Based on NIH | Is it true that losartan should be taken on an empty stomach and that you should avoid eating shrimp while on this medication?

Quick answer

Losartan does not need to be taken on an empty stomach; it can be taken with or without food. ^{[1] [2]} Eating shrimp (or other shellfish) is generally fine while taking losartan, as shrimp is not known to interact with the drug. ^[3]

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How to take losartan

• With or without food: Official patient instructions state that losartan can be taken with or without food. This gives you flexibility to take it at a time you can remember consistently. ^{[1] [2]}
• Food effect on absorption (for professionals): A meal may slow the rate at which losartan is absorbed and lower the peak concentration, but it has only minor effects on overall exposure (AUC). This means the total amount your body absorbs across time is not meaningfully changed by food. ^{[4] [5] [6]}
• Practical tip: Choose a time and routine you can stick to every day, and take your dose the same way consistently. If your clinician has combined losartan with other medicines (for example, amlodipine in a single pill), food can sometimes have a greater effect on the partner drug’s active metabolite; follow the specific instructions for that combination product if applicable. ^[7]

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Shrimp and dietary considerations

• Shrimp is okay: There is no specific interaction between losartan and shrimp or shellfish. You can include shrimp in your diet while on losartan. ^[3]
• Potassium caution: Losartan (an angiotensin receptor blocker, ARB) can raise blood potassium in some people, especially those with kidney problems or those taking other potassium‑raising medicines. Because of this, it’s wise to avoid high potassium supplements and salt substitutes that contain potassium unless your clinician advises otherwise. ^{[8] [9] [10]}
• High‑potassium foods: Typical servings of shrimp are not high in potassium compared to foods like certain salt substitutes or large amounts of potassium‑rich fruits/juices; the bigger concern is supplements and potassium‑sparing diuretics (e.g., spironolactone) taken together with losartan. ^{[8] [9] [10]}
• Monitoring: Clinicians often check kidney function and potassium shortly after starting or changing the dose of ARBs to minimize the risk of hyperkalemia (high potassium). ^{[11] [12]}

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Other important interactions

• NSAIDs (pain relievers): Regular use of NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen may lessen blood‑pressure control and affect kidney function, especially when combined with losartan. Use them cautiously and discuss with your clinician. ^{[8] [13] [3]}
• Potassium‑sparing drugs and supplements: Medicines like spironolactone, triamterene, or amiloride, as well as potassium supplements or salt substitutes with potassium, can raise potassium when combined with losartan. Monitoring is recommended if such combinations are medically necessary. ^{[8] [9] [10]}
• Lithium: Losartan can reduce lithium excretion; lithium levels should be monitored if used together. ^{[9] [10]}

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Bottom line

• You do not need to take losartan on an empty stomach; you may take it with or without food. ^{[1] [2]}
• Shrimp does not need to be avoided with losartan. Focus instead on avoiding potassium supplements and salt substitutes with potassium unless advised, and be cautious with NSAIDs. ^{[8] [13] [3]}