provider image
Welcome! You’re in GoodRx for healthcare professionals. Now, you’ll enjoy a streamlined experience created specifically for healthcare professionals.
Skip to main content
Losartan Coupon - Losartan 50mg tablet

losartan

Generic Cozaar
Used for Hypertension, Diabetic Nephropathy
Used for Hypertension, Diabetic Nephropathy

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.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
Last reviewed on March 11, 2024
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageReviewsInteractionsCostContraindicationsAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Losartan (Cozaar)?

02:57
Featuring Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD
Reviewed by Cydnee Ng, PharmD, Alexandra Schwarz, MD | June 28, 2024

What is Losartan (Cozaar) used for?

How Losartan (Cozaar) works

Losartan (Cozaar) is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). The medication blocks a hormone that's normally made in your body called angiotensin II from attaching to its receptors (signaling proteins) in your body. As a result, this helps lower your blood pressure in a few ways:

  1. Relaxes your blood vessels so blood can flow through more easily

  2. Stops your body from releasing aldosterone, a hormone that normally causes your body to hold onto water and affect blood pressure

  3. Prevents your kidneys from absorbing water and salt (sodium) back into the body

Are you looking for information on Hyzaar (losartan / hydrochlorothiazide) instead?
When does Losartan (Cozaar) start working?
Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Initial effect
Full effect

Drug Facts

Common BrandsCozaar
Drug ClassARB
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only

More on Losartan (Cozaar) essentials

losartan: senior woman telehealth 1326321642

How Does Losartan Work? All About Its Mechanism of Action

Written by Alex Brewer, PharmD, MBA
ARBs: measuring bp medications on table 1307468822

Losartan vs. Olmesartan, Telmisartan, and Valsartan: Which ARB Should You Take?

Written by Amy B. Gragnolati, PharmD, BCPS
coupon-save-icon

Get your GoodRx coupon

Avg retail price
$30.64(save 76.19%)
GoodRx discount
$7.30
See prices
basics-icon

What are the side effects of Losartan (Cozaar)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Other Side Effects

  • Tiredness or sleepiness
  • Headache
  • Stomach pain
  • Swelling in the hands or feet

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Dangerously low blood pressure: dizziness, lightheadedness, pale skin, feeling faint
  • Serious kidney problems: urinating less often than usual; swelling in your feet, ankles, or hands; unexplained weight gain
  • High blood potassium levels: nausea, muscle weakness, abnormal heartbeat
When do Losartan (Cozaar) possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Dizziness
Fatigue
High potassium or creatinine
If a line continues to the right, you'll likely keep experiencing this side effect once it starts.

Source: DailyMed

More on Losartan (Cozaar) side effects

Losartan: tired on couch 1373269781

9 Losartan Side Effects and How to Manage Them

Written by Kevin Le, PharmD, BCPS, BCPPS

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

Blurred vision

burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings

confusion

difficult breathing

dizziness

dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position

fainting

fast or irregular heartbeat

nausea or vomiting

nervousness

numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips

stomach pain

sweating

unusual tiredness or weakness

weakness or heaviness of the legs

Incidence not known

Black, tarry stools

bleeding gums

blood in the urine or stools

coma

convulsions

cough

decreased urine output

difficulty swallowing

headache

hives, itching, skin rash

increased thirst

large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs

muscle pain or cramps

pinpoint red spots on the skin

puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue

tightness in the chest

unusual bleeding or bruising

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

Body aches or pain

chills

continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in the ears

decreased interest in sexual intercourse

difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)

ear congestion

feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings

feeling sad or empty

headache, severe and throbbing

hearing loss

inability to have or keep an erection

increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight

irritability

lack of appetite

loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance

loss of interest or pleasure

loss of voice

redness or other discoloration of the skin

sensation of spinning

severe sunburn

sneezing

sore throat

stuffy or runny nose

trouble concentrating

trouble sleeping

Incidence not known

Change or loss of taste

dark urine

general tiredness and weakness

light-colored stools

yellow eyes and skin

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Losartan (Cozaar)

thumbs-up

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

thumbs-down

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)

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Losartan (Cozaar)

pharmacist

  • Take losartan (Cozaar) exactly as prescribed. Don't change your dose or suddenly stop taking the medication without talking to your primary care provider or cardiologist first. Otherwise, your blood pressure might rise quickly. Ask your prescriber about the safest way to stop losartan (Cozaar).

    • Measure and record your blood pressure at home and bring your log to your medical appointments. Your primary care provider or cardiologist can review your log with you, discuss how well the medication is working for you, and decide on any dose changes.

      • You might feel dizzy when you first start taking losartan (Cozaar) and when your dose gets raised. This should get better over time as you continue taking the medication and as your body gets used to your new blood pressure.

        • Make sure to tell your care team about all the medications you're taking before you start losartan (Cozaar). Also, don't start taking any new medications without talking to your care team first. Since losartan (Cozaar) can interact with other medications, it's best for your care team to check that all your medications are safe for you to take.

          • Try to avoid eating foods that are high in potassium or using salt substitutes that contain potassium. Losartan (Cozaar) can raise your potassium levels and eating potassium-rich foods during treatment can put you at risk for dangerously high potassium levels. Contact your care team if you experience nausea, vomiting, or muscle weakness because these might be signs of high potassium levels.

            • Follow a balanced and nutritious diet that's low in salt while you're taking losartan (Cozaar) to help lower your blood pressure. Depending on your risk factors and your other medical problems, it's possible that you might be able to stop taking losartan (Cozaar) if your blood pressure gets within goal.

              • If you're pregnant or thinking of getting pregnant, contact your primary care provider or cardiologist right away. Losartan (Cozaar) isn't safe to take during pregnancy, so you'll need to switch to a medication that's safer for your baby.

                More on Losartan (Cozaar) tips

                Losartan: over the shoulder shot older man medications-1339133861

                What Pharmacists Say About When to Take Your Losartan (Plus 4 Other Tips)

                Written by Clay M. Cooper, PharmD
                faqs

                Frequently asked questions about Losartan (Cozaar)

                How long does it take for losartan (Cozaar) to work?
                Losartan (Cozaar) typically starts to work within several hours. You'll probably notice that your blood pressure starts to drop within a week. But it can take several weeks to get the full blood pressure-lowering effect of the medication. Be sure to regularly measure your blood pressure at home and write them down in a log. Share your blood pressure numbers with your primary care provider or cardiologist at your follow-up appointments so they can get an idea about how well losartan (Cozaar) is working for you. Your primary care provider or cardiologist might adjust your dose and it'll take another few weeks to see the full effects of the new dose.
                How much does losartan (Cozaar) lower blood pressure?
                Across several clinical trials, the systolic blood pressure (the "top" number) dropped by an average of 13 mmHg and the diastolic blood pressure (the "bottom" number) dropped by an average of 10 mmHg in people who took between 50 mg and 100 mg of losartan (Cozaar) per day. Keep in mind that how much losartan (Cozaar) can lower blood pressure can depend on many things, such as your dose, any other blood pressure medications you're taking, and your medical conditions. It can also depend on your ethnicity; studies show that ARBs like losartan (Cozaar) work less well for Black people. Also note that everyone responds differently to losartan (Cozaar) and that it can take several weeks for the full effects of the medication to kick in. Talk to your primary care provider or cardiologist if you're concerned with how well losartan (Cozaar) is working for you.
                What are the long-term side effects of losartan (Cozaar)?
                There aren't any specific long-term side effects of losartan (Cozaar), but there are side effects that can happen at any time during treatment. Side effects, such as dizziness and fatigue, can happen as the medication works to lower your blood pressure. Additionally, losartan (Cozaar) can cause high potassium levels and potentially affect the kidneys. Although losartan (Cozaar) is FDA-approved to slow down the worsening of kidney problems in people who have diabetes and high blood pressure, research suggests that the medication might not be the best option for certain people who already have very serious kidney problems. Your primary care provider or cardiologist might order blood tests to check your potassium levels and kidney health during treatment.
                What's the difference between losartan (Cozaar) and lisinopril?
                Both losartan (Cozaar) and lisinopril (Zestril) are first-choice medications for lowering blood pressure, but they're not the same. They belong to different drug classes: losartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), whereas lisinopril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. ARBs and ACE inhibitors affect the same system in your body to lower blood pressure, but in different ways. In addition, lisinopril is more likely to cause a dry cough than losartan (Cozaar). For this reason, people who get a bothersome cough from lisinopril can try switching to losartan (Cozaar). You can ask your primary care provider, cardiologist, or pharmacist to learn more about how the two medications compare to each other.
                Is losartan (Cozaar) a beta blocker or diuretic?
                No, losartan (Cozaar) is not a beta blocker nor a diuretic (water pill); it's an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). Beta blockers, diuretics, and ARBs are all medications that can help treat high blood pressure, but they work differently from each other. It's possible that your primary care provider or cardiologist might consider adding on a beta blocker or diuretic to losartan (Cozaar) in your treatment plan. This typically depends on factors like what other medical conditions you have and how high your blood pressure is.
                Can I take losartan (Cozaar) twice a day?
                Losartan (Cozaar) is typically taken just once per day. But the effects of the medication has also been studied when it's taken twice per day. Your primary care provider or cardiologist might split your daily dose into two and have you take the split dose twice per day if you have certain medical conditions or if you're older. This is because you might be more sensitive to the blood pressure-lowering effects of the medication. Talk with your care team if you have more questions about how to take losartan (Cozaar).
                Does losartan (Cozaar) cause weight gain?
                No, weight gain wasn't a side effect of losartan (Cozaar) that was reported during clinical trials. Speak with your primary care provider or cardiologist if you experience unusual or unexpected weight gain while you're taking losartan (Cozaar). They can try to help you figure out what's causing this weight gain.
                Does losartan (Cozaar) lower heart rate?
                No. People who took losartan (Cozaar) during clinical trials didn't report having a low heart rate as a side effect. Because of how the medication works, it's expected to only lower your blood pressure and not your heart rate.
                GoodRxEducationalIcon

                How to save using GoodRx

                Compare Prices
                1. Compare PricesSpecify your dosage and quantity to find out exactly how much you can save.
                Select your free coupon
                2. Select your free couponYou can use the displayed coupon, or compare prices at other pharmacies near you.
                Show coupon to your pharmacist
                3. Show coupon to your pharmacistPresent your printed or electronic coupon when you pick up your prescription.
                Get free couponLearn more
                warings-icon

                What are the risks and warnings for Losartan (Cozaar)?

                Losartan (Cozaar) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                risk-warning

                Harm to unborn baby

                Don't take losartan (Cozaar) if you're pregnant because the medication can cause severe harm your unborn baby. This medication can affect how well the unborn baby's kidneys develop and work, which can be life-threatening.

                Stop taking losartan (Cozaar) and let a member of your healthcare team know right away if you find out that you're pregnant during treatment. Discuss with your primary care provider or cardiologist about taking a different medication that's safer to treat your blood pressure if you're pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant.

                risk-warning

                Low blood pressure

                • Risk factors: Not enough fluid in your body | Having diarrhea or vomiting for a long time | Low salt levels in your body | Taking higher doses of diuretic mediations

                  Losartan (Cozaar) can cause your blood pressure to drop too much. This can make you feel dizzy, tired, or lightheaded. Having these symptoms of low blood pressure is more common when you first start losartan (Cozaar) or when your dose gets raised. You're also at risk if you're dehydrated or if you have medical conditions that cause you to become dehydrated, such as too much diarrhea or vomiting.

                  Make sure to stay well-hydrated. Be sure to sit down slowly while holding onto something if your blood pressure drops too much and you feel dizzy. Let your care team know if your blood pressure gets too low or if you feel dizzy, lightheaded, faint, tired, or confused while you're taking losartan (Cozaar). Get medical help right away if you fall and hit your head.

                  risk-warning

                  Kidney damage

                  • Risk factors: Severe heart failure | Kidney problems | Not enough fluid in your body | Taking other medications that can cause kidney damage

                    Although losartan (Cozaar) is sometimes used to protect the kidneys, it's also possible for the medication to affect your kidneys in a way that causes them to not work as well. This can happen to anyone. But the effects can be more serious in people with severe heart failure, people with certain kidney problems, or people who take medications that can worsen kidney function.

                    Your primary care provider or cardiologist might order lab tests every so often during treatment to make sure your kidneys are healthy and working properly. Your care team might recommend that you stop taking the medication if you develop kidney problems (or if your kidney problems worsen) while you're taking losartan (Cozaar). Let your primary care provider or cardiologist know if you're urinating less often than usual, as this could be a sign that your kidneys aren't working as well.

                    risk-warning

                    High potassium levels

                    • Risk factors: Taking other medications that can raise potassium levels

                      ARBs like losartan (Cozaar) can cause high potassium levels. Your risk is higher if you take losartan (Cozaar) with other medications that can raise potassium, such as spironolactone (Aldactone) or eplerenone (Inspra). Tell your healthcare team right away if you experience signs of high potassium levels, such as nausea, muscle weakness, or abnormal heartbeat. You'll probably need your potassium levels checked. If left untreated, high potassium levels can be dangerous.

                      dosage

                      Losartan (Cozaar) dosage forms

                      The average cost for 30 tablets of 50mg of Losartan (Cozaar) is $7.30 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 76.19% off the average retail price of $30.64.
                      tablet
                      Tablet
                      DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                      25mg90 tablets$9.07$0.10
                      50mg30 tablets$7.30$0.24
                      100mg90 tablets$11.70$0.13

                      Typical dosing for Losartan (Cozaar)

                      Your primary care provider or cardiologist will decide what your dose will be based on your age, the reason why you need losartan (Cozaar), your other medical conditions, and your other medications.

                      They'll adjust your dose based on how well you're responding to the medication and whether you're having side effects. Your dose might differ if you have liver problems and if you're taking diuretics (water pills).

                      • Ages 18 years and older: The typical dose starting dose is 50 mg by mouth once daily. The maximum recommended dose is 100 mg once daily.

                      • Ages 6 to under 18 years: The dose is based on your child's body weight. The typical starting dose is 0.7 mg/kg of body weight (up to 50 mg) by mouth once daily. The maximum dose is 1.4 mg/kg (up to 100 mg) once daily.

                      More on Losartan (Cozaar) dosage forms

                      Health: Losartan: woman telemed Rx question 1359410964

                      Losartan Dosages: Your GoodRx Guide

                      Written by Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP
                      Reviews

                      Losartan (Cozaar) Reviews

                      GoodRx has partnered with PatientsLikeMe to provide reviews on the different aspects of Losartan (Cozaar).

                      Effectiveness

                      Learn more about the effectiveness of Losartan (Cozaar) based on real life experiences.

                      Overall Rating

                      Based on 143 people taking this medication

                      2

                      Effectiveness by condition:

                      high blood pressure (hypertension)128 reviews

                      3.7

                      Raynaud's disease8 reviews

                      0.2

                      chronic kidney disease3 reviews

                      4.2

                      IgA nephropathy2 reviews

                      1.9

                      multiple sclerosis2 reviews

                      0.0

                      Side effects
                      Learn more about the side effects others have reported while taking Losartan (Cozaar).

                      Severity of side effects

                      Based on 238 people taking this medication

                      None

                      77%

                      Mild

                      13%

                      Moderate

                      7%

                      Severe

                      4%

                      0%

                      50%

                      100%

                      Top side effects

                      Based on 238 people taking this medication

                      Dizziness

                      5%

                      Dizziness with hypotension upon standing

                      2%

                      Cough

                      2%

                      Lightheadedness

                      1%

                      Diarrhea

                      1%

                      Usage
                      Review why people stop taking this medication and how long they take it.

                      Reasons people stopped taking Losartan (Cozaar)

                      Based on 74 people who have taken this medication

                      Doctor's advice

                      44%

                      Other

                      21%

                      Side effects too severe

                      18%

                      Did not seem to work

                      11%

                      Course of treatment ended

                      6%

                      Change in health plan coverage

                      2%

                      Personal research

                      2%

                      How long people take Losartan (Cozaar)

                      Based on 612 people taking this medication

                      Not Specified

                      1%

                      <6 months

                      1%

                      6 to 11 months

                      2%

                      1 to <2 years

                      3%

                      2 to <5 years

                      7%

                      5 to <10 years

                      40%

                      10+ years

                      49%

                      0%

                      50%

                      100%

                      Powered by:Patients Like Me logo
                      interactions

                      Interactions between Losartan (Cozaar) and other drugs

                      Losartan (Cozaar) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Losartan (Cozaar). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                      More on Losartan (Cozaar) interactions

                      Losartan: close up man takes daily pills_1293212040

                      6 Losartan Interactions You Should Know About

                      Written by Timothy Aungst, PharmD

                      Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

                      Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                      Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                      drug-cost

                      How much does Losartan (Cozaar) cost?

                      To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
                      Cozaar (brand)
                      GoodRx lowest price

                      $7.30

                      (save 95.71%)
                      Losartan (Cozaar) (generic)
                      GoodRx lowest price

                      $7.30

                      (save 76.19%)
                      View prices & coupons
                      contraindications-icon

                      Losartan (Cozaar) contraindications

                      Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Losartan (Cozaar) will not be safe for you to take.
                      alternatives

                      What are alternatives to Losartan (Cozaar)?

                      There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Losartan (Cozaar). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                      Losartan (Cozaar)
                      Used for:
                      $7.30 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                      Telmisartan (Micardis)
                      Used for:
                      $9.38 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                      Candesartan (Atacand)
                      Used for:
                      $30.41 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                      latest news

                      What is the latest news about Losartan (Cozaar)?

                      Read on for Cozaar (losartan) dosage information, including typical dosage, adjustments for health conditions, and what to do if you miss a dose.

                      Losartan Dosages: Your GoodRx Guide

                      Read on for Cozaar (losartan) dosage information, including typical dosage, adjustments for health conditions, and what to do if you miss a dose.
                      Losartan is a popular blood pressure medication, but it’s not the only option. Read about losartan alternatives like ACE inhibitors, diuretics, and more.

                      8 Losartan Alternatives: ACE Inhibitors, Calcium Channel Blockers, and More

                      Losartan is a popular blood pressure medication, but it’s not the only option. Read about losartan alternatives like ACE inhibitors, diuretics, and more.
                      Losartan is a commonly prescribed blood pressure medication. While well tolerated, losartan can cause side effects. Here’s what you need to know.

                      13 Losartan Side Effects and How to Manage Them

                      Losartan is a commonly prescribed blood pressure medication. While well tolerated, losartan can cause side effects. Here’s what you need to know.
                      People with diabetes have a higher risk of high blood pressure and illnesses like heart disease. Here's how you can treat hypertension if you have diabetes.

                      Preventing and Treating High Blood Pressure If You Have Diabetes

                      People with diabetes have a higher risk of high blood pressure and illnesses like heart disease. Here's how you can treat hypertension if you have diabetes.
                      Some blood pressure medications may no longer be the best choice for helping your blood pressure. Here are five outdated medications, plus alternative options.

                      5 Outdated High Blood Pressure Medications You Should Consider Upgrading

                      Some blood pressure medications may no longer be the best choice for helping your blood pressure. Here are five outdated medications, plus alternative options.
                      Your cardiologist may prescribe statins or other medications after a heart attack to aid treatment. Here’s a list of common medications for myocardial infarction.

                      What Medications Are Typically Prescribed After Having a Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)?

                      Your cardiologist may prescribe statins or other medications after a heart attack to aid treatment. Here’s a list of common medications for myocardial infarction.
                      GoodRx compares the different types of ARB medications, including their similarities and differences, to help you make the best decision regarding your health.

                      Which ARB Medication Should You Take? Comparing Losartan, Olmesartan, Telmisartan, and Valsartan

                      GoodRx compares the different types of ARB medications, including their similarities and differences, to help you make the best decision regarding your health.
                      Lifestyle changes can be enough to reach blood pressure goals. But what if those adjustments aren’t working? Learn when to consider blood pressure medications.

                      I’ve Been Making Lifestyle Changes. But How Do I Know When It’s Time to Start Medication for High Blood Pressure?

                      Lifestyle changes can be enough to reach blood pressure goals. But what if those adjustments aren’t working? Learn when to consider blood pressure medications.
                      Certain blood pressure medications are better suited to you than others, depending on your age, race, and blood pressure reading. Learn more here.

                      How to Choose the Best Blood Pressure Medication for You

                      Certain blood pressure medications are better suited to you than others, depending on your age, race, and blood pressure reading. Learn more here.
                      Losartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) used to lower blood pressure. So, how does it work? Learn about losartan’s mechanism of action and more.

                      How Does Losartan Work? All About Its Mechanism of Action

                      Losartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) used to lower blood pressure. So, how does it work? Learn about losartan’s mechanism of action and more.
                      images

                      Losartan (Cozaar) images

                      Green Round L142 - Losartan Potassium 50mg Tablet
                      This medicine is Green, Round, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "L142".Green Round L142 - Losartan Potassium 50mg Tablet
                      Pink Round Sz 213 - Losartan Potassium 50mg Tablet
                      This medicine is Pink, Round Tablet Imprinted With "Sz 213".Pink Round Sz 213 - Losartan Potassium 50mg Tablet
                      Green Oval E And 46 - Losartan Potassium 50mg Tablet
                      This medicine is Green, Oval, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "46" And "E".Green Oval E And 46 - Losartan Potassium 50mg Tablet
                      Green Oval 145 And U - Losartan Potassium 50mg Tablet
                      This medicine is Green, Oval, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "U" And "145".Green Oval 145 And U - Losartan Potassium 50mg Tablet
                      White Oval 6 And I - Losartan Potassium 50mg Tablet
                      This medicine is White, Oval, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "6" And "I".White Oval 6 And I - Losartan Potassium 50mg Tablet
                      White Oval A50 - Losartan Potassium 50mg Tablet
                      This medicine is White, Oval, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "A50".White Oval A50 - Losartan Potassium 50mg Tablet
                      White Round 11 2 And S - Losartan Potassium 50mg Tablet
                      This medicine is White, Round, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "11 2" And "S".White Round 11 2 And S - Losartan Potassium 50mg Tablet
                      White Round 12 - Losartan Potassium 50mg Tablet
                      This medicine is White, Round, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "12".White Round 12 - Losartan Potassium 50mg Tablet
                      White Oblong P22 And L U - Losartan Potassium 50mg Tablet
                      This medicine is White, Oblong, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "P22" And "L U".White Oblong P22 And L U - Losartan Potassium 50mg Tablet
                      White Oblong Z 16 - Losartan Potassium 50mg Tablet
                      This medicine is White, Oblong, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "Z 16".White Oblong Z 16 - Losartan Potassium 50mg Tablet
                      White Oval 114 - Losartan Potassium 50mg Tablet
                      This medicine is White, Oval, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "114".White Oval 114 - Losartan Potassium 50mg Tablet
                      White Oval I 17 - Losartan Potassium 50mg Tablet
                      This medicine is White, Oval, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "I 17".White Oval I 17 - Losartan Potassium 50mg Tablet
                      White Oval I 17 - Losartan Potassium 50mg Tablet
                      This medicine is White, Oval, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "I 17".White Oval I 17 - Losartan Potassium 50mg Tablet
                      White Oval M L And 15 - Losartan Potassium 50mg Tablet
                      This medicine is White, Oval, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "15" And "M L".White Oval M L And 15 - Losartan Potassium 50mg Tablet
                      White Oval M L And 15 - Losartan Potassium 50mg Tablet
                      This medicine is White, Oval, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "15" And "M L".White Oval M L And 15 - Losartan Potassium 50mg Tablet
                      White Oval M L And 15 - Losartan Potassium 50mg Tablet
                      This medicine is White, Oval, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "15" And "M L".White Oval M L And 15 - Losartan Potassium 50mg Tablet

                      Get savings updates for Losartan (Cozaar)

                      Receive price alerts, news, and other messages from GoodRx about Losartan (Cozaar) and other healthcare topics and relevant savings offers.

                      By signing up, I agree to GoodRx's Terms and Privacy Policy, and to receive marketing messages from GoodRx.

                      References

                      Best studies we found

                      Brenner, B. M., et al. (2001). Effects of losartan on renal and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes and nephropathy. The New England Journal of Medicine.

                      Byyny, R.L. (1995). Losartan potassium lowers blood pressure measured by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. Journal of Hypertension Supplement.

                      Conlin, P.R., et al. (2000). Angiotensin II antagonists for hypertension: Are there differences in efficacy? American Journal of Hypertension.

                      View All References (10)

                      Derington, C.G., et al. (2020). Twice-daily versus once-daily lisinopril and losartan for hypertension: Real-world effectiveness and safety. PLoS One.

                      Kobori, H., et al. (2013). Angiotensin II blockade and renal protection. Current Pharmaceutical Design.

                      Lupin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (2024). Losartan potassium tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.

                      MedlinePlus. (2023). Dehydration.

                      Montford, J. R., et al. (2017). How dangerous is hyperkalemia? Journal of the American Society of Nephrology: JASN.

                      Mulla, S., et al. (2022). Losartan. StatPearls.

                      Torpy, J.M., et al. (2004). Left ventricular hypertrophy. JAMA.

                      Whelton, P.K., et al. (2017). 2017 ACC/AHA/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/AGS/APhA/ASH/ASPC/NMA/PCNA guideline for the prevention, detection, evaluation, and management of high blood pressure in adults: A report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines. Hypertension.

                      You and Your Hormones. (2019). Angiotensin. The Society for Endocrinology.

                      You and Your Hormones. (2021). Aldosterone. The Society for Endocrinology.

                      GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
                      Was this page helpful?

                      Compare other Hypertension, Diabetic Nephropathy drugs

                      Amlodipine vs LosartanEdarbi vs LosartanEnalapril vs LosartanEntresto vs LosartanLabetalol vs LosartanLosartan vs AtenololLosartan vs BetapaceLosartan vs BisoprololLosartan vs CatapresLosartan vs HydrochlorothiazideLosartan vs LisinoprilLosartan vs Lotensin HctLosartan vs MetoprololLosartan vs NifedipineMavik vs LosartanMonopril vs LosartanPropranolol vs LosartanCatapres vs HydrochlorothiazideEnalapril vs HydrochlorothiazideEnalapril vs MavikEntresto vs FarxigaEntresto vs JardianceEntresto vs LisinoprilEntresto vs RanexaEntresto vs ValsartanFelodipine vs HydrochlorothiazideMavik vs BenicarMonopril vs MavikVasotec vs EntrestoVerquvo vs Entresto
                      View More

                      Browse medications

                      View All

                      Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.