If you or someone you love takes medication to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), chances are you've heard of losartan. It's one of the most commonly prescribed blood pressure medications in America—and for good reason. But what exactly does Losartan do, why do doctors recommend it so often and what are its potential side effects? Keep reading to learn everything you need to know.
Losartan is a blood pressure medication—an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), to be exact—that also helps the heart pump more effectively, says Judith Goldfinger, MD, FACC, a clinical cardiologist and Director of Vascular Medicine at Mount Sinai West. In other words, it offers a powerful two-for-one benefit. And that’s great because when choosing a medication for blood pressure, doctors often try to pick one that also helps with a second condition whenever possible, she notes.
Why are so many people on losartan?
In a sea of blood pressure medications, losartan is one of the most prescribed. Why is that? “One reason so many people are on losartan is related to the financial side of medicine that doesn’t get talked about as much,” reveals Dr. Goldfinger.
“For many years, it has been the preferred generic option for many insurance companies. There are several angiotensin receptor blockers available, but this is the one you tend to see most often, largely because of insurance formularies—the lists of medications insurance companies prefer to cover.” These insurance realities, however, don’t diminish the drug’s efficacy.
So where do at least some people’s misgivings about the drug largely stem from? A few years ago there was a recall of losartan, explains Dr. Goldfinger. “It involved one specific manufacturer, but you end up with people who, to this day, won't take the medication, wondering if there was some other alarming thing that happened.” The truth is, losartan is considered a safe, well-tolerated medication.
1 key side effect (or side benefit) of losaratan
That said, all medications come with potential side effects. And with losartan, the main issue is that it can raise potassium levels. Interestingly, in this case “side effect” is somewhat in the eye of the beholder. “It can actually be helpful,” notes Dr. Goldfinger. “For example, if someone tends to have low potassium—or if they’re taking a diuretic that lowers potassium—this medication can help counteract that.”
Of course, potassium still needs to stay within a healthy range. In rare cases, levels that get too high can lead to heart problems. Regular blood tests can help your doctor ensure your levels are where they should be.
One of the things Dr. Goldfinger likes most about losartan? It comes in a combination version with hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic. “So for people who need both—or who may benefit from a diuretic for blood pressure or fluid management—you can get both in a single pill,” she says.
Other potential losartan side effects to watch for
While the main side effect (or benefit, depending on your perspective) of losartan is elevated levels of potassium, all blood pressure medications can cause certain side effects, such as:
It’s not uncommon to experience some side effects as your body adjusts to losartan. That said, if you're experiencing any of these symptoms, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor. There are many effective blood pressure medications available, and together you can find the option that works best for you. And of course seek urgent medical attention if you notice serious losartan side effects such as an allergic reaction, swelling of the face, lips or throat or difficulty breathing.
The bottom line on losartan side effects
Losartan is a safe, effective and widely prescribed blood pressure medication that offers real benefits for heart health. While it does come with one key potential side effect—elevated potassium levels—this can actually work in your favor depending on your individual health needs. If you're taking losartan or considering it as a treatment option, talk with your doctor about how it fits into your overall health plan.
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