Losartan (Cozaar) is advised for the treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension). It is also used to help protect the kidneys from damage due to diabetes, according to WebMD.
By controlling blood pressure, losartan lowers the risk of strokes and heart attack in patients with hypertension. Managing your high blood pressure also helps prevent chronic kidney disease.
Dosage
For hypertension, the usual starting dose of losartan is 50 mg once daily. The dose can be increased to a maximum dose of 100 mg once daily under the supervision of a doctor. Doctors may advise a starting dose of losartan 25 mg to patients with possible intravascular depletion. As far pediatric dosage is concerned, check with a doctor because the dosage depends on the weight.
In hypertensive patients with left ventricular hypertrophy and diabetic nephropathy, the recommended dose of losartan is 50 mg once daily. However, patients with liver dysfunction are advised losartan 25 mg once daily.
Mechanism of Action
Losartan is an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB). Angiotensin II, which is formed from angiotensin I, is a powerful vasoconstrictor, an important component in the pathophysiology of hypertension, according to RxList. Losartan blocks the vasoconstrictor effects of angiotensin II. In simple words, the drug works by relaxing blood vessels so that blood can flow more easily, per WebMD.
Side Effects
Common side effects of losartan may include dizziness or lightheadedness. These effects subside as the body adjusts to the drug. If any of these side effects persist or worsen, check your doctor immediately. You can prevent the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness by getting up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position, according to WebMD.
Get immediate medical attention if you experience serious side effects of losartan such as fainting, muscle weakness, slow or irregular heartbeat. The drug may also cause kidney problems, which is why doctors will order regular kidney function tests during treatment. Immediately see your doctor if your experience any changes in the amount of urine.
Precautions
Before prescribing losartan, your doctor will ask you about any drug allergies, medical conditions, and the treatments you are undergoing. Tell your doctor your medical history, especially if you have liver disease and dehydration (severe loss of body fluids).
Losartan may make you dizzy or drowsy so avoid alcohol that can make you more drowsy. More importantly, stay away from driving, using machinery, or do things that need your alertness. This high blood pressure drug may increase your potassium levels so check with your doctor before using any potassium supplements.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Cozaar in March 2003. Merck & Co. received the FDA approval for the use of Cozaar. However, generic losartan is available.
Manufacturers such as Alembic Pharmaceuticals, Aurobindo Pharma, Hetero Labs Ltd., Ipca Laboratories, Jubilant Cadista, Lupin, Macleods Pharmaceuticals, Micro Labs, Prinston, Sandoz, and Zydus Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. develop generic losartan tablets.
The lowest price for the most common version of generic losartan is around $8.51, 73% cheaper than the branded version that may cost you $32.65, according to GoodRx.
