Common use
Losartan is a widely prescribed angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and to help protect the kidneys from damage in patients with type 2 diabetes who also have hypertension. As a trusted Cozaar generic, losartan is one of the most popular and well-tolerated blood pressure medications available today. The medication works by selectively blocking angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptors, which prevents the powerful vasoconstrictor angiotensin II from tightening blood vessels. This results in relaxation and widening of the arteries and veins, allowing blood to flow more easily and reducing the workload on the heart. Losartan is also clinically proven for stroke prevention in patients with hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy (enlarged heart), making it an important cardiovascular protective medication. Additionally, this ARB provides significant kidney protection by reducing proteinuria (protein in the urine) and slowing the progression of diabetic nephropathy, helping preserve renal function in at-risk patients over the long term.

Dosage and direction
Losartan is taken orally, usually once daily, with or without food, at a consistent time each day. The typical starting dose for hypertension treatment in most adults is 50 mg once daily, though patients with volume depletion (such as those on high-dose diuretics) or hepatic impairment may start at 25 mg once daily. If blood pressure is not adequately controlled after several weeks, the dose may be increased to a maximum of 100 mg once daily, or your doctor may add a complementary medication such as a low-dose diuretic (hydrochlorothiazide is commonly combined with losartan). For kidney protection in diabetic patients, the recommended maintenance dose is typically 100 mg once daily. For stroke prevention, the dose is titrated based on blood pressure response. It may take three to six weeks of consistent daily use to experience the full therapeutic benefit of this angiotensin receptor blocker, so it is important to continue taking losartan even if you feel well — hypertension is often symptomless, and stopping treatment can lead to dangerous blood pressure spikes.

Precautions
Before starting losartan, inform your doctor if you have any history of kidney disease, liver disease, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, or a previous episode of angioedema (severe allergic swelling). Avoid potassium supplements, potassium-containing salt substitutes, or potassium-sparing diuretics unless explicitly approved by your healthcare provider, as losartan can increase potassium levels in the blood (hyperkalemia), which may cause dangerous cardiac arrhythmias. This Cozaar generic is not recommended for use during pregnancy, particularly during the second and third trimesters, as ARB medications can cause serious harm to the developing fetus, including kidney damage, reduced amniotic fluid, and skeletal malformations — women who become pregnant while taking losartan should discontinue the medication immediately and contact their doctor. Regular monitoring of blood pressure, kidney function (serum creatinine and BUN), and serum potassium levels is strongly advised during treatment, especially in elderly patients, those with pre-existing renal impairment, or patients taking concurrent medications that affect potassium balance. Stay adequately hydrated, particularly during hot weather or vigorous exercise, to prevent excessive blood pressure drops.

Contraindications
Losartan is contraindicated during pregnancy due to the well-documented risk of serious fetal harm and developmental abnormalities — it should be immediately discontinued if pregnancy is detected. This angiotensin receptor blocker is also contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to losartan potassium or any inactive component of the Cozaar generic formulation. Losartan should not be co-administered with aliskiren (a direct renin inhibitor) in patients with diabetes mellitus, as this combination significantly increases the risk of hypotension, hyperkalemia, and renal impairment. Patients with severe hepatic impairment should avoid losartan or use it only under very close medical supervision with significantly reduced starting doses, as the drug undergoes extensive first-pass liver metabolism. Bilateral renal artery stenosis or stenosis of the artery to a solitary kidney is a relative contraindication, as ARB therapy may precipitate acute renal failure in these patients.

Possible side effect
Common side effects of losartan are generally mild and include dizziness (especially when first starting treatment or after a dose increase), fatigue, nasal congestion or upper respiratory symptoms, back pain, and occasional diarrhea. Some patients may experience elevated potassium levels (hyperkalemia), which can manifest as muscle weakness, tingling sensations, or irregular heartbeat — regular blood tests help monitor for this complication. Low blood pressure (hypotension) may occur, particularly in patients who are volume-depleted from diuretic use, restricted fluid intake, or excessive sweating. Serious but rare side effects include angioedema (rapid swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat that may impair breathing), acute kidney injury, and rhabdomyolysis. Allergic reactions with skin rash, itching, or hives have been reported infrequently. Seek immediate medical help if you notice swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, significantly reduced urine output, dark-colored urine, or persistent unexplained muscle pain during blood pressure treatment with this ARB.

Drug interaction
Losartan has several clinically important drug interactions. Concurrent use with diuretics, particularly at high doses, may cause additive blood pressure lowering that results in symptomatic hypotension — your doctor may temporarily reduce the diuretic dose when initiating losartan therapy. Lithium levels can be increased by losartan, raising the risk of lithium toxicity, so serum lithium monitoring is recommended if these medications are used together. NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or dicloxacillin) may blunt the blood pressure-lowering and kidney protection effects of losartan while also increasing the risk of renal impairment and hyperkalemia. Combining losartan with other antihypertensive medications, including ACE inhibitors or aliskiren, may produce excessive blood pressure reduction and increase the risk of kidney damage and dangerously high potassium levels. Potassium supplements and potassium-sparing diuretics (such as spironolactone or amiloride) should be used with great caution. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption, which can further lower blood pressure and intensify dizziness. Always provide your doctor with a complete list of all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you use before you buy losartan.

Missed dose
If you miss a dose of losartan, take it as soon as you remember. If it is close to the time of your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular once-daily schedule. Do not take a double dose to catch up, as this could cause an excessive drop in blood pressure leading to dizziness, fainting, or dehydration. Consistency in daily dosing is key for effectively controlling hypertension and maintaining the cardiovascular and kidney protection benefits of this angiotensin receptor blocker. Consider using a daily pill organizer or setting phone reminders to maintain adherence.

Overdose
Overdose symptoms of losartan may include extreme dizziness, fainting, dangerously low blood pressure (severe hypotension), or a very slow heart rate (bradycardia). In severe cases, cardiovascular collapse may occur. Seek emergency medical attention immediately if an overdose is suspected — contact your local poison control center or go to the nearest emergency room. Treatment is supportive and focuses on maintaining adequate blood pressure and heart function through intravenous fluids, vasopressors if necessary, and continuous monitoring of vital signs, cardiac rhythm, and kidney function. There is no specific antidote for losartan overdose. Losartan is not effectively removed by hemodialysis due to its high protein binding.

Storage
Store losartan tablets at controlled room temperature between 15°C and 30°C (59°F to 86°F), protected from moisture, excessive heat, and direct light. Keep the tablets in their original container with the cap tightly closed, and store them out of reach of children and pets. Do not transfer losartan to other containers, as this may lead to confusion with other medications. Do not use losartan after the expiration date printed on the packaging. Follow local pharmaceutical disposal guidelines for unused or expired blood pressure medication — never share prescription medications with others, even if they have similar symptoms.

Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.