What effect can dehydration have on a patient taking Losartan?

Dehydration can significantly impact patients taking Losartan, primarily due to the medication's mechanism of action as an angiotensin receptor blocker. When a patient is dehydrated, their blood volume decreases. This reduction in blood volume can lead to lower blood pressure, which may result in increased dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when standing up (orthostatic hypotension).

Therefore, patients who are already on Losartan, which is used to manage hypertension, may experience worsened dizziness or lightheadedness when dehydrated. The combination of low hydration levels and the blood pressure-lowering effects of Losartan can exacerbate these symptoms, potentially placing the patient at greater risk for falls or other complications. Thus, awareness of hydration status is essential for safely managing treatment with Losartan.