Losartan Tablets (Generic for Cozaar®) for Hypertension

What Losartan Is and How It Works

Losartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) used to lower blood pressure and protect the kidneys in type 2 diabetes with protein in the urine. It is taken by mouth once daily, most often as losartan 50 mg or 100 mg tablets. YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy in Manitoba, and prescriptions are reviewed by licensed pharmacists before dispensing. We also partner with vetted international pharmacies to supply authentic brand medicines and a wide range of options at fair prices.

By blocking angiotensin II at the AT1 receptor, losartan relaxes blood vessels and reduces aldosterone effects. This lowers vascular resistance and helps the heart work with less strain. It is approved for hypertension in adults and for reducing the risk of stroke in certain hypertensive patients with left ventricular hypertrophy. It is also used to slow kidney disease in adults with type 2 diabetes and hypertension who have proteinuria.

Losartan is available as film‑coated tablets in multiple strengths. The most common dosing schedule is once daily, with or without food. Dose adjustments depend on response, kidney function, liver function, and concurrent medications. A healthcare professional sets the plan and monitors labs.

Dosage and Usage

• Hypertension (adults): Typical starting dose is 50 mg once daily. Dose may increase to 100 mg once daily based on blood pressure response.
• Volume depletion or liver impairment: Consider 25 mg once daily as a starting dose.
• Diabetic nephropathy (adults): Often start at 50 mg once daily and increase to 100 mg once daily if tolerated.
• Administration: Take at the same time each day. With or without food is acceptable. Swallow tablets whole with water.
• Missed dose: If a dose is missed, take it when remembered unless it is close to the next dose. Do not double up.
• Monitoring: Blood pressure, kidney function (creatinine, eGFR), and potassium should be checked regularly.
• Storage: Store your tablets at 15–30°C. Keep them dry, away from light, and in the original container.
• Travel: Carry your medication in your hand luggage. Keep the pharmacy label attached. Bring enough tablets for your trip plus extras.

Benefits and Savings

Losartan lowers blood pressure, which reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular complications. It can slow progression of diabetic kidney disease and reduce protein in the urine. Unlike ACE inhibitors, losartan has a lower risk of persistent dry cough. It is generally well tolerated.

Ordering from YouDrugstore gives access to Canadian pricing and pharmacist review. Many patients see 60–80% savings compared with typical US prices, especially on multi‑month supplies. We also carry OTC products, so you can add health items to your order for convenience.

Side Effects and Safety

• Common: Dizziness, fatigue, nasal congestion, back pain, cough (less common than with ACE inhibitors), diarrhea.
• Laboratory changes: Increases in potassium, changes in kidney function tests (creatinine, eGFR).
• Low blood pressure: Lightheadedness can occur, especially after the first doses or dose increases.
• Serious: Angioedema (rare but urgent), severe hyperkalemia, significant decline in kidney function.
• Drug interactions: Potassium supplements or salt substitutes, potassium‑sparing diuretics, NSAIDs, high‑dose diuretics, ACE inhibitors, aliskiren, lithium.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Contraindicated in pregnancy due to fetal harm. Discuss alternatives if planning pregnancy or if pregnancy occurs.
• Renal artery stenosis: ARBs may reduce kidney function in bilateral disease or solitary kidney.

Seek urgent care for swelling of the face or throat, severe dizziness, fainting, chest pain, or signs of high potassium (muscle weakness, abnormal heartbeat).

Onset Time

Blood pressure reductions usually begin within one week. The full effect may take three to six weeks at a stable dose. Kidney protection benefits develop over time with continued treatment and blood pressure control.

Compare With Alternatives

ACE inhibitors such as lisinopril are often first‑line in hypertension and diabetic kidney disease. They work by blocking conversion of angiotensin I to II. Cough and, rarely, angioedema may limit use. Losartan offers similar blood pressure control without the typical ACE‑related cough risk.

Other ARBs include valsartan and irbesartan. Choice depends on response, co‑morbidities, and cost. A fixed‑dose option combining losartan with hydrochlorothiazide is available as Hyzaar® Ds, which can simplify a two‑drug regimen when a diuretic is needed. For people with type 2 diabetes and kidney or cardiovascular disease, an SGLT2 inhibitor such as Forxiga® may be added based on guidelines and prescriber advice.

Combination Therapy

Many patients need two or more medications to reach blood pressure targets. Losartan pairs well with thiazide diuretics, calcium channel blockers, or, when indicated, beta blockers. Fixed‑dose combinations can improve adherence. Therapy choices should consider kidney function, potassium levels, age, and co‑existing conditions.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Losartan may suit adults with hypertension, diabetic kidney disease with proteinuria, or certain patients at risk of stroke with left ventricular hypertrophy. It is not advised in pregnancy, in people with a history of angioedema from ARBs, or in those with severe hyperkalemia without close monitoring. Caution is needed in advanced kidney disease and in bilateral renal artery stenosis.

To lower costs, consider a 90‑day supply if appropriate. Per‑month costs often drop with larger fills, and we offer bulk promotions on select items from time to time. Compare strengths to see if one tablet daily fits your plan. Turn on reorder reminders in your account so you never run short. For education on your condition, see our pages on High Blood Pressure and Diabetic Kidney Disease.

Authoritative Sources

Review official details from these sources: the Health Canada Drug Product Database, the FDA prescribing information for losartan potassium tablets, and the manufacturer information for Cozaar on Merck’s product page.

You can order at YouDrugstore with support from our friendly customer‑service team during posted hours. Our pharmacists are available to address medication questions. We ship to the US with prompt, express service, and use cold‑chain shipping when products require it.

This content does not replace medical advice. Always follow your prescriber’s instructions and the patient leaflet. Prescription products require a valid prescription. Information here is based on official labeling and clinical guidance at the time of writing.