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Is It Safe To Take Potasium Losartan?

Posted on Mon, 25 Nov 2024

Question: I heard Potasium Losartan may have been taken off market. I am taking 75mg daily - is this med safe? (I also take 40mg Lipitor and 20mg propranolol)

Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Regarding your concern I would explain that there exist a risk of increased potassium level when Losartan and Propranolol are used concomitantly.

You need to check periodically serum potassium level.
In addition, blood pressure values should be closely measured and referred to your prescribing doctor; you may upload them here on this platform for a second professional opinion.

Hope to have been helpful to you!

Let ne know in case of any further questions!

Kind regards,

Dr. Ilir Sharka
cardiologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (3 hours later)

Would you recommend a replacement med for potassium losartan that would be more compatible with propranolol? Or should I use one or the other - not combine?

Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (19 hours later)

Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello again!

A calcium channel blocker ( amlodipine, lercanidipine, etc.) would have no influence on potassium and would be s good combination with propranolol.

Propranolol acts mainly by lowering the heart rate and has a low influence on blood pressure values. While losartan acts mainly by lowering blood pressure values.

So, you can not take just one of these drugs if you have high blood pressure and high heart rate or cardiac arrhythmia.

Hope you will find this information helpful!

Regards,

Dr. Iliri

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (35 minutes later)

Second opinion - - To lessen high potassium risk, do yo you agree with prescribed dosage -- should losartan potassium be 75mg or 50mg with propranolol at 20 mg daily

Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (7 minutes later)

Or potential change to 12.5 mg of Hypochlorothiaside?

Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (18 hours later)

Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello again!

Hydroclorthiazide is a diuretic, but it may increase potassium levels too, just like losartan.

This dose of losartan (75mg) and propranolol (20mg) are really low, so the chances of increasing potassium levels are not concerning.

Anyway, it is necessary to closely monitor your blood pressure values. If blood pressure values are low with the dose of 75mg losartan, you should reduce the dose to 50mg daily.

Hope you will find this information helpful!

I remain at your disposal in case of further questions!

Wishing all the best,

Dr. Iliri

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (39 minutes later)

Thank you, and sorry, (last note) to make sure I am clear... In your opinion - - my current levels go 20mg Propranolol (in morning for mild essential tremors) and 75mg losartan (at night for for moderate BP) are low enough to not be concerning on increased potassium. But, 50mg Losartan may be even better if BP is low enough. Is that correct? And my last question - - if I have a choice between the Losartan or 12.5 mg of Hydroclorthiazide -- which do you recommend?

Thank you so much for your patience and advice.

Joe Couceiro

Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (23 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Opinion as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello again!

You just need to be aware of checking blood electrolytes level time after time when using these drugs concomitantly. Anyway, po tential risks are low considering the actual daily doses. You may try 50 mg Losartan daily in case of mildly increased BP values.

Hope to have been helpful!

Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar