Wherever there is a disease, illness or disorder, there is a cure for it. Most often, the cure is hidden and has to be discovered by extensive medical research. In the case of someone suffering from hypertension, medical research has found Losartan, a receptor antagonist which can be made use of. In addition to treating high blood pressure problems, it is also responsible for the protection of vital organs in the body, such as kidneys, against diseases like diabetes.

For some people, Losartan also contributes to a healthy lifestyle by preventing heart attacks, kidney problems and strokes. These are many diseases brought on by the constant onslaught of diabetes or high blood pressure. Losartan is part of a group of medication that is best recognized as ARBs or angiotensin receptor blockers. These ARBs contribute greatly to better health in hypothermia patients as they loosen and relax the blood vessels in the body, paving a way for the blood to pump smoothly and easily through the vessels.

Losartan Side Effects

It must be kept in mind, however, that Losartan is not only an ARB that does all the good work and only contributes for the betterment of an individual. Instead, Losartan is like all those other medicinal drugs that come with numerous side effects. Losartan side effectsare generally those undesirable effects that may occur simultaneously with the treatment. A person may end up requiring medical attention if the side effects are sever enough.

Common Losartan Side Effects

The side effects of Losartan, like all other medicinal drugs, range in severity. The mild and common side effects are basically inclusive of:

• Fatigue
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Nausea and vomiting

These symptoms can be ascertained as non-serious, because they can occur in daily life and do not pose a threat to life. The body may react differently to the drug which may not end up in your favor. However, in case the problem persists, it would be right for you to cease taking the medicine and consult a good doctor.

The effects do not indicate that there is something wrong with the drug; rather, the patient’s body reacts differently to the drug. The body may have trouble tolerating the components of the medicine. Do not let these common problems get out of hand and consult a doctor before it gets serious. However, a one or two time occurrence is fine. If the symptoms fade over a week or two, it means that the worst is now over.

Moderate Losartan Side Effects

As we go higher on the scale we determine that mild side effects do not hold a candle to the moderate or serious side effects of Losartan. These can be:

• A rash appearing on your skin
• Facial swelling
• Facing difficulty in breathing
• Swelling of the lips and of the tongue
• Itching
• Difficulty in swallowing
• A pain or tightness in the chest area

If you face these problems for a week or two, then you must bear them as a part of treatment. However, if the problems persist, do consult a doctor.

Serious Losartan Side Effects

Here are the side effects that you need to watch out for. These side effects are serious and if overlooked, these can even prove to be fatal. These side effects include:

• Extreme changes in vision
• Muscle cramps
• Low blood pressure and the problems associated with it
• Abdominal pain
• Fainting or dizziness or light headedness
• Nausea
• A dire effect on the kidneys which can result in less urine output, yellowing eyes and darkening of the urine

If you face any of the above listed serious side effects, then you must immediately consult a doctor and address these problems as soon as possible.

Precautions Before Taking Losartan

Just as you need to be careful before using any medicinal drugs, you also need to do that before you opt for Losartan. Here are a few precautions you need to take:

• Always tell your doctor if you are allergic to any substances, ingredients and medicines, especially Losartan.
• Tell your doctor of any illnesses or conditions that you might have, such as diabetes, heart failure or kidney or liver disease.
• If you are breastfeeding, do let your doctor know about it.
• Tell your doctor of any medication you are already on.
• Tell your medical history to your doctor and mention if you have had heart attacks or serious incidents.
• When you take losartan for the first time, do not getting up abruptly from a sitting or lying position as this may lead to dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting.

When to See a Doctor

Most people are in doubt concerned about when they should go and see a medical expert. Sometimes signs and symptoms can be a bit dodgy, due to which it is difficult to judge their seriousness. However, it is always best to be careful and seek help if you face the following symptoms:

• Hives
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Difficulty in breathing
• Fainting, trouble paying attention, light headedness
• Pain or burning whenever you urinate
• Pale skin, drowsiness, confusion, weight gain
• Wheezing and chest pain, shortness of breath and a rapid heart rate
• Mood swings, a tingly feeling, a weak pulse or a slow heart rate
• Increased thirst, loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting

In very rare cases, Losartan can sometimes cause the skeletal muscle to disintegrate. This may result in kidney failure. If you have some kind of pain, weakness or you feel your muscles becoming tender, call the doctor immediately. Dark colored urine is also something to be worried about.