Based on NIH | Is nausea a common side effect of losartan, and what should I do if it occurs?

Nausea can occur with losartan, but it is generally not among its most common side effects. In consumer and prescribing information for losartan (brand: Cozaar), gastrointestinal complaints such as abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting are listed as possible adverse effects. ^{[1] [2]} In large clinical trials, the overall side‑effect profile of losartan was similar to placebo, and dizziness not nausea was the most frequently reported drug‑related symptom above placebo. ^[3] So, nausea is recognized as a potential side effect, but it tends to be less common than issues like dizziness or cold‑like symptoms. ^{[3] [4]}

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How often does nausea happen?

• Clinical trial summaries indicate losartan is generally well tolerated with adverse events close to placebo, with dizziness being the most common drug‑related complaint reported more than placebo. ^[3] This suggests nausea occurs, but typically at a lower frequency and is not a leading reason for discontinuation in studies. ^[3]
• Official patient leaflets list gastrointestinal symptoms (including nausea and vomiting) among reported adverse reactions. ^{[1] [2]}

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When nausea needs prompt attention

• Ongoing or severe nausea can lead to dehydration and low blood pressure, especially if accompanied by vomiting or diarrhea. You should contact your clinician promptly if nausea is severe or persistent. ^{[5] [6]}
• If you are taking the losartan/hydrochlorothiazide combination (Hyzaar), nausea with other symptoms like right‑upper abdominal pain and yellowing of the skin or eyes warrants calling your clinician, as it may signal a liver‑related issue. ^[7] For combination therapy, persistent nausea or vomiting also raises the risk of excessive fluid loss and low blood pressure. ^[8]

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Practical steps if nausea occurs

• Hydration: Sip fluids regularly to avoid dehydration, particularly if you have vomiting or diarrhea. ^[6]
• Position changes: If nausea is accompanied by dizziness, get up slowly and lie down if you feel faint; seek care if you actually faint. ^[5]
• Medication review: Avoid starting new over‑the‑counter medicines or herbal supplements without checking, and be cautious with alcohol until you discuss it with your clinician. ^[6]
• Potassium products: Ask your clinician before using potassium‑containing salt substitutes or supplements, as losartan affects potassium balance. ^[6]

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Symptom management options

• Dietary measures: Small, bland meals (e.g., crackers, toast), ginger tea, and avoiding heavy or fatty foods may help; these are conservative, non‑drug approaches.
• Short‑term antiemetics: Depending on your overall health and drug interactions, clinicians sometimes use agents like ondansetron (5‑HT3 antagonist) or dopamine‑blocking agents (e.g., metoclopramide) for symptomatic relief. Choice of antiemetic is tailored to the cause and patient factors, and a multimodal approach may be considered. ^{[9] [10]}
• Monitoring: Track your blood pressure during episodes of nausea, especially if you feel lightheaded, as dehydration can lower blood pressure. Report sustained low readings or worsening symptoms. ^[6]

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When to contact a clinician urgently

• Severe or continuing nausea (with or without vomiting or diarrhea). This may require medical assessment to prevent dehydration and low blood pressure. ^{[5] [6]}
• Signs of dehydration (very dry mouth, reduced urination), fainting, or marked dizziness. Seek care promptly, and if you faint, call your clinician right away. ^[5]
• For losartan/HCTZ (Hyzaar) users: nausea with right‑upper abdominal pain or jaundice. Call your clinician. ^[7]

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Summary table: Losartan and nausea

Topic	Key points
Is nausea common?	Recognized but generally less common than dizziness; overall adverse events similar to placebo in trials. [3] [1]
Listed GI effects	Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting appear in official patient information. [1] [2]
Red flags	Severe or persistent nausea; nausea with vomiting/diarrhea; fainting or marked dizziness; for Hyzaar, nausea with RUQ pain or jaundice. [5] [6] [7]
What to do	Hydrate, rise slowly, review meds/alcohol use with clinician, consider short‑term antiemetics under medical guidance, monitor BP. [5] [6] [9]

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Bottom line

Nausea can happen with losartan, but it is generally not one of its most common side effects in clinical practice. ^[3] If your nausea is mild and brief, conservative measures may be enough; if it is severe, persistent, or accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, fainting, or jaundice, you should contact your clinician promptly. ^{[5] [6] [7]}