Explanation

Losartan potassium (also called Cozaar®) is a medicine that protects your kidneys if they have been damaged by type 2 diabetes. It is also used to treat high blood pressure.

Losartan potassium belongs to a family of medicines called angiotensin II antagonists. This just means that it blocks the activity of a hormone called angiotensin II.

How does it work?

If you have type 2 diabetes and your kidneys have been damaged, losartan potassium can stop this damage from getting worse.

Losartan potassium also lowers your blood pressure.

What does it look like?

Losartan potassium comes as a small white tablet that you swallow with a glass of water.

You can take it with food if you want to.

When do I have to take it?

You will need to take losartan potassium once a day. You should take it at the same time each day.

But what if I don't feel like taking it?

Your kidneys are very important. They get rid of waste and control the amount of water in your body. The more damaged they get, the less likely they are to be able to do these jobs, and you could get very ill.

Losartan potassium helps to protect your kidneys from more damage, so it's really important that you take it when you're supposed to.

What should I do if I forget to take it?

If you forget to take your losartan potassium, take your next dose as normal.

Don't take twice as much next time to catch up. Remember the three Ds: Don't Double Dose!

How much do I take?

This depends on things like how much you weigh, how bad your kidney disease is, and if you are taking any other medicines. Your doctor will help you find your own perfect dose.

The right dose is important, it's the best way to stay well, without getting side effects.

What are the most likely side effects I might get?

The side effects that you are most likely to get if you take losartan potassium are:

feeling dizzy

low blood pressure

feeling weak

feeling tired

You doctor will give you blood tests while you are taking losartan potassium. These might show that you have too much potassium in your blood, which can be dangerous, so your doctor needs to keep an eye on it.

What other side effects might I get?

Some other side effects that you could get if you take losartan potassium include:

Feeling sleepy

Headache

Changes in how you sleep (like sleep walking or moving while sleeping)

Feeling your heart beat quickly

Pain in your chest

Feeling out of breath

A sore tummy, or pain around your tummy

Runny poo (diarrhoea)

Feeling faint and dizzy when you stand up suddenly

Finding it really hard to poo (Constipation)

Feeling sick

An itchy skin rash

Swelling

Are there any other side effects you haven't mentioned?

There are some other side effects that you can get with losartan potassium, but these are rare:

Tingling or numbness in your skin

Fainting easily

A really fast and irregular heartbeat

Pain above your tummy on the right side (caused by inflammation of your liver)

Red marks on your skin (caused by inflammation of your blood vessels)

Tell your doctor if you have any of these side effects, or any others not on the list, but don't stop taking the medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

While you are taking losartan potassium your doctor will give you a blood test which might show changes in your blood, liver or kidneys.

If you have a really bad rash and itching, or if your face, lips, mouth or throat swell up and make it hard for you to swallow or breathe, you should tell a doctor immediately. It could be anaphylaxis.

Is it safe for me to be taking it?

Before you take losartan potassium, it is important to tell your doctor:

if you've ever had lots of swelling of your face, lips, throat and/or tongue.

if you get dehydration because of being sick or having runny poo (diarrhoea)

if you are taking diuretic (medicines that make you wee more often)

if you know that the blood vessels leading to your kidneys have become narrowed or blocked, or if you have had a kidney transplant recently

if you have any problems with your liver

if you have any problems with your heart

if you know that you make too much of a hormone called aldosterone (this is something called primary aldosteronism)

Some people have an allergic reaction to losartan potassium. If you know that you are allergic to losartan potassium, don't take it, and tell your doctor!

Is it ok for me to take it if I'm already taking other medicines?

You should tell your doctor about any other medicines that you are taking, or have taken, recently, including herbal medicines.

Medicines that are especially important to mention if you are taking them are:

other medicines that lower blood pressure

other medicines that help to control your mood or thoughts

medicines that change the amount of potassium in your body

supplements containing potassium

medicines to make you wee more (these are called diuretics)

a medicine called heparin that stops your blood clotting too easily

medicines called NSAIDs. These are used to reduce inflammation and also to help relieve pain

Do I need to know anything else about it?

If you have any intolerance to sugar, you must tell your doctor before taking losartan potassium.

What if I have any more questions?

If you have any other questions, you can ask your doctor, or chat to other people about losartan potassium in the Medikidz forums and virtual world, Mediland.