Can Losartan Cause Tinnitus? Understanding the Risk and What to Do

October 8, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) drug label, tinnitus is a reported, albeit less common, adverse reaction associated with Losartan use. If you are taking Losartan and have noticed a persistent ringing, buzzing, or clicking in your ears, it is crucial to understand the potential link and discuss your symptoms with a healthcare provider.

Quick Summary

Tinnitus is a reported side effect of Losartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker used for hypertension. While uncommon, its occurrence warrants medical evaluation to distinguish it from other causes and explore management options. Some evidence suggests the risk may increase when combined with diuretics, though more research is needed to understand the exact mechanism.

Key Points

Tinnitus is a reported side effect of Losartan: The FDA and other medical information sources confirm that tinnitus is a less common adverse reaction associated with Losartan.
Talk to your doctor first: Never stop taking Losartan or any blood pressure medication abruptly due to tinnitus without consulting a healthcare professional.
Combination with diuretics may increase risk: Some evidence suggests the risk of tinnitus with Losartan may be higher when taken concurrently with diuretics.
Hypertension itself can cause tinnitus: Tinnitus can also be a symptom of high blood pressure or fluctuations, not just the medication.
Alternative medications are available: If Losartan is confirmed to be the cause, other ARBs or different classes of blood pressure drugs may offer lower tinnitus risk.
Evaluation for other causes is important: A hearing evaluation by an audiologist can help rule out other contributing factors like noise exposure or hearing loss.

What is Losartan and Why is it Prescribed?

Losartan, often sold under the brand name Cozaar, is a prescription medication belonging to a class of drugs known as angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). It is primarily used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) but is also prescribed to reduce the risk of stroke in patients with hypertension and an enlarged heart, and to protect the kidneys of patients with type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. Losartan works by blocking the action of a chemical in the body that constricts blood vessels, allowing them to relax and widen. This action lowers blood pressure, improving blood flow throughout the body.

The Reported Link Between Losartan and Tinnitus

Tinnitus, characterized by a phantom ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in the ears, can be a distressing condition. For individuals taking Losartan, there is indeed a reported connection. The FDA drug label for Losartan explicitly lists tinnitus as a potential adverse reaction under "Ear and Labyrinth Disorders". However, it is important to note that this is considered a less common side effect. This means it affects a smaller percentage of individuals compared to more frequent side effects like dizziness or respiratory infections. Case reports and patient experiences also corroborate this link, with some users reporting the onset of tinnitus after beginning Losartan treatment.

Potential Mechanisms Behind Drug-Induced Tinnitus

While the exact mechanism by which Losartan could cause tinnitus is not fully understood, there are several theories related to its class of drugs and the body's cardiovascular system.

Ototoxicity: Some medications are known to be ototoxic, meaning they can damage the inner ear's sensory cells responsible for hearing and balance. The link between many blood pressure medications and ototoxicity is an area of ongoing research.
Vascular Changes: Losartan affects blood pressure and vessel health. Since the inner ear contains delicate blood vessels, any medication that alters blood flow could theoretically influence auditory function. A sudden drop in blood pressure, which can occur when starting a new medication, is known to correlate with tinnitus onset in some hypertensive patients.
Combination Therapies: Some reports suggest the incidence of tinnitus with ARBs like Losartan may be more prominent when taken in combination with diuretics. Many patients with hypertension take a combination of medications, making it difficult to pinpoint the exact cause without a full medical review.

What to Do If You Experience Tinnitus on Losartan

If you believe Losartan is causing or worsening your tinnitus, it is essential to take a proactive and cautious approach. Here are the steps you should take:

Do not stop taking Losartan on your own: Abruptly discontinuing your medication, especially for high blood pressure, can lead to serious health complications. Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your treatment plan.
Document your symptoms: Keep a detailed log of when the tinnitus started, its severity, and any other symptoms you are experiencing. This information can be valuable for your doctor in making a diagnosis.
Talk to your healthcare provider: Schedule an appointment to discuss your concerns. Your doctor can assess your blood pressure, review your medication, and evaluate potential alternatives.
Undergo a hearing evaluation: A hearing specialist (audiologist) can perform tests to rule out other causes of tinnitus, such as age-related hearing loss or noise exposure.
Discuss alternative medications: If the link is established, your doctor may consider switching you to another blood pressure medication. Studies have shown that some other ARBs may have a lower risk of tinnitus, or that alternative classes of medications could be explored.

Comparing Losartan and Other Blood Pressure Medications for Tinnitus Risk

When considering alternatives, it is helpful to compare Losartan with other classes of blood pressure medications and their associated tinnitus risk. This table summarizes potential links based on medical literature, but individual reactions can vary.


Medication Class	Example(s)	Tinnitus Risk (General)	Notes
Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs)	Losartan, Valsartan	Generally lower than some other classes.	Case reports link Losartan and some other ARBs to tinnitus, especially when combined with diuretics.
ACE Inhibitors	Lisinopril, Enalapril	Higher risk reported.	More commonly associated with tinnitus and ototoxicity.
Diuretics	Hydrochlorothiazide	Higher risk reported.	Often cited as a common contributor, with some studies suggesting a higher incidence of tinnitus in patients using diuretics.
Calcium Channel Blockers	Amlodipine, Diltiazem	Associated with tinnitus risk.	Known to cause or exacerbate tinnitus in some individuals.

Potential Confounding Factors and Evaluation

It is crucial to remember that hypertension itself can contribute to tinnitus. High blood pressure affects the blood vessels, including those in the ear, and fluctuations can sometimes cause this ringing sensation. Therefore, if tinnitus appears around the same time as starting a blood pressure medication, it's not always clear if the medication or the underlying hypertension is the primary cause. An experienced healthcare provider must conduct a thorough evaluation to help determine the most likely cause. This may include reviewing other health conditions and medications, as many factors can contribute to tinnitus.

Conclusion: Navigating Treatment and Side Effects

Yes, Losartan can cause tinnitus, although it is considered a less common side effect. The benefits of controlling high blood pressure, a serious and life-threatening condition, generally outweigh the risks of a side effect like tinnitus. However, this does not mean the symptom should be ignored. For any patient experiencing new or worsening tinnitus while on Losartan, the most important step is to openly communicate with their doctor. Together, you can weigh the risks and benefits, evaluate the symptoms, and explore potential alternatives or management strategies to ensure both your cardiovascular health and quality of life are maintained. For more information and resources on tinnitus management, the American Tinnitus Association (ATA) is a valuable resource.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, tinnitus is considered a less common side effect of Losartan. While listed on the official drug label, it affects a smaller percentage of patients compared to more frequent side effects like dizziness.

You should contact your doctor immediately. Do not stop taking your medication on your own. Your doctor can help determine if Losartan is the cause and discuss alternative treatment options.

In many cases of medication-induced tinnitus, the symptoms resolve or decrease after the medication is stopped or the dose is adjusted. However, the permanence of the condition can vary by individual and requires medical evaluation.

Yes, high blood pressure itself can be a cause of tinnitus due to its effects on blood vessels in the ear. It is important for your doctor to evaluate whether the medication or the underlying condition is the more likely cause.

Some research suggests that other ARBs may carry a similar or potentially lower risk, but reports of tinnitus have been associated with some ARBs. Discussing alternative ARBs with your doctor is a valid approach if Losartan is identified as the cause.

Treatment typically involves working with your doctor to manage the underlying cause. If Losartan is identified, your doctor may adjust your dose or switch you to a different medication. There are also tinnitus management techniques, such as sound therapy or counseling, that may help.

Yes, Losartan is sometimes prescribed with a diuretic. Some reports indicate that the combination of ARBs and diuretics may be associated with a higher risk of tinnitus than ARBs alone.