Losartan 50 mg side effects
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Side Effects of Losartan 50 mg
Losartan, an angiotensin II receptor antagonist, is commonly prescribed for hypertension and heart failure. While it is generally well-tolerated, it is important to understand the potential side effects associated with a 50 mg dosage.
Common Side Effects
Dizziness and Headache
Dizziness is one of the most frequently reported side effects of losartan 50 mg, occurring in about 2.4% of patients, which is slightly higher than the incidence in placebo groups. Headaches are also commonly reported, although they are not significantly more frequent than in patients taking other antihypertensive medications .
Upper Respiratory Tract Infections
Upper respiratory tract infections are another common side effect, although the incidence is similar to that observed with placebo.
Less Common but Notable Side Effects
Fatigue and Asthenia
Fatigue and asthenia (a general feeling of weakness) are reported but are not significantly more common than in placebo groups.
Cough
Cough is reported in about 3.1% of patients taking losartan, which is slightly higher than the 2.6% incidence in placebo groups. However, this is notably lower than the incidence of cough associated with ACE inhibitors like captopril .
Serious Side Effects
Renal Impairment and Hyperkalemia
In patients with heart failure, higher doses of losartan (150 mg) have been associated with increased risks of renal impairment and hyperkalemia. However, these side effects are less common at the 50 mg dosage.
Hypotension
Significant drops in blood pressure can occur, particularly in patients with heart failure or those taking higher doses. This can lead to symptoms like dizziness and fainting .
Tolerability and Withdrawal Rates
Low Withdrawal Rates
The overall rate of patient withdrawal from losartan therapy due to adverse experiences is lower than that of placebo, indicating good tolerability. Only 2.3% of patients discontinued losartan due to side effects, compared to 3.7% in the placebo group.
Comparison with Other Antihypertensives
Losartan is generally well-tolerated compared to other antihypertensive agents like ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers. It has a lower incidence of side effects such as cough and does not significantly affect insulin sensitivity or glucose metabolism, making it a suitable option for patients with diabetes .
Conclusion
Losartan 50 mg is generally well-tolerated with a side effect profile that includes dizziness, headache, and upper respiratory tract infections. Serious side effects like renal impairment and hyperkalemia are rare at this dosage. The low withdrawal rates and favorable comparison with other antihypertensive medications make losartan a viable option for managing hypertension and heart failure.
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