Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is Losartan?Caffeine & Blood PressureWhat to AvoidHow to Take LosartanFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Is Losartan?
Caffeine & Blood Pressure
What to Avoid
How to Take Losartan
Frequently Asked Questions
There’s good news for coffee lovers who take losartan forhigh blood pressure: moderate amounts of daily coffee consumption aren’t likely to affect your blood pressure over the long term.
Coffee contains caffeine, a stimulant that mayaffect blood pressurein some individuals. However, research shows that this effect is usually short-lived and does not increase the risk of heart problems for most people.
This article explores how losartan works, how to take it, and foods and beverages that may affect how is works, including coffee.
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High blood pressure (hypertension) can bedangerous, leading to an increased risk of stroke, diabetes, and other cardiovascular diseases.
List of Blood Pressure Medications
Boxed WarningThe Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a boxed warning for losartan and pregnancy due to the risk of fetal toxicity.A boxed warning is the strongest warning the FDA issues. Losartan, and any medication containing losartan (such as Hyzaar), should be discontinued if you are or plan to become pregnant.
Boxed Warning
The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a boxed warning for losartan and pregnancy due to the risk of fetal toxicity.A boxed warning is the strongest warning the FDA issues. Losartan, and any medication containing losartan (such as Hyzaar), should be discontinued if you are or plan to become pregnant.
Side Effects
Losartan may cause side effects. The most common side effects in people with hypertension include:
Some individuals also experience joint pain, muscle aches,vertigo(spinning sensation), nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or headache. Talk to your healthcare provider about any side effects you may be experiencing.
Does Caffeine Raise Blood Pressure?
Several studies show that moderatecaffeine consumptiondoes not appear to increase blood pressure or lead to increased cardiovascular (heart) issues over the long term, even in individuals with hypertension. However, consuming caffeine can impact your blood pressure in the short term.
Short-term Effects
Drinking coffee may slightly increase blood pressure for up to three hours after consumption in people with hypertension.This could lead to cardiovascular problems if you have uncontrolled hypertension.
Individuals who do not usually consume caffeine may also experience a temporary increase in blood pressure after drinking a caffeinated product. However, this effect is typically short-lived.
Long-term Effects
Individuals who regularly consume coffee do not demonstrate the same increase in blood pressure as those who only drink coffee occasionally.This is likely because individuals who routinely consume caffeine develop a tolerance to its effects.
Importantly, long-term and regular consumption of moderate amounts of coffee is not associated with increased cardiovascular problems.The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suggests that consuming up to 400 milligrams of caffeine (up to four or five cups of coffee) per day is likely safe for most adults.
It’s important to be aware of other foods and beverages that might contribute to this daily limit, including caffeinated sodas, chocolate, and tea. Everyone reacts to caffeine differently, andindividual tolerancelevels can vary.
According to the FDA, coffee can be part of a healthy diet.In fact, some studies even suggest that moderate amounts of coffee may be good for your health, lowering your risk of death after a stroke or heart attack.
Struggle With Heart Issues? Drinking Coffee in Moderation Won’t Hurt
What to Avoid When Taking Losartan
Most foods and beverages do not affect losartan. However, it is important to use caution with foods and medications that could affect your potassium levels, including:
Be sure to speak with your healthcare provider before stopping or changing any medications, and let them know if you take any vitamins or herbal supplements.
If your blood pressure is not well-controlled with medication or lifestyle changes, avoid caffeine until it is in a safe range.
Tips on Taking Losartan
Losartan may be taken with or without food. Keep this medication tightly sealed away from children and store it in a cool and dry location.
Be sure to take losartan exactly as prescribed. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, don’t take the missed dose. Just take the next dose at the regular time.
Losartan should be used as part of a comprehensive approach to hypertension management.Diet, exercise, andlifestyle modificationscan also help reduce your blood pressure and improve overall health.
Summary
Most foods and beverages are fine to consume when taking losartan, including coffee.Extensive researchshows that moderate, routine consumption of caffeinated products does not significantly affect blood pressure. However, always talk to your healthcare provider about what you consume, including other medications, supplements, and vitamins.
Coffee and Green Tea May Reduce Death Risk After Stroke or Heart Attack
A Word From Verywell
The right approach to hypertension management will depend on your particular situation, including your past medical history and any other medications you may be taking. If you have concerns about caffeine intake and heart health, talk to your healthcare provider for guidance.
Learn MoreDoes caffeine increase blood pressure?
Your healthcare provider may recommend avoiding foods and medications that affect your potassium levels, including potassium supplements, diuretics, and certain medications. If they recommend a low-salt diet, it’s important to use caution with salt substitutes containing potassium. Discuss any questions you have with your healthcare provider.Learn MoreHypertension Treatment
Your healthcare provider may recommend avoiding foods and medications that affect your potassium levels, including potassium supplements, diuretics, and certain medications. If they recommend a low-salt diet, it’s important to use caution with salt substitutes containing potassium. Discuss any questions you have with your healthcare provider.
Learn MoreHypertension Treatment
Medications like losartan are an essential part of treatment for hypertension. Diet, exercise, lifestyle modifications, and stress reduction can also help.Learn MoreHow long does it take to lower blood pressure?
Medications like losartan are an essential part of treatment for hypertension. Diet, exercise, lifestyle modifications, and stress reduction can also help.
Learn MoreHow long does it take to lower blood pressure?
8 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Mesas AE, Leon-Muñoz LM, Rodriguez-artalejo F, et al.The effect of coffee on blood pressure and cardiovascular disease in hypertensive individuals: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Am J Clin Nutr. 2011;94(4):1113-26. doi:10.3945/ajcn.111.016667MedlinePlus.High blood pressure.Nakagawa, P., Gomez, J., Grobe, J. et al.The renin-angiotensin system in the central nervous system and its role in blood pressure regulation.Current hypertension reports.2020;22(1), 7. doi:10.1007/s11906-019-1011-2U.S. Food and Drug Administration.COZAAR (losartan potassium) tablets, for oral use. [package insert].Surma S, Oparil S.Coffee and arterial hypertension.Curr Hypertens Rep. 2021;23(7):38. doi:10.1007/s11906-021-01156-3Marx B, Scuvée É, Scuvée-moreau J, et al.Mechanisms of caffeine-induced diuresis.Med Sci.2016;32(5):485-90. doi:10.1051/medsci/20163205015U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Spilling the beans: how much caffeine is too much?Teramoto M, Muraki I, Yamagishi K, et al.Green tea and coffee consumption and all-cause mortality among persons with and without stroke or myocardial infarction.Stroke. 2021. doi:10.1161/strokeaha.120.032273
8 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Mesas AE, Leon-Muñoz LM, Rodriguez-artalejo F, et al.The effect of coffee on blood pressure and cardiovascular disease in hypertensive individuals: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Am J Clin Nutr. 2011;94(4):1113-26. doi:10.3945/ajcn.111.016667MedlinePlus.High blood pressure.Nakagawa, P., Gomez, J., Grobe, J. et al.The renin-angiotensin system in the central nervous system and its role in blood pressure regulation.Current hypertension reports.2020;22(1), 7. doi:10.1007/s11906-019-1011-2U.S. Food and Drug Administration.COZAAR (losartan potassium) tablets, for oral use. [package insert].Surma S, Oparil S.Coffee and arterial hypertension.Curr Hypertens Rep. 2021;23(7):38. doi:10.1007/s11906-021-01156-3Marx B, Scuvée É, Scuvée-moreau J, et al.Mechanisms of caffeine-induced diuresis.Med Sci.2016;32(5):485-90. doi:10.1051/medsci/20163205015U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Spilling the beans: how much caffeine is too much?Teramoto M, Muraki I, Yamagishi K, et al.Green tea and coffee consumption and all-cause mortality among persons with and without stroke or myocardial infarction.Stroke. 2021. doi:10.1161/strokeaha.120.032273
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Mesas AE, Leon-Muñoz LM, Rodriguez-artalejo F, et al.The effect of coffee on blood pressure and cardiovascular disease in hypertensive individuals: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Am J Clin Nutr. 2011;94(4):1113-26. doi:10.3945/ajcn.111.016667MedlinePlus.High blood pressure.Nakagawa, P., Gomez, J., Grobe, J. et al.The renin-angiotensin system in the central nervous system and its role in blood pressure regulation.Current hypertension reports.2020;22(1), 7. doi:10.1007/s11906-019-1011-2U.S. Food and Drug Administration.COZAAR (losartan potassium) tablets, for oral use. [package insert].Surma S, Oparil S.Coffee and arterial hypertension.Curr Hypertens Rep. 2021;23(7):38. doi:10.1007/s11906-021-01156-3Marx B, Scuvée É, Scuvée-moreau J, et al.Mechanisms of caffeine-induced diuresis.Med Sci.2016;32(5):485-90. doi:10.1051/medsci/20163205015U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Spilling the beans: how much caffeine is too much?Teramoto M, Muraki I, Yamagishi K, et al.Green tea and coffee consumption and all-cause mortality among persons with and without stroke or myocardial infarction.Stroke. 2021. doi:10.1161/strokeaha.120.032273
Mesas AE, Leon-Muñoz LM, Rodriguez-artalejo F, et al.The effect of coffee on blood pressure and cardiovascular disease in hypertensive individuals: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Am J Clin Nutr. 2011;94(4):1113-26. doi:10.3945/ajcn.111.016667
MedlinePlus.High blood pressure.
Nakagawa, P., Gomez, J., Grobe, J. et al.The renin-angiotensin system in the central nervous system and its role in blood pressure regulation.Current hypertension reports.2020;22(1), 7. doi:10.1007/s11906-019-1011-2
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.COZAAR (losartan potassium) tablets, for oral use. [package insert].
Surma S, Oparil S.Coffee and arterial hypertension.Curr Hypertens Rep. 2021;23(7):38. doi:10.1007/s11906-021-01156-3
Marx B, Scuvée É, Scuvée-moreau J, et al.Mechanisms of caffeine-induced diuresis.Med Sci.2016;32(5):485-90. doi:10.1051/medsci/20163205015
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Spilling the beans: how much caffeine is too much?
Teramoto M, Muraki I, Yamagishi K, et al.Green tea and coffee consumption and all-cause mortality among persons with and without stroke or myocardial infarction.Stroke. 2021. doi:10.1161/strokeaha.120.032273
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