Why potassium checks?

ARB — blood-pressure lowering

Losartan

Brand examples (illustrative): Losar · Covance (examples)

Kidney-friendly BP tablet widely used in diabetes with proteinuria.

Updated: 15 August 2026 · Review: pending — placeholder

Educational information only. Medication decisions should be made with a qualified healthcare professional. This page provides no personalised doses and never advises starting, stopping or changing prescriptions. In case of side effects or overdose, seek care promptly.

Common indications & general mechanism

Hypertension
Diabetic kidney protection (proteinuria)
Heart failure (selected)

How it generally works: Blocks angiotensin II receptors, relaxing vessels and protecting kidneys.

Side effects & serious effects

Common

Dizziness
Mild potassium rise

Serious (seek care)

High potassium, kidney-function dip (monitored)
Swelling/allergy (rare)

Contraindications, interactions & monitoring

Who should not use / needs caution

Pregnancy (unsafe — avoid)
Bilateral renal artery stenosis
High potassium

Drug interactions

Potassium supplements, NSAIDs, other BP drugs

Food interactions

Avoid potassium salt substitutes unless advised

Monitoring

Creatinine + potassium 1–2 weeks after start/change, then periodically
Home BP

Pregnancy, kidney/liver & warnings

Pregnancy: Do NOT use in pregnancy — unsafe for the baby. Use contraception counselling and switch planning before pregnancy.
Kidney/liver: Kidney disease: useful but needs close monitoring.

Important warnings

Report swelling, very low BP or reduced urine.
Never combine ACE + ARB + aliskiren casually.

Common misconceptions

Myth: ARB and ACE are identical.

Fact: Similar family, different cough profile and cautions — switching needs medical guidance.

FAQs

ARBs can raise potassium; combined with kidney disease or supplements it can become dangerous without monitoring.

References

WHO HEARTS / KDIGO Guidance — WHO / KDIGO

Related conditions & tests

High Blood Pressure Chronic Kidney Disease Type 2 Diabetes Creatinine

This website provides general educational information and is not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, treatment or emergency care. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.