In this video we will cover everything you need to know about Losartan. We will discuss how and when to use it, we will cover its side effects, dosage and much, much more.

You can find more useful videos on cardiovascular diseases and their treatments here:
   • Cardiovascular Diseases And Treatments  

Generic name: Losartan.
Brand names: Cozaar.
Available as a tablet.

How to use it?
Tablet: Just swallow it with half a glass of water.
It is usually best to take this drug at a fixed time. If you experience dizziness as a side effect, you could best take it in the evening before going to bed.

When to use it?
Losartan is part of a group of drugs called angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB). These drugs cause the dilation of the blood vessels and reduced aldosterone secretion. This causes a drop in blood volume and blood pressure.
Therefore Losartan can be used to treat; a high blood pressure, heart failure and kidney problems.

What is the correct dosage?
The precise dose will depend on your specific indication of use, the side effect you might experience and the severity of your symptoms. Therefore always use the precise amount and frequency your doctor prescribed you.
However, when treating a high blood pressure in adults, most doctors will start with an initial dose of 50 mg 1x/day. Which if necessary can be increased up to a max. dose of 100 mg 1/day.
When treating heart failure, the initial dose is; 12,5mg 1/day. Which if needed can be build up to a maximum dose of 150mg 1/day.

What are the sideeffects?
Common (1–10%): low blood pressure, dizziness, fatigue, kidney function problems and renal failure.
Uncommon (0.1–1%): Palpitations, chest pain, oedema, cough, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhoea, headache, somnolence, rash and itching.
Rare (0.010.1%): various serious side effects.

Safety:
It is safe to drive while using this drug.
Furthermore, alcohol widens the blood vessels. It can therefore increase the side effect of dizziness at the beginning of treatment. Try drinking alcohol in moderation first so you can estimate its effects.
Losartan can also have interactions with other drugs your are taking. Always discuss this with your prescribing doctor.
Lastly, Losartan could be dangerous for pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding. To be sure, always discuss this with your personal doctor.

Disclaimer: this video and the comments are meant purely informational! This is not medical advice! If you are looking for medical advice always contact your own doctor.

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Literature:
1: Farmacotherapeutisch Kompas. (2022). Losartan.
2: Apotheek.nl (2022). Losartan.

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