How to use Losartan (Cozaar) - Use, Dosage, Side Effects - Doctor Explains

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:

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 side-effects?
- 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 (0.01-0.1%): 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. -

I want to give special thanks to my sponsors on Patreon:
- Sebastian Houwing: Investor

Literature:
1: Farmacotherapeutisch Kompas. (2022). Losartan.

Follow me on instagram: @HOWTOMEDICATE
Follow me on twitter: @HOWTOMEDICATE

[Combat]

Since starting Losartan 2 months ago I have experienced severe low back pain. The pain is coming from my SI joint on the left side. My initial dosage was 50 mg, but that’s been reduced to 25mg (taken 12.5mg twice a day). All BP meds have negative side effects, so switching to another medication would probably bring another side effect. Thank you for sharing your experience.

[aragorn]

My 5th day now using 50mg Losartan and my blood pressure dropped from 143/98 to 110/80(avg). However, a side effect that I'm noticing now is irregular heartbeat after eating.

[vickiesorenson]

This was very helpful as I’m lopressor for nine years now and I have had continuing blood sugar increases as well as a high hematocrit level and hemoglobin. I have seen continual increases since 2015 when I was placed on this medication. Since my blood sugar range has gone way up as well I was looking for a medication replacement that would tackle both of these issues. This seems to be it. Plus I’ve developed numbness in left middle fingertip of right hand which is another side effect. Ty for sharing this information.

[cathyallshouse]

Been taking Losartan 100mg for about a year now. I've been experiencing more anxiety and worse, horrible nightmares almost every night that cause waking in the wee hours. I've seen anxiety and nightmares as a side effect online, but my Dr. doesn't believe me. I need sleep!

[Ingrid]

Love your jacket! My Dr just switched me from Atenolol to Losartin will wait and see

[alonzo]

I take Losartan/HCT. It works like a charm! My doctor then approved me switching from 3-month clinic visits to meeting every 6 months.

[conniebarnes-vmyf]

All these losartan replies scare me. I just took my first pill after dinner as to am before work😳

[Priscilla-nyio]

Thx for all info...Does losartan and kalsana 500mg tablets both interfere?

[claireray]

Hi. I have been taking Cozaar for 1 year now to isolated diastolic hypertension. Yesterday I had my annual medical check up. Everything appeared as normal but I now have a few small kidney stones (0.2-0.4mm). My question is could the Cozaar have caused this? I am only 40 and I have concerns about what this may do to my kidneys long term.

[jordan]

Got put on losartan after lotrel was giving me heart palpitations and atenolol dropped my heart rate into dangerous bradycardia levels. Hopefully third times the charm but is there any foods to avoid on this med?

[SenthilkumarM-er]

Hi I have one question. Will lozartan potassium 50 mg increase the blood sugar level??

[commando]

Dr I have question: Apixaban 5mg or Rivaroxaban 20mg is better for 70 years old patient with DVT and now d dimer is 3000 ? And thanks 🙏🏻

[nocarbsnation]

Thoughts on taking a nattokinase supplement while on Losartan?

[wileycoyote]

Recently went from 25 mg every night for about a year then cut down to 12.5mg every night. After about a week I’m feeling lightheaded today for the first time ever all day long. Is this normal?

[floydmayes]

Just started taking 50 mg. Losartan from Lisinopril.

[ViosangellyMejias]

Hello doctor, I'm using losartan 50mg, every night I take one tablet of 50mg, ..I noticed that my weight is increasing ..is this d side effect of losartan?thank you and God bless, I am from Bohol Philippines

[nenadcubric]

Is Losartan any better then Valsartan??

[shegoglavern]

Does it thin your hair out or stop hair growth? IJA

[nielvlogs]

Thank you for sharing and info how to take this Lozartan Medication.❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[cookfaster]

Since I am taking this medicine (50 mg ) I got anxiety and depression. Is that the side affect of this medicine?