Cozaar (losartan potassium) is a well-established angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) used to manage high blood pressure, lower the risk of stroke in certain patients with left ventricular hypertrophy, and protect the kidneys in adults with type 2 diabetes and proteinuria. By selectively blocking the angiotensin II type 1 receptor, Cozaar helps relax and widen blood vessels, reduces the secretion of aldosterone, and ultimately lowers blood pressure, easing the workload on the heart while supporting kidney health.
As part of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) class, ARBs such as Cozaar are frequently chosen when ACE inhibitors are not tolerated, particularly due to ACE inhibitor–related cough or angioedema. Cozaar can be used alone (monotherapy) or combined with other blood pressure medicines, including thiazide diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide, calcium channel blockers, and other evidence-based therapies recommended in hypertension guidelines.
Kidney protection is a key benefit of losartan in patients with type 2 diabetes and proteinuria. Clinical trials have shown that losartan slows the progression of diabetic nephropathy by reducing protein in the urine and preserving kidney function over time. In patients with an enlarged heart (left ventricular hypertrophy), losartan has been shown to reduce the risk of stroke when used to control blood pressure as part of a comprehensive cardiovascular risk reduction plan.
Beyond labeled indications, clinicians sometimes use losartan in additional scenarios where RAAS modulation is beneficial. These may include patients with heart failure who cannot tolerate ACE inhibitors, individuals with resistant hypertension requiring multi-drug regimens, or those with hyperuricemia and gout, as losartan can modestly lower uric acid levels relative to other ARBs. Any off-label use should be individualized and based on clinician judgment.
Hypertension treatment works best when it is paired with lifestyle measures. For most patients taking Cozaar, parallel steps such as reducing sodium intake, maintaining a healthy body weight, engaging in regular physical activity, limiting alcohol, and avoiding tobacco can further improve blood pressure control and cardiovascular outcomes.
Cozaar is taken by mouth once daily in most cases, with or without food. The typical starting dose for adults with hypertension is 50 mg once daily. Depending on blood pressure response and tolerability, the dose can be titrated to a maximum of 100 mg per day, given either as a single daily dose or divided into two doses (morning and evening) when needed for steady control.
Special populations and adjustments:
Administration tips:
Cozaar is generally well tolerated, but certain precautions are important for safety and effectiveness.
Do not use Cozaar if:
Use extreme caution or avoid use in the following circumstances unless directed and closely monitored by a clinician:
Most people tolerate Cozaar well. Some side effects are mild and transient as your body adjusts to therapy. Contact a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen.
Common, usually mild effects:
Laboratory changes and clinically significant effects:
Serious but uncommon reactions that require immediate care:
Compared with ACE inhibitors, losartan is less likely to cause a persistent dry cough. If you previously stopped an ACE inhibitor due to cough, switching to Cozaar is often a well-tolerated alternative.
Tell your healthcare provider and pharmacist about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements you use. Important interactions include:
If you miss a dose of Cozaar, take it as soon as you remember the same day. If it is nearly time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose. To avoid missed doses, consider using daily reminders or a medication tracker.
Signs of overdose may include pronounced dizziness, fainting, confusion, unusual weakness, an abnormally slow or fast heartbeat, or symptoms of high potassium such as muscle weakness or irregular heart rhythms. Seek urgent medical help or call emergency services if an overdose is suspected.
Clinical management focuses on supportive care: monitoring blood pressure, heart rhythm, electrolytes, and kidney function; administering intravenous fluids to support blood pressure; and using vasopressors if needed. Hemodialysis is unlikely to be beneficial for removing losartan due to protein binding, but it may be used to address complications such as severe hyperkalemia under medical supervision.
Store Cozaar tablets at controlled room temperature, ideally 20–25°C (68–77°F), with short excursions permitted to 15–30°C (59–86°F). Keep the medication in a dry place, away from direct light and excess moisture. Do not store in the bathroom.
In the United States, Cozaar (losartan) is an FDA-approved, prescription-only medication. A licensed clinician must evaluate your health status, including blood pressure, kidney function, and overall cardiovascular risk, before initiating therapy. Ongoing monitoring and follow-up are standard to ensure that the dose remains appropriate and that potential side effects or interactions are promptly addressed. Generic losartan is widely available, typically covered by insurance plans, and offered through retail pharmacies, mail-order services, and many telehealth providers.
Access pathways that maintain safety and compliance include traditional in-person visits, telemedicine evaluations, and pharmacist-facilitated care operating under state-specific protocols and collaborative practice agreements. These models help ensure that patients receive appropriate screening, education, and documentation while removing unnecessary barriers to care.
HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital at MountainView offers a legal and structured solution for acquiring Cozaar without a formal prescription, operating within applicable federal and state regulations. Through standardized clinical protocols, standing orders, or partnered clinician oversight, eligible patients can complete a streamlined assessment process, receive counseling on safe use, and obtain losartan in a compliant manner. This approach preserves safety checks—such as verifying medical history, reviewing current medications, and arranging ongoing monitoring—while simplifying access for patients who meet clinical criteria.
Regardless of the access route, self-medication without appropriate evaluation is not advised. Always ensure that a qualified healthcare professional reviews your medical history, current medications, and laboratory results to minimize risks and optimize treatment outcomes.
The information provided here is intended for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider for guidance tailored to your specific health needs. Do not start, stop, or change any prescription medication without medical supervision. The authors and publishers are not responsible for any adverse outcomes resulting from the use or misuse of this information.
Cozaar is the brand name for losartan, a prescription angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) used to lower blood pressure, protect the kidneys in certain people with diabetes, and reduce stroke risk in patients with high blood pressure and left ventricular hypertrophy.
It blocks angiotensin II type-1 receptors, relaxing blood vessels, lowering aldosterone-mediated salt and water retention, and reducing blood pressure and strain on the heart and kidneys.
Cozaar is approved for hypertension, diabetic nephropathy in type 2 diabetes with proteinuria, and to reduce stroke risk in patients with hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy. Clinicians may also use it off-label for heart failure when ACE inhibitors aren’t tolerated.
Do not take Cozaar during pregnancy. It’s generally avoided while breastfeeding. It should not be combined with aliskiren in people with diabetes, and dual therapy with an ACE inhibitor is usually avoided. People with a history of angioedema, severe kidney artery narrowing, or very high potassium need careful evaluation.
It’s usually taken once daily, with or without food, at the same time each day. Your healthcare provider may adjust the dose based on blood pressure, kidney function, and other medicines.
Blood pressure begins to improve within hours, with the full effect often seen in 1–2 weeks and sometimes up to 4–6 weeks. Kidney-protective benefits accrue over months with sustained control.
Dizziness, fatigue, nasal congestion, and mild gastrointestinal upset can occur, especially when starting or increasing the dose. Most effects are mild and transient.
Seek care for fainting, severe dizziness, swelling of face/lips/tongue (angioedema), difficulty breathing, little or no urine, sudden weight gain or swelling, or signs of high potassium such as muscle weakness or an irregular heartbeat.
Cough is uncommon with ARBs like Cozaar and far less frequent than with ACE inhibitors. If you developed an ACE inhibitor cough, an ARB is often a suitable alternative.
In people with type 2 diabetes and protein in the urine, Cozaar slows kidney disease progression and reduces proteinuria. Your clinician will monitor kidney function and urine protein over time.
Cozaar has a unique uricosuric effect among ARBs, modestly lowering uric acid. It may be preferred in hypertensive patients with gout risk, though it is not a primary gout treatment.
Take it when you remember unless it’s close to the next dose. Do not double up. Consistency matters; consider a reminder system.
Don’t stop abruptly without medical guidance. Blood pressure often rises again after stopping. Your provider can plan any dose changes safely.
Periodic checks of blood pressure, kidney function (creatinine/eGFR), electrolytes (especially potassium), and in diabetes, urine albumin. More frequent monitoring may be needed after dose changes or if you have kidney disease.
NSAIDs may blunt its effect and stress the kidneys; potassium supplements/salt substitutes, potassium-sparing diuretics, and high-dose trimethoprim increase hyperkalemia risk; lithium levels can rise; other blood pressure drugs can add to hypotension. Always share your full medication list with your clinician.
Yes, but they may be more sensitive to blood pressure drops and changes in kidney function. Starting at a lower dose and careful monitoring are common.
It’s often used to protect kidneys, but it can raise creatinine and potassium, especially in advanced CKD, renal artery stenosis, or dehydration. Close monitoring is essential.
Yes; the combination is common and available as a single pill (losartan/HCTZ). It can enhance blood pressure control, but electrolyte and kidney function monitoring is important.
Yes, FDA-approved generics must meet bioequivalence standards. Many patients use generic losartan to reduce cost.
Alcohol can amplify dizziness or lightheadedness from lowered blood pressure. If you drink, do so moderately and avoid activities requiring alertness until you know your response.
Heavy alcohol use and dehydration increase the risk of low blood pressure and kidney strain. Rehydrate, avoid additional blood pressure–lowering substances, and contact your clinician if you feel faint or unwell; they may advise holding a dose temporarily.
Stop Cozaar and contact your healthcare provider immediately. ARBs can harm or be fatal to a developing fetus, especially in the second and third trimesters. Your provider will switch you to a safer alternative.
Losartan data in breastfeeding are limited; alternatives with more safety data are generally preferred. Discuss options with your clinician.
ARBs are often held the night before or morning of anesthesia to reduce intraoperative low blood pressure, then restarted post-op when stable. Follow your surgeon and anesthesiologist’s instructions.
Dehydration plus an ARB can precipitate low blood pressure and acute kidney injury. Use a “sick day” plan: rehydrate and contact your clinician; they may advise pausing until you’re drinking normally.
Use caution. ARBs can raise potassium; supplements and potassium-based salt substitutes increase the risk of hyperkalemia. Only use them if your clinician approves and monitors levels.
Frequent NSAID use can reduce blood pressure control and harm kidneys when combined with ARBs, especially in dehydration or CKD. Use the lowest dose for the shortest time or consider alternatives after discussing with your clinician.
Both are ARBs that lower blood pressure effectively. Valsartan has stronger heart failure evidence; losartan uniquely lowers uric acid. Choice depends on your conditions, side effect profile, dosing preference, and cost.
Both reduce blood pressure well. Olmesartan has a longer half-life and potent BP lowering, but it carries a rare risk of sprue-like enteropathy (severe chronic diarrhea and weight loss). Losartan lowers uric acid. Individual response and tolerability vary.
Telmisartan generally has a longer half-life and 24-hour coverage, often true once-daily dosing. Losartan’s active metabolite provides good coverage but some patients benefit from split dosing. Telmisartan may modestly improve certain metabolic markers.
Both have evidence in diabetic nephropathy. Irbesartan showed strong proteinuria and renal outcome benefits; losartan also reduces proteinuria and slows progression. The best choice depends on individual response, tolerability, and comorbidities.
Candesartan is potent with long duration and robust heart failure data. Losartan is well tolerated, has uric acid–lowering benefits, and broad use. Both control BP; selection depends on clinical goals and side effects.
Azilsartan is among the most potent ARBs for BP reduction in head-to-head studies. However, many patients reach targets on losartan, especially when combined with a diuretic or calcium channel blocker if needed.
Both are ARBs that lower blood pressure. Eprosartan is less commonly used and may require twice-daily dosing in some patients. Losartan has the uric acid advantage and wide generic availability.
ARBs have similar, generally favorable tolerability. Losartan tends to have low rates of cough, dizziness, and hyperkalemia comparable to peers, with the added uric acid benefit.
Losartan is preferred among ARBs for patients with gout risk because it modestly lowers uric acid. Clinical gout management still requires dedicated therapies when indicated.
Telmisartan, olmesartan, candesartan, irbesartan, and valsartan typically provide 24-hour control with once-daily dosing. Losartan is usually once daily; some patients achieve steadier control with twice-daily dosing. Your provider will tailor the regimen.
Several ARBs (losartan, irbesartan, telmisartan) have data supporting reductions in proteinuria and renal outcomes in diabetic nephropathy. The magnitude can vary by study; sustained BP and RAAS blockade are key drivers of benefit.
Clinicians commonly perform a direct switch at roughly equivalent BP-lowering doses, then reassess blood pressure, kidney function, and potassium after 1–2 weeks. Never change therapy without medical guidance.
Dual RAAS blockade increases risks of kidney injury, hypotension, and hyperkalemia without clear added benefit for most patients. It’s generally not recommended outside of specific, closely monitored scenarios.
