Losartan (Cont.)

Losartan Effects

A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers -- for example: 120/80. The top number is known as the systolic blood pressure, and the bottom number is the diastolic blood pressure. During clinical studies in people taking losartan, systolic blood pressure (the top number) decreased, on average, by 5.5 to 10.5 mmHg. Diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) decreased by 3.5 to 7.5 mmHg, on average. Certain factors, such as dosage, affected how much the blood pressure dropped.
 
By lowering blood pressure, losartan can decrease the risks that are seen with long-term high blood pressure (see Effects of High Blood Pressure). This includes a stroke or heart attack.
 
For people with diabetic nephropathy, the effects of losartan have been shown to slow the progression of diabetic nephropathy, resulting in less kidney damage and a decreased chance for developing serious complications (such as the need for kidney dialysis).
 

When and How Do I Take Losartan?

Some general considerations for when and how to take losartan include:
 
  • Losartan comes in tablet form. It is usually taken once or twice a day.
     
  • Losartan may be taken with or without food.
     
  • Do not break, chew, or crush the losartan tablets unless your healthcare provider instructs you to do so.
     
  • Losartan should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level of medicine in your blood.
     
  • For losartan to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. Losartan will not work if you stop taking it.
     
(Losartan Continued: Page 3)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;