What is losartan?
Losartan (generic Cozaar) is a prescription medication used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It is also used to reduce the risk of stroke in patients who have high blood pressure or heart conditions. Losartan is also used to treat kidney damage due to diabetes (diabetic nephropathy).
Losartan belongs to a group of drugs called angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). It works by relaxing blood vessels, which helps the heart pump blood more easily.
High blood pressure is a common but serious disease. When not treated, it can lead to serious complications such as heart disease, heart attacks, kidney failure, loss of vision, strokes, and more. While medications such as Losartan are effective in helping lower blood pressure, doctors often prescribe these medicines alongside recommended lifestyle changes, like improving your diet, increasing your exercise, and abstaining from alcohol and tobacco.