What is Losartan?
Losartan is a prescription medicine that belong to a drug group called ARBs or angiotensin receptor blockers. This particular drug is usually prescribed for patients with high blood pressure and those with diabetic nephropathy.

Losartan works by blocking the action of angiotensin which causes narrowing of blood vessels, causing a decrease in blood flow and a corresponding increase in blood pressure. And when the angiotensin receptors are blocked, the blood vessels will be able to dilate to normal levels, thereby lowering the blood pressure. Both systolic and diastolic blood pressures can be lowered by this prescription drug. It is said that higher doses of this drug will result to more significant drops in blood pressure. And along with its help on hypertension, losartan also decreases the risk of developing related illnesses such as stroke or heart attacks.

But aside from its use in hypertension or high blood pressure, losartan is also prescribed for those with left ventricular hypertrophy. This condition involves cardiac muscle enlargement, particularly on the side of the heart’s left ventricles. Losartan is also effective in helping patients with diabetic nephropathy. This condition involves damage to the kidneys in diabetic patients and may lead to kidney failure if left untreated. With losartan, the progression of this kidney disease will be slowed and serious complications may be avoided.

Since losartan is a prescription drug, one must definitely consult with a licensed physician before taking this drug. One must also take caution in taking this drug when he/she has kidney, liver, or heart disease. This drug is also contraindicated to those are pregnant or those who become pregnant while taking this drug. Studies have shown that losartan can cause severe injury to unborn babies and even death. People with known electrolyte imbalance and are clinically dehydrated should also coordinate with their doctors for proper dosage and frequency.