Can you take Losartan in the morning and Amlodipine at night?

In this article, we will discuss taking Losartan in the morning and Amlodipine at night – both of which are antihypertensive agents used to manage high blood pressure and heart rate. We will also discuss some research studies and what one should do to ensure safe and effective use. 

Can you take Losartan in the morning and Amlodipine at night?

Yes, you can take Losartan in the morning and Amlodipine at night. Both Losartan and Amlodipine are antihypertensive medications, with Losartan being an angiotensin receptor blocker and Amlodipine a calcium channel blocker (1,2). 

These medications should only be taken when prescribed by a doctor. It is generally okay to take these medications on the same day and it’s quite common for people with high blood pressure to take more than one medication to keep it under control. 

The timing of when you take these medications can vary. Some doctors recommend taking them at the same time, while others suggest spacing them out, one in the morning and one at night. The choice often depends on the specific doses you’re prescribed and your overall health condition. 

It’s important to note that some doctors recommend taking Losartan at night, especially when you’re new to this medication. The reason is that Losartan can sometimes cause dizziness in certain individuals, especially when they first start taking it (3). 

This dizziness can make it unsuitable to take in the morning when you need to be alert and active. Furthermore, your doctor might add more medications to your treatment regimen, like a statin to manage your cholesterol levels and a blood thinner, if you’re at a higher risk of heart attacks. 

What does research suggest?

Several research studies have indicated that a combination of antihypertensives, taken either together or at separate times, can be more beneficial in managing hypertension as compared to monotherapy – especially in people with conditions like coronary artery disease. 

A 2011 study found that a combination of Amlodipine and Losartan (5/50 mg) was more effective in lowering systolic blood pressure (SBP) in stage 2 hypertensive patients compared to Amlodipine alone after 6 weeks of treatment (4). 

Patients on the combination showed a quicker response, with significantly more achieving SBP < 140 mmHg by Week 2, and similar results continued in Weeks 6 and 8. Both treatments were generally well tolerated (4).

These findings support recommendations for early combination therapy in stage 2 hypertension, aligning with guidelines from various medical societies. 

Combining Amlodipine and Losartan is a common approach for hypertension, and this study confirms its effectiveness in stage 2 hypertension. Regarding side effects, there were no significant differences in adverse events between the two treatment groups. 

Most side effects were mild, with a few considered moderate. Dizziness, headache, somnolence, hot flush, and peripheral edema were among the commonly reported side effects (4). 

A 2017 study indicated that the combination of Losartan and Amlodipine can not only manage blood pressure effectively but can also manage uric acid levels – which reduces metabolic risk in patients with hypertension (5).

Potential side effects of taking Losartan in the morning and Amlodipine at night

Taking Losartan in the morning and Amlodipine at night does not cause any significant interaction, as these meds can be used in combination at the same time and spacing them out can further decrease the chances of side effects. However, some people may experience side effects, including: (3,6)

• Nausea
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Hot flushes
• Sleepiness 
• Stomach pain
• Bloating 
• Constipation – more common with Amlodipine

How to ensure the proper use of Losartan in the morning and Amlodipine at night?

Some important points to ensure the proper use of Losartan in the morning and Amlodipine at night include:

• Always take these medications exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
• If you tend to forget, use alarms or reminders on your phone to ensure you take Losartan in the morning and Amlodipine at night. 
• Try to take them at the same time every day. This helps maintain stable blood pressure control. 
• If you accidentally miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s close to the next scheduled dose, skip the missed one.
• Pay attention to how your body reacts. If you experience any unusual symptoms or side effects, contact your doctor.
• If taking Losartan in the morning causes dizziness, talk to your doctor about changing the time.
• Never change the dosage or stop taking these medications without consulting your healthcare provider.
• Attend follow-up appointments with your doctor to monitor your blood pressure and ensure the effectiveness of the treatment.

Remember, safe and effective use of medications is an important key to achieving your desired therapeutic outcome. 

Conclusion

In this article, we have discussed the use of Losartan in the morning and Amlodipine at night. We have also discussed some research studies and some tips to ensure the safe and effective use of these two meds together. 

References