Based on NIH | Can losartan cause numbness or tingling in the hands or feet, and when should I seek medical attention if I notice this?

Can losartan cause numbness or tingling?

Losartan can be associated with numbness or tingling sensations (often described as “pins and needles” or paresthesia), although this appears to be an uncommon side effect. ^[1] These sensations have been listed among less common reactions for losartan, and “numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips” is noted among symptoms that may warrant medical review depending on context. ^[2] Formal product information for losartan and combination formulations (such as Cozaar and Hyzaar) also lists paresthesia and peripheral neuropathy among reported nervous system adverse events. ^{[3] [4] [5]}

While losartan is generally well tolerated overall and large trials describe a safety profile similar to placebo, individual reactions can occur. ^[6] In some experimental models, losartan has even shown protective effects on nerve health in diabetes, which suggests that tingling is not a typical class effect but may appear in certain individuals. ^[7]

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How common is it?

• Large clinical trials and reviews characterize angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) like losartan as well tolerated, without consistent class-specific neurological adverse events. ^[6]
• Consumer and FDA labeling list paresthesia as a possible, but not common, side effect. This means most people do not experience it, but it has been reported. ^{[3] [4] [5]}

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When to seek medical attention

Emergency signs (call 911 or go to the ER)

Seek urgent help if numbness or tingling is accompanied by any of the following, because these could signal stroke, spinal cord, or other serious problems:

• Sudden onset of numbness, especially involving an entire arm or leg. ^[8]
• Weakness or inability to move a limb, trouble speaking, vision changes, severe headache, confusion, or loss of consciousness. ^[9]
• Numbness after a head, neck, or back injury. ^[9]
• Loss of bladder or bowel control, or inability to control limb movements. ^[9]

Non‑emergency but timely medical review

Arrange a prompt clinic visit if the tingling or numbness:

• Gradually begins or worsens and persists over days to weeks. ^{[10] [11]}
• Spreads to other body parts or affects both sides. ^{[10] [11]}
• Comes and goes, or seems related to specific tasks like repetitive wrist motions. ^{[10] [11]}
• Involves only part of a hand or foot (for example, certain fingers or toes), which could suggest local nerve compression. ^[11]

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Practical steps if you notice tingling on losartan

• Track timing and pattern: Note when symptoms started relative to starting or changing losartan, which body areas are affected, and whether symptoms improve after rest or worsen with activity. This helps your clinician assess whether it’s drug-related or due to another cause (such as nerve compression, blood sugar issues, or vitamin deficiencies). ^[12]
• Review all medications: Some combinations (for example, losartan with hydrochlorothiazide) still list paresthesia among possible adverse effects; your clinician may consider dose adjustment or alternatives if a link is suspected. ^{[5] [13] [14]}
• Do not stop losartan abruptly without guidance: Blood pressure control is important, and losartan is generally safe; changes should be supervised to avoid rebound hypertension. ^[6]

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Differential considerations (what else could cause tingling?)

Tingling is common and can come from many causes beyond medication, such as nerve compression (carpal tunnel), vitamin B12 deficiency, diabetes-related nerve changes, anxiety, and circulatory issues; most causes are not immediately dangerous, but some are time-sensitive. A medical exam helps distinguish these possibilities and decide on testing if needed. ^{[12] [8]}

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Summary table: Losartan and tingling

Topic	Key points
Reported with losartan?	Paresthesia (numbness/tingling) is listed among less common side effects and in product labeling for losartan and its combinations. [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]
Overall safety	ARBs like losartan are generally well tolerated in large trials, with safety similar to placebo. [6]
Possible mechanisms	Not clearly defined in humans; experimental data even suggest nerve‑protective effects in diabetic models, implying tingling is not a typical class effect. [7]
Urgent care triggers	Sudden numbness, whole-limb involvement, weakness, speech/vision changes, confusion, post-injury, or bladder/bowel loss. [9] [8]
Clinic visit triggers	Persistent or worsening tingling, spreading or bilateral symptoms, task‑related patterns, or focal finger/toe involvement. [10] [11]

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Bottom line

Losartan can be associated with numbness or tingling, but this appears uncommon and is not a hallmark adverse effect. ^{[1] [3]} If you develop new or persistent tingling, it’s reasonable to contact your clinician to review timing, other causes, and whether any medication adjustments are needed. Seek emergency care right away if tingling is sudden and accompanied by weakness, speech or vision problems, confusion, severe headache, or follows an injury. ^{[9] [8]}