Losartan is a drug that is prescribed for high blood pressure control and diabetic nephropathy treatment. This eMedTV article describes these uses in more detail and offers information on the drug's effects, dosing, and potential side effects.
What is losartan used for? As this eMedTV segment explains, losartan is used for treating diabetic nephropathy and controlling high blood pressure. It has been approved for use in children ages six and older for high blood pressure treatment.
This eMedTV Web page lists common losartan side effects, such as infection, back pain, and dizziness. This selection from the archives also features information on rare side effects and problems that require prompt medical attention.
For high blood pressure control, losartan dosing usually starts at 50 mg once daily. This part of the eMedTV library also offers dosing recommendations for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy and provides tips for taking the medication.
This eMedTV resource offers a list of medicines that may interact with losartan, including rifampin, lithium, and diuretics. This page explains that drug interactions with losartan can result in problems such as increased drug levels in the body.
Before taking losartan, let your physician know if you have heart disease, liver disease, or diabetes. This eMedTV page provides other warnings and precautions with losartan, including information on who should not take this drug.
As explained in this part of the eMedTV site, generic losartan is now available. This article offers more details on the generic version, listing the strengths in which it is available and offering details on the company that markets the medication.