Side effects from losartan potassium
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Side Effects of Losartan Potassium: A Comprehensive Overview
Common Side Effects of Losartan Potassium
Losartan potassium, a selective angiotensin II receptor antagonist, is widely used for the treatment of hypertension. Clinical trials involving thousands of patients have identified several common side effects associated with its use. The most frequently reported adverse experiences include headache (14.1%), upper respiratory infection (6.5%), dizziness (14.1%), asthenia/fatigue (3.8%), and cough (3.1%) . These side effects were also observed in patients receiving a placebo, indicating that they may not be solely attributable to losartan .
Comparison with Other Antihypertensive Agents
When compared to other antihypertensive agents such as hydrochlorothiazide, atenolol, felodipine, and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, losartan demonstrates a favorable side effect profile. Notably, the incidence of dry cough, a common side effect of ACE inhibitors, is significantly lower in patients treated with losartan (3.1%) compared to those treated with ACE inhibitors (8.8%) . Additionally, dizziness was the only side effect more frequently considered drug-related in losartan-treated patients (2.4%) than in those receiving a placebo (1.3%) .
Rare and Serious Side Effects
While losartan is generally well-tolerated, there are rare but serious side effects that have been reported. These include hyperkalemia, particularly when used in conjunction with potassium-sparing diuretics, angioedema, and acute hepatitis. The occurrence of these severe side effects is extremely low, and their etiology remains unclear, with some cases potentially being coincidental.
Safety in Special Populations
Losartan has been shown to be safe across various demographic subgroups, including different ages, genders, and races, with no clinically important differences in safety profiles . However, caution is advised when prescribing losartan to pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and patients with renal failure or liver dysfunction due to potential risks to fetal growth and newborn health, as well as altered drug metabolism.
Conclusion
Losartan potassium is a well-tolerated antihypertensive agent with a side effect profile comparable to or better than other commonly used antihypertensive drugs. While common side effects such as headache, dizziness, and fatigue are relatively mild, rare but serious side effects like hyperkalemia and angioedema warrant careful monitoring. Overall, losartan's excellent tolerability and safety make it a valuable option for managing hypertension.
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