Your Health

Losartan – Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and More

What Is Losartan and How It Works?

Losartan is an oral prescription medication that can be found under the brand-name Cozaar. It is available in the form of tablets, which can be taken by mouth. Doctors typically prescribe this medication as part of a combination therapy with other drugs to treat hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, in some children and adults. Losartan can also help improve the function kidneys in people with diabetes as well as lower the risk of a stroke in those with high blood pressure and left ventricular hypertrophy. [1]

Losartan belongs to a family of medications called angiotensin receptor blockers. Other drugs in this group include telmisartan, valsartan, and Olmesartan. They basically work by inhibiting the activity of a chemical called angiotensin II, which causes narrowed and tightened blood vessels. By doing this, these medications help widen and relax the blood vessels to reduce overall blood pressure. Due to this effect, losartan is typically prescribed for treating left ventricular hypertrophy and high blood pressure. [2]