- Body system
- Cardiovascular
- Brand names
- Cozaar
What is Losartan used for?
- Hypertension
- Kidney protection in type 2 diabetes with nephropathy
- Stroke risk reduction in hypertension with left ventricular hypertrophy
How Losartan works
Blocks angiotensin II at its AT1 receptor: vasodilation and less aldosterone, without the bradykinin buildup that causes the ACE inhibitor cough.
Common side effects
- Dizziness
- Hyperkalemia
- Rise in serum creatinine
- Upper respiratory symptoms
Report right away
- Swelling of the face or throat (angioedema, less common than with ACE inhibitors)
- Fainting
- Muscle weakness or irregular heartbeat
Nursing considerations for Losartan
- Check the blood pressure and monitor potassium and kidney function.
- Often chosen for patients who developed a cough on an ACE inhibitor.
Patient teaching
- Avoid potassium supplements and salt substitutes unless prescribed.
- Report pregnancy at once.
This card does not list doses. Use the prescriber's order, the product label and a current drug reference for dosing, and follow your facility's policies.
Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) practice questions
NCLEX-style questions on the class Losartan belongs to.
3 questions. Choose an answer to see the rationale.
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Which suffix identifies an angiotensin II receptor blocker?
Show answer
Answer C: -sartan ARBs end in -sartan (losartan, valsartan). ACE inhibitors end in -pril.
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A patient taking losartan tells the nurse she is planning a pregnancy. What is the best response?
Show answer
Answer D: Talk to your provider before trying to conceive; this drug must be stopped in pregnancy Drugs acting on the renin-angiotensin system can injure the fetus; they are stopped as soon as pregnancy is planned or detected.
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Compared with ACE inhibitors, ARBs are less likely to cause which effect?
Show answer
Answer A: Dry cough ARBs do not block bradykinin breakdown, so cough is much less common. The other risks are shared.
Frequently asked questions
What is Losartan used for?
Hypertension; Kidney protection in type 2 diabetes with nephropathy; Stroke risk reduction in hypertension with left ventricular hypertrophy.
What drug class is Losartan?
Losartan belongs to the class angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). Blocks angiotensin II at its AT1 receptor: vasodilation and less aldosterone, without the bradykinin buildup that causes the ACE inhibitor cough.
What are the nursing considerations for Losartan?
Check the blood pressure and monitor potassium and kidney function. Often chosen for patients who developed a cough on an ACE inhibitor.
What should patients report while taking Losartan?
swelling of the face or throat (angioedema, less common than with ACE inhibitors); fainting; muscle weakness or irregular heartbeat.