When should a patient contact their healthcare provider when initiating losartan (angiotensin II receptor antagonist) therapy?

From the Guidelines

Patients starting losartan should contact their healthcare provider immediately if they experience any signs of an allergic reaction, severe dizziness, fainting, or difficulty breathing, as these can be life-threatening complications 1. When initiating losartan therapy, it is essential to monitor for potential side effects, particularly those related to blood pressure lowering, such as mild dizziness or lightheadedness. However, if these symptoms are severe or persistent, patients should seek medical attention promptly. Some key points to consider when starting losartan include:

• Regular monitoring of kidney function and potassium levels, as losartan can affect these parameters 1
• Patients with certain conditions, such as severe dehydration, heart failure, or kidney disease, should be particularly vigilant about side effects and report any concerns to their healthcare provider
• Losartan works by blocking angiotensin II receptors, relaxing blood vessels, and lowering blood pressure, but this mechanism can sometimes cause adverse effects that require medical attention, especially during the initial adjustment period 1 It is crucial to note that the dosage of losartan can range from 50-100 mg per day, and patients should follow the prescribed dosage and frequency to minimize the risk of adverse effects 1. In the event of any concerns or questions, patients should not hesitate to contact their healthcare provider, as prompt medical attention can help prevent or mitigate potential complications associated with losartan therapy.

From the FDA Drug Label

If you get pregnant while taking Losartan Potassium Tablets, tell your doctor right away. Tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions including if you: • Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (PATIENT INFORMATION). Tell patients to report pregnancies to their physicians as soon as possible

The patient should contact their doctor:

• If they get pregnant while taking losartan
• If they are planning to become pregnant
• If they have any other medical conditions, including pregnancy 2 2

From the Research

Patient Contact Information

When starting losartan, patients should contact their healthcare provider in the following situations:

• If they experience any unusual side effects, such as dizziness, which is the most common drug-related adverse effect reported with losartan potassium monotherapy 3, 4
• If they have any concerns about their treatment or notice any changes in their blood pressure readings
• If they are taking any other medications, including diuretics, as losartan may interact with these medications 5
• If they have any pre-existing medical conditions, such as renal impairment or hepatic disease, as losartan may affect these conditions 4

Monitoring and Follow-up

Patients starting losartan should be monitored regularly for:

• Blood pressure readings to assess the effectiveness of the treatment 3, 4
• Serum uric acid levels, as losartan may lower uric acid levels 5
• Renal function, as losartan may affect kidney function in some patients 4, 5
• Fibrinogen levels, as losartan may lower fibrinogen levels and reduce the risk of stroke 5, 6

Lifestyle Changes

Patients taking losartan should also be advised to make lifestyle changes to help manage their hypertension, such as:

• Increasing their potassium intake through diet, as potassium can help lower blood pressure 7
• Reducing their sodium intake, as high sodium levels can increase blood pressure 7
• Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, which can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease 7