Medically reviewed
Key takeaways
Losartan, also known as Cozaar, is a medication used to treat high blood pressure.
The medication is only available by prescription, and you should take it exactly as your medical provider prescribes.
Before taking losartan, tell your medical provider about any allergies or health conditions such as diabetes, heart failure, kidney disease, or liver disease.
Losartan is a generic medication belonging to a group of drugs called angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). The brand name of losartan is Cozaar. These drugs help prevent your blood vessels from narrowing, which helps improve blood flow and lower your blood pressure. Losartan is not available over-the-counter, but can be prescribed online by a K Health provider.
Losartan is approved for treating several conditions, including high blood pressure and diabetic neuropathy. It can also help lower the risk of stroke in people with heart disease. Those with diabetes may benefit from losartan, as it can decrease kidney damage when high blood pressure is also present.
How Does Cozaar (Losartan) Work?
Losartan blocks angiotensin, a hormone that causes blood vessels to constrict or become narrow. Sometimes blood vessels can be too narrow, causing blood pressure to increase.
When you take losartan, your blood vessels relax and widen. This lowers your blood pressure and makes it easier for your heart to pump blood throughout your body. It also helps protect the kidneys in people with diabetes by reducing the amount of protein lost through the kidneys and lowering blood pressure.
Losartan typically starts working after one hour, but it may take three to six weeks to see the full effect. Many people with high blood pressure have no symptoms, which is why you may not feel different when you take losartan. This doesn’t mean it’s not working. It’s important to keep taking it as your medical provider directs.
Can I Buy Cozaar (Losartan) Over-the-Counter?
Losartan is not available over the counter (OTC). It’s a prescription medication, meaning you need a medical provider to write you a prescription.
Can I Get Cozaar (Losartan) Online?
If you need losartan, make an appointment with one of our K Health providers. They can perform an online assessment and review your current medications. If appropriate, your K Health provider will electronically prescribe or refill your losartan prescription.
How Much Does Cozaar (Losartan) Cost?
K Health offers cost-effective, transparent pricing—usually much less than in-person visits. For $73, you can chat with a licensed healthcare professional. They’ll assess your symptoms and review your medications to see if losartan is right for you. If so, they’ll prescribe or refill your prescription electronically.
The cost of losartan depends on whether you have insurance and how much your pharmacy charges for the medication.
How Should I Take Cozaar (Losartan)?
When taking losartan, follow the directions of your medical provider and pharmacist. It’s best to take losartan at the same time each day—with or without food. Your medical provider may change your dose occasionally, but do not take more or less than they recommend.
It may take up to six weeks for your blood pressure to decrease. Check your blood pressure regularly and keep in contact with your medical provider. Speak with them about other treatment options if your blood pressure doesn’t lower after three weeks.
If you miss your daily dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the dose if it’s almost time for your next scheduled dose. Never double up on doses to make up for the missed dose.
It’s best to avoid drinking alcohol while taking losartan as it can lower your blood pressure too much or increase your risk of side effects. Talk with your medical provider before taking potassium supplements or salt substitutes. Some people experience orthostatic hypotension when taking this medication, so stand up slowly from a sitting position to avoid getting dizzy.
Side Effects
Get emergency help if you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction to losartan, such as:
- Hives
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat
Common side effects include:
- Cold or flu-like symptoms
- Dry cough
- Muscle cramps
- Pain in your legs or back
- Feeling dizzy or tired
- Headache
- Stomach pain or diarrhea
Call your medical provider right away if you experience:
- Feeling faint
- Pain or burning when you urinate
- Pale skin with a rapid heartbeat or feeling short of breath
- Wheezing or chest pain
- Swelling or dramatic weight gain
- Slow heart rate with muscle weakness and tingling feeling
Precautions and Risks of Cozaar (Losartan)
Before taking losartan, tell your medical provider or pharmacist if you’re allergic to any of the ingredients in losartan tablets.
Before starting losartan, always tell your medical provider about your medications, including vitamins and supplements. You should also tell them if you have:
- Diabetes
- Heart failure
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding should speak with their medical provider before taking losartan. The medication can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded when standing up too quickly. It can also cause dehydration, so drink plenty of fluids.
Losartan isn’t suitable for everyone. If you have questions about whether this medication is right for you, chat with a licensed healthcare professional about the benefits and risks.
Get Losartan Online
Now you can manage diabetes from home using K Health. Treat hypertension online in three easy steps:
- Answer a few simple questions.
- Meet your primary care provider.
- Get the prescription you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
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