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Compare Cozaar vs. Avapro

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

Key takeaways

Losartan (Cozaar) and irbesartan (Avapro) are both angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) used to treat high blood pressure and protect kidney function in people with diabetes. Losartan is also used to lower the risk of stroke in people with high blood pressure and thickened heart walls. Both medications are taken orally once a day and are available in generic forms, making them more affordable. However, the starting dose for losartan is typically 50 mg, while for Irbesartan, it is 150 mg. Common side effects for both include dizziness and tiredness, but losartan can also cause upper respiratory infections. Neither medication is safe to use during pregnancy, and both can raise potassium levels, requiring regular blood tests to monitor kidney health.

  • Losartan (Cozaar)
    Irbesartan (Avapro)
  • Losartan (Cozaar)
    Irbesartan (Avapro)

  • Summary of Cozaar vs. Avapro

    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.

    Summary for ARB
    Prescription only

    Irbesartan (Avapro) is a medication that's used to treat high blood pressure; it's also used to treat diabetic kidney disease. It's a part of a drug class called angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB). The dosage for irbesartan (Avapro) can differ if you've kidney problems or are taking diuretics ("water pills"). Common side effects include dizziness and tiredness. Irbesartan (Avapro) is available in both brand name (Avapro) and generic tablet.

  • Indications of Cozaar vs. Avapro

    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
    Indications for
    •Treatment of high blood pressure
    •Slow the worsening of kidney disease from diabetes

  • Pros and Cons of Cozaar vs. Avapro

    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)
    Pros and Const for ARB
    Pros
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Typically taken once a day
    •Less likely to cause dry cough compared to ACE Inhibitors
    Cons
    •Not safe for use while pregnant
    •High risk of raising potassium levels
    •Requires regular blood work to make sure your kidneys are healthy

  • Common Side Effects of Cozaar vs. Avapro

    Common Side Effects for
    •Upper respiratory infection (e.g., common cold; 8%)
    •Dizziness (3%)
    •Stuffy nose (2%)
    •Back pain (2%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (up to 10%)
    •Low blood pressure when going from sitting to standing position (5%)
    •Feeling tired (4%)
    •Diarrhea (3%)
    •Heartburn (2%)

    Please note: People who took irbesartan (Avapro) for high blood pressure were more likely to experience tiredness, diarrhea, and heartburn. People who took this medication for diabetic kidney disease were more likely to experience dizziness.

  • Warnings of Cozaar vs. Avapro

    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
    •Worsening kidney problems
    •High levels of potassium

  • Prices with our coupons for Cozaar vs. Avapro

    Learn more about Losartan
    Learn more about Irbesartan

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