Key takeaways
Azilsartan (Edarbi) and losartan (Cozaar) are both medications in the angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) class, used to treat high blood pressure. While they share this primary use, losartan is also FDA-approved to lower the risk of stroke in people with high blood pressure and a thickened heart (left ventricular hypertrophy), and to slow kidney problems in people with Type 2 diabetes. Azilsartan is available only as a brand-name tablet, while losartan is available as a lower-cost generic. The typical dose for azilsartan is 40 mg to 80 mg once daily, whereas losartan's starting dose is usually 50 mg once daily, with a maximum of 100 mg per day. Common side effects of azilsartan include diarrhea and fatigue, while losartan may cause dizziness and upper respiratory infections. Both medications can raise potassium levels and affect kidney function, so it's important to monitor these during treatment. Additionally, neither medication is safe to use during pregnancy.
