Losartan Tablets for Hypertension and Kidney Protection

What Losartan Is and How It Works

Losartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) used to lower high blood pressure, protect kidneys in adults with type 2 diabetes and proteinuria, and reduce stroke risk in adults with left ventricular hypertrophy. CanadianInsulin is a prescription referral service. Prescriptions are verified with your clinic, and orders are filled by licensed Canadian pharmacies. This overview covers Losartan 50 mg, 25 mg, and 100 mg tablets, common uses, and safety. Many shoppers compare options and ask about Losartan price without insurance as they plan refills.

ARBs block angiotensin II from binding its AT1 receptor. This relaxes blood vessels, reduces aldosterone, and lowers blood pressure. The result is improved vascular resistance and less strain on the heart and kidneys. Losartan tablets are taken by mouth once daily, with or without food. We partner with licensed, vetted pharmacies to dispense authentic medications across a broad selection at value‑focused pricing.

Key indications include primary hypertension in adults and pediatric patients 6 years and older, diabetic nephropathy in type 2 diabetes with elevated urinary albumin, and stroke risk reduction in adults with hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy. It may be used alone or with other blood pressure medicines such as thiazide diuretics, calcium channel blockers, or beta blockers.

Dosage and Usage

• Typical adult start: 50 mg once daily. Some start at 25 mg if volume‑depleted, on diuretics, or with hepatic impairment.
• Titrate based on response at 2–4 week intervals. Usual range is 25–100 mg once daily.
• Maximum recommended dose: 100 mg per day, as a single dose or divided if needed.
• Diabetic nephropathy: common target 50–100 mg once daily as tolerated.
• Left ventricular hypertrophy: often 50 mg once daily, titrated to 100 mg; add a thiazide diuretic if further control is needed.
• Pediatrics (≥6 years, weight‑based): the prescriber selects dose by weight and response.
• Combination products: Losartan hydrochlorothiazide tablets (e.g., Losartan HCTZ 50/12.5 mg tablets or Losartan HCTZ 100/25) pair an ARB with a thiazide diuretic for added effect.
• Formulations: film‑coated tablets (Losartan potassium 25 mg, Losartan potassium 50mg, and Losartan potassium 100mg).
• How to take: swallow tablets with water, with or without food, at the same time each day.
• Missed dose: take when remembered unless close to the next dose. Do not double doses.

• Storage: keep tablets in the original bottle with desiccant at 20–25°C (68–77°F). Excursions 15–30°C (59–86°F) are generally acceptable.
• Protect from moisture and heat. Keep the cap tightly closed.
• Travel: carry in a labeled container in a cool, dry bag. Do not store in a car or near heat sources.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Benefits and Savings

Losartan lowers blood pressure and helps protect the heart and blood vessels. In adults with type 2 diabetes and proteinuria, it helps slow kidney disease progression and reduces albuminuria. In adults with hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy, it lowers stroke risk. Many patients reach goals with once‑daily dosing, which supports adherence.

As a widely used generic, Losartan tablets offer strong clinical value. Many customers save 60–80% vs typical U.S. prices. Costs may be lower even without insurance, especially when using a multi‑month supply.

See our promotions page for current offers, including any Losartan coupon if available.

Side Effects and Safety

• Common: dizziness, lightheadedness, fatigue, nasal congestion, cough (less frequent than with ACE inhibitors), back pain, diarrhea.
• Laboratory: increased potassium (hyperkalemia), small increases in creatinine, especially in those with kidney disease or on diuretics.
• Less common: low blood pressure, rash, muscle cramps.

Serious but uncommon risks include severe hypotension, kidney function decline, hyperkalemia, and angioedema. ARBs carry a boxed warning for fetal toxicity: do not use during pregnancy; discontinue when pregnancy is detected. Use caution with bilateral renal artery stenosis, dehydration, or severe hepatic impairment. Drug interactions can occur with potassium‑sparing diuretics or supplements (raise potassium), lithium (raise lithium levels), and NSAIDs (may reduce effect and impact kidneys). Discuss all medicines, including over‑the‑counter products and salt substitutes.

Onset Time

Blood pressure often improves within 1 week, with full effect over 3–6 weeks as dosing stabilizes. Kidney benefits in diabetic nephropathy, such as reduced albuminuria, may appear within weeks and continue with sustained therapy. Stroke risk reduction reflects long‑term blood pressure control and cardiac remodeling over months.

Compare With Alternatives

Losartan is one of several renin‑angiotensin system agents. ACE inhibitors such as Altace® (ramipril) offer similar cardiovascular and kidney protection, but cough and angioedema occur more often with ACE inhibitors. Some patients who cannot tolerate ACE inhibitors use an ARB instead.

Another ARB, Irbesartan, provides comparable blood pressure control and kidney protection in type 2 diabetes. Selection among ARBs often depends on response, dosing preference, and co‑existing conditions. Thiazide diuretics or calcium channel blockers are frequently added if a single agent does not reach targets.

Brand and strength availability, as well as combination options with hydrochlorothiazide, allow tailored regimens. Talk with a healthcare professional about which option aligns with health history and treatment goals.

Combination Therapy

• Losartan plus thiazide diuretic (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide) for additive blood pressure reduction; available as fixed‑dose combinations like Losartan HCTZ 50/12.5 mg tablets or Losartan HCTZ 100/25.
• Losartan with a calcium channel blocker (e.g., amlodipine) for complementary vasodilation.
• Losartan and metoprolol (beta blocker) when heart rate control or post‑MI care is needed.
• Avoid routine dual renin‑angiotensin blockade (e.g., ARB plus ACE inhibitor or aliskiren), especially in diabetes, due to higher risk of kidney issues and hyperkalemia.
• When adding diuretics or other agents, monitor blood pressure, kidney function, and potassium, and adjust doses to limit hypotension.

Patient Suitability and Cost‑Saving Tips

Losartan may be appropriate for adults and children 6 years and older with hypertension, for adults with type 2 diabetes and proteinuria to slow kidney disease, and for adults with hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy to reduce stroke risk. It is usually well tolerated and has a low rate of cough compared with ACE inhibitors.

Do not use during pregnancy. Those with severe kidney impairment, bilateral renal artery stenosis, high potassium, or severe hepatic impairment require careful evaluation. Elderly or volume‑depleted patients may need a lower starting dose (e.g., 25 mg). Discuss use if taking NSAIDs, lithium, potassium‑sparing diuretics, or potassium supplements.

Ways to save include choosing the generic Losartan medication, ordering a 90‑day supply when appropriate, and considering combination tablets (Losartan hydrochlorothiazide) to simplify regimens. Reorder reminders can help avoid urgent local fills that may cost more. Compare strengths (Losartan 25 mg, Losartan 50 mg, Losartan 100 mg) to match prescribed dosing and minimize tablet splitting.

Authoritative Sources

FDA Prescribing Information for Losartan Tablets

Health Canada Product Monograph: Losartan Potassium

Manufacturer Information for Cozaar (brand losartan)

Order Losartan from CanadianInsulin: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express, cold‑chain handling.

This page is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about diagnosis, treatment, and medication use.