? Will it cause any side effects? Don’t worry! In the next 5 minutes, I’ll provide you with all the essential information about Losartan. From its benefits and side effects to the questions, you should ask your doctor before taking it. Let’s dive deep in!
What is Losartan?
Losartan is a medicine belonging to the group of angiotensin receptor blockers commonly referred to as ARB.
What are the Losartan used for?
Losartan is a medicine that belongs to a group of medications known as angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). It works by relaxing blood vessels and allows the blood to flow more easily. Losartan is commonly used to treat:
High Blood Pressure/Hypertension:
High blood pressure/ Hypertension can lead to serious health conditions like heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease. Losartan helps to relax blood vessels and allows the blood to flow more easily and helps to control the blood pressure. And reduce complications.
Reducing Stroke Risk in People with Heart Conditions:
It is found that the People with left ventricular hypertrophy (causes the enlargement of the heart muscle) are at higher risk of stroke. Losartan lowers this risk by improving heart function.
Protecting Kidney Function in People with Type 2 Diabetes
Losartan is commonly prescribed for the patients with diabetes mainly the type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. It helps to slow down the progression of kidney disease , a common complication arising due to diabetes.
Are you wondering now if Losartan is a good fit for you? Just consult your doctor for guidance.
Is it advisable to take Methylprednisolone 4 mg and Losartan Together?
Methylprednisolone 4 mg, a corticosteroid, often used to reduce inflammation. which might increase blood pressure. And Losartan helps to control blood pressure. Please consult your doctor if you want to take both the Losartan and Mythylprednisolone 4 mg together. There is no any direct proofs of it is advisable or not but it totally depend on your body. How well it will manage the Losartan and The Mythylprednisolone 4 mg i.e. blood pressure and the fluid flow.
Is it good to Switch from Lisinopril to Losartan?
Lisinopril is an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE). And many people are there who want to switch from Lisinopril to Losartan. Only because of the side effects from Lisinopril, like a persistent dry cough.
Both the Lisinopril and the Losartan, used to treat high blood pressure, but work very differently. Lisinopril blocks an enzyme that narrows blood vessels, and Losartan blocks the effects of angiotensin II directly. The direct switching from Lisinopril to Losartan can be done under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
Your doctor will assess your current dosage of your Lisinopril and adjust it to the equivalent dose of Losartan. He will make sure the switch is smooth and your blood pressure remains under control without any side effects.
Losartan Causes Hair Loss, is it true?
No, there is no direct evidence found that Losartan causes hair loss. Hair loss is the common effect of the change of the medications. But very few people have reported the effects like hair thinning or greying. But it can happen due to hormonal imbalance, diet, heredity and many other reasons.
It’s very important to talk to your doctor if you notice significant changes in your hair after starting Losartan. Your healthcare provider will help you to determine whether the medication is contributing to your hair loss problem or if another factor is at play.
Losartan Cause Anxiety, is it true?
Every individual reacts to every other medicine differently. Every body responds differently with every medication and Losartan is not an exception for this.
It totally depends on the person’s health, how they react to the medicine. Since there is no any studies found that the Losartan causes anxiety in individual. But your doctor prescribes you the Losartan and you’re feeling anxiety, then there will be no second thought to consult your doctor.
If you already have a history of anxiety, your healthcare provider might take this into account when prescribing Losartan and monitor your response to the medication closely. In most cases, Losartan is not directly linked to anxiety, but any unusual symptoms should be discussed with your doctor.
Does Losartan cause any side effects?
Every coin possesses two faces, one is positive and the other is negative. And yes the Losartan too. The noted side effects caused by the Losartan are as follows:
- Dizziness / lightheadedness
- Fatigue
- Nasal congestion
- Back pain
These are generally mild symptoms and it can decrease slowly as your body adjusts with the medications. But if you’re feeling it is lasting long then it is a must to consult with your doctor.
Some of the rare but the serious side effects of the Losartan are:
- the whites of your eyes turn yellow
- your skin turns yellow, brown or black
- severe stomach pain
- weakness, have an
- irregular heartbeat
- muscle cramps
Who can take Losartan?
- Adults, aged 18+ years
- Children, aged 6+ years
Who is recommended to not take Losartan?
Some people are advised to not take the Losartan. And the person are:
- Pregnant women, women who is trying for pregnancy
- Breastfeeding women
- Person with low blood pressure/ hypotension
- Person having allergy
Conclusion:
Losartan is highly effective medicine for the individuals with hypertension, kidney diseases and diabetes. It can be a game changer for managing your hypertension or to protect your kidneys. But always consult your doctor first to make the right choices for your health needs.
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