Losartan

Also indexed as: Cozaar®

Combination drugs: Cozaar-Comp®, Hyzaar®

Losartan is used alone or in combination with hydrochlorothiazide (Hyzaar®) in the treatment of high blood pressure. It is a type of drug called an angiotensin II receptor antagonist.

Summary of Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, and Foods
In some cases, a herb or supplement may appear in more than one category, which may seem contradictory. For clarification, read the full article for details about the summarized interactions.

Check: Other—Before taking any of these supplements or eating any of these foods with your medication, read this article in full for details.	Potassium
Depletion or interference	None known
Side effect reduction/prevention	None known
Supportive interaction	None known
Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability	None known
Adverse interaction	None known

An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.

Interactions with Dietary Supplements

Potassium
Losartan has caused significant increases in blood potassium levels.¹ Potassium supplements, potassium-containing salt substitutes (No Salt®, Morton Salt Substitute®, and others), and even high-potassium foods (primarily fruit) should be avoided by those taking losartan, unless directed otherwise by their doctor.

Interactions with Foods and Other Compounds

Food
The intestinal absorption of losartan may be reduced up to 10% if taken with food.² Although this is a minor reduction, losartan should be taken an hour before or two hours after food for maximum effectiveness.

References
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1. Perazella MA. Drug-induced hyperkalemia: Old culprits and new offenders. Am J Med 2000;109:307–14 [review].

2. Sifton DW, ed. Physicians Desk Reference. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 2000, 1769–72.

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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or chemist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires March 2007.

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Interactions with Dietary Supplements

Interactions with Foods and Other Compounds