Losartan

Common Brand Name: Cozaar

Drug Information

Medically reviewed by Jessica Swirble, PharmD
Last updated on March 16, 2024

Drug Information | Side Effects | Use & Dosage | Request a Prescription

Drug facts

Brand Name: Cozaar
Generic Name: Losartan
Uses: Treatment for hypertension. Also used to reduce the risk of strokes in patients with hypertension or other heart conditions. May be used to treat kidney disease in patients with type 2 diabetes and a history of high blood pressure.
Drug Class: Angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB)
Availability: Prescription only
Generic Status: Yes
Controlled Substance: No

What is losartan?

Losartan is an ARB medication used alone or in conjunction with other medications to treat high blood pressure. 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).

What conditions does losartan treat?

Losartan is prescribed to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It is also used to help protect the kidneys from damage due to diabetes. It is also used to lower the risk of stroke in patients with hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy.

How does losartan work?

Losartan belongs to a class of medications known as angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). These drugs work by by blocking the action of angiotensin II, a substance in the body that causes blood vessels to narrow, thereby reducing blood pressure and improving blood flow.

How do I take losartan?

Losartan is available as an oral tablet to be taken by mouth.

How long until I feel better?

It can take 3 to 6 weeks before losartan takes effect and begins to lower blood pressure.

High blood pressure does not always cause noticeable symptoms. Therefore, you might not feel the effects of losartan. That doesn’t mean that the medication is not working.

Take losartan for as long as your provider tells you to.

Are there other uses for losartan?

Losartan may be prescribed to treat heart failure in some patients; talk to your healthcare provider about other uses for this medication, if appropriate.

Dosage forms of losartan

Losartan is available as an oral tablet that should be taken by mouth.

Losartan is available in its generic form (as “losartan” or “losartan potassium”) or under the brand name Cozaar.

Losartan is only available via prescription. You must have a written prescription from a licensed healthcare provider to obtain this medication.