Losartan: Blood Pressure and Kidney Protection Guide
Losartan is a prescription angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) that relaxes blood vessels and lowers blood pressure. It is used to treat high blood pressure, help reduce stroke risk in some people with high blood pressure and an enlarged left heart chamber, and slow kidney damage in people with type 2 diabetes and diabetic kidney disease.
Losartan is usually taken once daily to help control blood pressure and protect the kidneys in selected patients. Take it exactly as prescribed, and ask your doctor or pharmacist about pregnancy, kidney function, potassium, and other medicines that may interact with it.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- C09CA01
- Generic
- Losartan
- Class
- arb
- Brands
- Cozaar
- Availability
- rx
- Pregnancy
- D
- Lactation
- caution
- Half-life (h)
- 2
- Onset (min)
- 60
- Duration (h)
- 24
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- Regions
- CN, US, EU, JP
- Monitoring
- renal-function, blood-pressure, potassium
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
9 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid use
discontinue use when pregnancy is detected
regular fetal monitoring and ultrasound
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second third trimestercontraindicated
do not use during second and third trimester
fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingavoid or discontinue breastfeeding
not recommended during breastfeeding due to potential adverse effects on infant
monitor infant for hypotension
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderlystart at lower dose
initiate therapy at low dose and monitor renal function and potassium levels
regular monitoring of renal function and serum potassium
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children 6 16 yearsweight-based dosing required
approved for hypertension in children 6 years and older; starting dose 0.7mg/kg once daily
monitor blood pressure renal function and potassium
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno initial adjustment needed but monitor closely
use with caution; monitor renal function and potassium regularly
regular serum creatinine and potassium monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severeuse lower dose and monitor closely
not recommended in patients with creatinine clearance below 30mL/min
frequent monitoring of renal function and electrolytes
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateconsider lower starting dose
use with caution; dose reduction may be required
monitor liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severenot recommended
avoid use in severe hepatic impairment
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
FDA approval year for Losartan (Cozaar)
Drug class
Therapeutic classification of Losartan
Primary indications
Main therapeutic uses of Losartan
Mechanism of action
How Losartan works in the body
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 22, 2026. · Read our editorial policy