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What Causes Increased BUN Levels While On Losartan?

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Posted on Wed, 28 Oct 2015
Question: I am a 77 yr old man,of XXXXXXX decent suffering from mild high blood pressure (140/70) among a few other diseases associated with advancing years> However I was prescribed potassium losartan (25mg) by a Arnp at my home>I consulted my PCP about the advisability of taking a sixth medication for a condition which is being monitored by my MD on a regular quarterly basis>All is fine except that my Bun usually at 13 now spikes up at 29>Losartan is the only addition to my treatment plan>I believe that this new medication is responsible for the increase >When the question was posed to my MD his response was not definitive as to whether I should cease taking the medication or not except to say that the measurement of BUN was not relevant>What does he mean?I asked but no definitive answer>Please help>>XXXX
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Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Following advice...

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you for asking!
I read your query and understood your concerns.

The increase in BUN is a side effect of Losartan use. Losartan is a preparation on the ARB group which has as a side effect an increase on BUN and creatinine levels.

However the increase in BUN is within the normal parameters. Another important parameters is creatinine. As long as your creatinine levels will be below 3 mg/dl you should continue losartan. Otherwise you should stop it and discus with a nephrologist.

Hope this was of help!
Wish you health!
Dr. Shehu
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Dr. Benard Shehu

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Practicing since :2004

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What Causes Increased BUN Levels While On Losartan?

Brief Answer: Following advice... Detailed Answer: Hi and thank you for asking! I read your query and understood your concerns. The increase in BUN is a side effect of Losartan use. Losartan is a preparation on the ARB group which has as a side effect an increase on BUN and creatinine levels. However the increase in BUN is within the normal parameters. Another important parameters is creatinine. As long as your creatinine levels will be below 3 mg/dl you should continue losartan. Otherwise you should stop it and discus with a nephrologist. Hope this was of help! Wish you health! Dr. Shehu