DRUG CLASS & MOA
This is the drug class of losartan.
Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB)
Losartan is primarily used to treat this condition.
Hypertension
This blood pressure-related side effect is common when starting losartan.
Hypertension
Nurses should monitor this vital sign before giving losartan.
Blood pressure
Patients should change positions slowly to prevent this.
Orthostatic hypotension
Losartan blocks this receptor.
Angiotensin II receptor
Losartan helps protect the kidneys in patients with this condition.
Diabetic nephropathy
Losartan may increase levels of this electrolyte.
What is potassium (hyperkalemia)
Patients taking losartan should avoid salt substitutes containing this.
Potassium
Patients should report signs of swelling in this area immediately
The face, lips, or tongue
Blocking angiotensin II causes this effect on blood vessels.
Vasodilation
Losartan can reduce risk of stroke in patients with this cardiac condition.
Left ventricular hypertrophy
Unlike ACE inhibitors, ARBs rarely cause this cough.
Dry persistent cough
This lab value should be monitored to assess kidney function.
Creatinine (or BUN)
Patients should not stop losartan abruptly because it may worsen this condition.
Hypertension
Losartan decreases secretion of this hormone that causes sodium and water retention.
Aldosterone
Losartan may be used in heart failure when patients cannot tolerate this drug class.
ACE inhibitors
This serious swelling reaction can occur but is less common than with ACE inhibitors.
Angioedema
Losartan is contraindicated in this type of patient.
A pregnant patient
This over-the-counter medication class should be used cautiously due to kidney risk.
NSAIDs
This system is inhibited by losartan.
Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS)
This population especially benefits from ARBs for renal protection.
Patients with type 2 diabetes
This dangerous electrolyte imbalance can cause cardiac dysrhythmias.
Hyperkalemia
If a patient becomes dehydrated while on losartan, they are at risk for this complication.
Acute kidney injury
Women of childbearing age should be instructed to do this before starting losartan.
Use reliable contraception (or notify provider if pregnant)