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Compare Atacand vs. Cozaar

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Candesartan (Atacand) and losartan (Cozaar) are both angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) used to treat high blood pressure. While both medications help relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure, they have some differences. Candesartan is also used to lower the risk of worsening heart failure in adults, whereas losartan can protect against stroke and slow down kidney problems in people with Type 2 diabetes. Candesartan is typically taken once or twice daily, while losartan is usually taken once daily. Both medications are available as lower-cost generics. Additionally, both medications can cause dizziness and upper respiratory infections, but losartan might also cause fatigue and a stuffy nose. Neither medication is safe to use during pregnancy, and both can interact with NSAIDs like ibuprofen.

Candesartan (Atacand)
Losartan (Cozaar)
Candesartan (Atacand)
Losartan (Cozaar)
Summary of Atacand vs. Cozaar
Summary for ARB
Prescription only
Candesartan (Atacand) is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). It's one of the first-choice medication for treating high blood pressure in adults and children. It can also help lower the risk of worsening heart failure in adults. Candesartan (Atacand) comes as a tablet that's taken by mouth, typically once or twice daily. Most people don't experience many side effects while taking this medication, but some can include upper respiratory tract infections, headache, and back pain.
Summary for ARB
Prescription only
Losartan, also known by the brand name Cozaar, is a first-choice medication that's used to lower blood pressure. It's also shown to protect against stroke in certain people. In addition, this medication can slow down the worsening of kidney problems in certain people with diabetes. Losartan (Cozaar) belongs to the drug class called angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). This medication is taken by mouth once daily and is available as a lower-cost generic. Side effects can include dizziness, fatigue, and upper respiratory infections.
Indications of Atacand vs. Cozaar
Indications for

•High blood pressure in adults and children

•Lower the risk of worsening heart failure in adults

Indications for

•High blood pressure

•Lower the risk of stroke in people with high blood pressure who have a thickened heart (left ventricular hypertrophy)

•Slow down the worsening of kidney problems in people with Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure
Pros and Cons of Atacand vs. Cozaar
Pros and Const for ARB
Pros

•First-choice medication for high blood pressure

•Works similarly to angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, but with fewer side effects, like cough and swelling

•Can be made into an oral suspension for people who have trouble taking tablets

•A possible option for children

Cons

•Must be avoided during pregnancy

•Interacts with NSAIDs like ibuprofen (Advil)

•Can take 4-6 weeks before you notice the full benefit

•Can raise potassium levels as a side effect

Pros and Const for ARB
Pros

•A first-choice blood pressure medication, including for those with heart failure, diabetes, and kidney problems

•Taken once per day

•Can be taken by children as young as 6 years old

•Works similarly to angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, but with fewer side effects, like cough and swelling

Cons

•Might cause dizziness

•Might not work as well for Black people as other blood pressure medications do

•Not safe to use during pregnancy

•Can interact with medications like lithium and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Common Side Effects of Atacand vs. Cozaar
Common Side Effects for

•Upper respiratory tract infection (i.e., common cold; 6%)

•Dizziness (4%)

•Back pain (3%)

Common Side Effects for

•Upper respiratory infection (e.g., common cold; 8%)

•Dizziness (3%)

•Stuffy nose (2%)

•Back pain (2%)
Warnings of Atacand vs. Cozaar
Common Side Effects for

•Harm to unborn baby

•Low blood pressure

•Kidney damage

•High potassium levels

Common Side Effects for

•Harm to unborn baby

•Low blood pressure

•Kidney damage

•High potassium levels
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Learn more about Candesartan
Learn more about Losartan

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Compare Atacand vs. Cozaar

Key takeaways

Summary of Atacand vs. Cozaar

Indications of Atacand vs. Cozaar

Pros and Cons of Atacand vs. Cozaar

Common Side Effects of Atacand vs. Cozaar

Warnings of Atacand vs. Cozaar

Prices with our coupons for Atacand vs. Cozaar

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