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LOSARTAN (loe SAR tan) treats high blood pressure. It may also be used to prevent a stroke in people with heart disease and high blood pressure. It works by relaxing blood vessels, which decreases the amount of work the heart has to do. It can also be used to prevent kidney damage in people with diabetes. It belongs to a group of medications called ARBs.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
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Take this medication by mouth. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Shake well before using. Use a specially marked oral syringe, spoon, or dropper to measure each dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Keep taking this medication unless your care team tells you to stop.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 6 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
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Do not take this medication with any of the following:
-Sparsentan
-Tranylcypromine
This medication may also interact with the following:
-ACE inhibitors, such as benazepril, enalapril, lisinopril
-Aliskiren
-Lithium
-NSAIDs, medications for pain and inflammation, such as ibuprofen or naproxen
-Potassium salts or supplements
-Some diuretics
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
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Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Check your blood pressure as directed. Know what your blood pressure should be and when to contact your care team.
This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.
Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or pain while you are using this medication without asking your care team for advice. Some medications may increase your blood pressure.
Taking this medication is only part of a total heart healthy program. Ask your care team if there are other changes you can make to improve your overall health.
Avoid salt substitutes unless you are told otherwise by your care team.
Talk to your care team if you may be pregnant. Serious fetal side effects can occur if you take this medication during the second and third trimesters. Discuss other treatment options with your care team. There are benefits and risks to taking medications during pregnancy. Your care team can help you find the option that works for you.
Do not breastfeed while taking this medication and for 2 days after the last dose.
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If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
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Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
-Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
-High potassium level—muscle weakness, fast or irregular heartbeat
-Kidney injury—decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
-Low blood pressure—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, blurry vision
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
-Back pain
-Dizziness
-Headache
-Runny or stuffy nose
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Keep this medication in the original container. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect from light. Get rid of any unused medication 60 days after opening the bottle or after the expiration date, whichever is first.
To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:
-Take the medication to a take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
-If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix it with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or another unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
DISCLAIMER: This drug information content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients should always consult their physician with any questions regarding a medical condition and to obtain medical advice and treatment. Drug information is sourced from GSDD (Gold Standard Drug Database ) provided by Elsevier.
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