Losartan is a medication used to manage hypertension (high blood pressure), kidney damage and stroke. It belongs to a class of medicines called angiotensin II receptor antagonists, and it relaxes the blood vessels, subsequently decreasing blood pressure and slowing the progression of kidney damage. Typically, the initial dose is 50 milligrams daily, according to the National Library of Medicine.
Routine Side Effects
According to Drugs.com, losartan can routinely cause fatigue, trouble sleeping and pain in your muscles, stomach, back or legs. It can also cause diarrhea, a headache, dizziness, nasal congestion, runny nose, a cough and a sore throat. Call your doctor if these symptoms continue for three or more days.
Harmful Side Effects
MedlinePlus warns that serious side effects include fainting, trouble breathing, hoarseness and swelling (edema) of your face, lips, tongue, hands, ankle and legs. Drugs.com says that losartan can also cause chest pain, difficult urination, parasthesias (numbness or tingling), easy bleeding and bruising, bradycardia (slow heart rate), a weak pulse and pale skin. Notify your doctor if you have these side effects.
Other Side Effects
The National Library of Medicine says that Losartan can also cause skin peeling of your palms, constipation, myocardial infarction (heart attack), dry mouth and flatulence (gas). Losartan can also cause vomiting, anemia (low red blood cell counts), joint stiffness, anxiety, depression and confusion. Other side effects include migraines, panic disorder, epistaxis (nosebleeds), alopecia (hair loss), light sensitivity, a rash, blurry vision and tinnitus (ringing in your ears). Additional side effects include hyperkalemia (high potassium levels), hyponatremia (low sodium levels), thrombocytopenia (low platelet counts) and a dry cough.
Additional Concerns
Avoid losartan if you are allergic to its side effects. You can develop difficulty breathing, hives and swelling of your face, throat and lips. This is a medical emergency; call 911 immediately.
The National Library of Medicine says you should not use losartan if you are pregnant. It can cause fetal injury and death, especially during your second and third trimester of pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.
Drugs.com says that you should tell your doctor whether you are taking lithium, celecoxib, aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, nabumetone or meloxicam. These drugs can interact with losartan and cause the aforementioned adverse side effects.
Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding. It is unclear whether losartan can pass into breast milk, but your doctor will weigh the potential benefits and risks of continuing losartan.
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