LORISTA

This medicine contains the active ingredient losartan which belongs to angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). These medicines stop the activation of Angiotensin-II receptors in blood vessels and this causes the blood vessels to widen, and the blood pressure to lower. Losartan is prescribed for the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure), chronic heart failure, and for the protection of kidneys when their function is threatened by high blood pressure and diabetes. It can also lower the risk of stroke. 

Is Losartan suitable for me?

Losartan is not suitable for everyone. Do not use it

• If you are allergic to losartan, or other ingredients of this medicine
• If you are more than 3 months pregnant
• If you are being treated with aliskiren
• If you have severe liver problems

In particular, you must tell the doctor if you:

• are pregnant or breastfeeding
• have had a history of angiooedema
• get excessive vomiting or diarrhea
• have kidney or hearth problems
• plan to have an operation
• have narrowing or blockage of the blood vessels leading to your kidneys
• have received a kidney transplant recently
• have problems with your heart valves or heart muscle
• suffer from coronary heart disease or cerebrovascular disease
• suffer from primary hyperaldosteronism (increased secretion of the hormone aldosterone by the adrenal gland)
• it is not recommended for use in children under 6 years old

Losartan interacts with other medicines. It is most important that you tell the doctor all the medications and herbal supplements that you are currently taking.

See the package leaflet for a complete list of possible contraindications and warnings.

How should I take Losartan?

This medicine is available in form of a film-coated tablet.

You should take losartan exactly as instructed by your doctor or pharmacist. The dose will be prescribed according to your condition and needs.

• For the hypertension and diabetes, the usual starting dose is one 50 mg tablet taken once a day. The usual maintenance dose is one 100 mg tablet taken once a day.
• For the heart failure, the usual starting dose is 12,5 mg taken once a day. The maximum maintenance dose is 150 mg.

Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, or do not use it for a longer time than your doctor instructed. Also, this medicine works best if there is a constant amount in the blood. To help keep this amount constant, do not miss any doses and take the medicine at the same time each day. Do not take two doses together if you miss a dose.

Read the information leaflet provided with your medication for additional information. Talk to your doctor if you have any additional questions.

What are Losartan side effects?

Like all medicines Losartan can cause side effects, including:

Common:

• low blood pressure
• dizziness,
• nausea, vomiting,
• fatigue
• pain in joints or muscles
• too little sugar in the blood (hypoglycemia)
• reduced number of red blood cells (anemia)

Uncommon:

• headache
• insomnia
• feeling of increased heart rate (palpitations)
• severe chest pain (angina pectoris)
• shortness of breath
• abdominal pain
• obstipation
• diarrhea
• nausea,  vomiting
• hives, itching, rash
• swelling
• cough

Consult a doctor if the side effects are severe. See the package leaflet for a complete list of side effects.