Can I take Tylenol with Losartan?: A Guide to Safety and Medication Interactions

October 9, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 70% of people with high blood pressure use at least one over-the-counter medication in addition to their prescription drugs. A common question is, “Can I take Tylenol with Losartan?” Fortunately, plain Tylenol, which contains acetaminophen, is generally considered safe to take with the blood pressure medication Losartan, but there are important considerations regarding other over-the-counter options.

Quick Summary

Losartan and plain Tylenol (acetaminophen) do not have any known interactions and are generally safe to combine. However, be cautious with multi-symptom Tylenol products and avoid NSAIDs like ibuprofen, which can reduce Losartan's effectiveness.

Key Points

Generally Safe: Plain Tylenol (acetaminophen) has no known interaction with Losartan and is considered safe for most users.
Avoid NSAIDs: Pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve) should be avoided as they can reduce Losartan's effectiveness and harm kidney function.
Check Combination Products: Multi-symptom Tylenol products (e.g., Cold & Flu, Sinus) may contain other ingredients like decongestants that can increase blood pressure.
Beware of Potassium: Losartan can increase potassium levels, so avoid potassium supplements or salt substitutes unless advised by your doctor.
Consult a Professional: Always talk to your healthcare provider or a pharmacist before taking any new over-the-counter medication, especially if you have chronic health conditions.
Monitor for Hyperkalemia: Be aware of symptoms of high potassium, such as irregular heartbeat or weakness, which can occur with Losartan.

Understanding Losartan and Tylenol (Acetaminophen)

Before combining any medications, it is crucial to understand what they do. Losartan is a prescription medication belonging to a class of drugs called Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs). It works by blocking the action of a chemical that narrows blood vessels, which in turn relaxes and widens the vessels, allowing blood to flow more smoothly and lowering blood pressure. It is primarily used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and to protect the kidneys in people with diabetes.

Tylenol, with its active ingredient acetaminophen, is a widely used over-the-counter pain reliever and fever reducer. Unlike Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen, acetaminophen does not work by reducing inflammation. This is a key distinction that explains why it is often a safer choice for individuals on certain long-term medications, like Losartan.

Is it Safe to Take Losartan and Tylenol Together?

The short answer is yes, it is generally considered safe to take plain Tylenol with Losartan. Reputable drug interaction checkers, such as Drugs.com, have found no known interactions between the active ingredients of losartan and acetaminophen. This is good news for those needing occasional relief from headaches, minor aches, or fever while managing their blood pressure.

Why Tylenol is Safer Than NSAIDs with Losartan

While acetaminophen is a safe pain-relief option for Losartan users, NSAIDs like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve) pose a risk. Here’s why:

Impact on Blood Pressure: NSAIDs can cause the body to retain sodium and water, which can increase blood pressure. This effect can directly counteract the blood pressure-lowering purpose of Losartan, making the medication less effective.
Risk of Kidney Damage: The combination of Losartan and NSAIDs can increase the risk of acute kidney injury, especially with prolonged use. Losartan itself works within the renal system, and when coupled with the effects of NSAIDs, the strain on the kidneys can become problematic.

Important Considerations for Combination Tylenol Products

While plain Tylenol is safe, it is vital to check the active ingredients of combination products, as they may not be. For example, some multi-symptom cold and flu medications that contain Tylenol also include decongestants like pseudoephedrine. Decongestants can increase blood pressure and heart rate, which is a concern for individuals with hypertension.

Always read the label carefully and look for additional active ingredients. Some common Tylenol combinations to be aware of include:

Tylenol Cold & Flu Severe: Contains acetaminophen, a cough suppressant, an expectorant, and a decongestant.
Tylenol Sinus Maximum Strength: Contains acetaminophen and a decongestant.
Tylenol PM: Contains acetaminophen and diphenhydramine, a sedative. Diphenhydramine can cause an additive blood pressure-lowering effect when combined with Losartan, leading to dizziness or lightheadedness.

To be safe, always consult with your pharmacist or doctor before taking any multi-symptom or combination products if you are on Losartan.

Other Drug and Lifestyle Interactions with Losartan

Beyond pain relievers, Losartan has other known interactions that patients should be aware of:

Potassium Supplements and Salt Substitutes: Losartan can cause increased potassium levels in the blood (hyperkalemia). Combining it with potassium supplements or salt substitutes, which often contain potassium chloride, can lead to dangerously high potassium levels. Signs of hyperkalemia can include weakness, irregular heartbeats, or confusion.
Grapefruit: Some patients might experience a decrease in the efficacy of losartan due to grapefruit juice. While not all individuals are affected, it is best to discuss grapefruit consumption with your doctor.

Making a Safe Choice: Tylenol vs. NSAIDs for Losartan Users

To simplify the decision, here is a comparison of pain relief options for someone taking Losartan.


Feature	Plain Tylenol (Acetaminophen)	NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Naproxen)
Losartan Interaction	None known; generally safe.	Significant risk of interaction; reduces Losartan's effectiveness and affects kidneys.
Effect on Blood Pressure	Minimal effect on blood pressure at standard uses.	Can increase blood pressure due to fluid retention.
Kidney Risk	Low risk for individuals with healthy kidney function when used as directed.	Increased risk of acute kidney injury, especially with frequent use.
Primary Function	Pain reliever and fever reducer.	Pain reliever, fever reducer, and anti-inflammatory.
Best for Losartan Users?	Yes, for occasional pain and fever.	No, should be avoided unless directed by a doctor.

Conclusion: Your Safest Path

For individuals on Losartan, plain Tylenol (acetaminophen) is a safe and effective option for addressing minor aches, pains, and fever, as it does not interfere with the blood pressure medication. However, extreme caution should be exercised with combination cold and flu medications, which may contain ingredients like decongestants that can raise blood pressure. The most important takeaway is to avoid NSAIDs like ibuprofen, which pose a significant risk of reducing Losartan's effectiveness and damaging the kidneys. Always review all ingredients of any over-the-counter medication you plan to take and consult with your healthcare provider or pharmacist to ensure it is the right choice for your specific health needs. For more detailed information on drug interactions, always refer to an official source like Drugs.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, plain Tylenol (acetaminophen) is generally considered safe to take with Losartan, as there are no known interactions between the two medications.

You should avoid Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve), especially with long-term use, as they can reduce Losartan's effectiveness and impact kidney function.

Not all of them. Combination products like Tylenol Cold & Flu Severe or Tylenol Sinus may contain decongestants (e.g., pseudoephedrine) that can increase blood pressure. Always read the label and consult a healthcare provider.

Yes, you can typically take plain Tylenol (acetaminophen) for a headache while on Losartan. However, if your headache is related to your blood pressure, you should speak with your doctor.

Yes, Losartan can interact with foods that are high in potassium or with potassium supplements. You should also be cautious with grapefruit juice, which can potentially affect the medication's efficacy.

The risks include reduced effectiveness of your Losartan medication and an increased risk of kidney damage, especially with frequent or chronic use.

Losartan can cause an increase in potassium levels in your blood (hyperkalemia). Excess potassium can lead to serious heart problems, so supplements or potassium-containing salt substitutes should be avoided.

Yes, you should always inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, including any over-the-counter pain relievers, vitamins, and herbal supplements, to ensure they are safe.