Losartan
Losartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker for high blood pressure, stroke prevention and kidney protection in diabetes; PockDose lists Losartan and Cozaar tablets in 25mg, 50mg and 100mg.
What losartan treats
Lowering high blood pressure is the main job. Losartan also reduces the risk of stroke in people whose high blood pressure has thickened the left side of the heart, and it slows kidney damage in people with type 2 diabetes who also have high blood pressure. In some countries it is used for heart failure as well, typically when an ACE inhibitor causes problems.
Where losartan sits among blood pressure tablets
Losartan belongs to the sartans, the family that includes valsartan and candesartan. They are close relatives of the ACE inhibitors (ramipril, lisinopril and similar), which reduce how much angiotensin II the body makes. A sartan leaves production alone and blocks the receptor instead. In practice that means the nagging dry cough that sends many people off ACE inhibitors is uncommon with losartan. Both groups are often paired with a water tablet such as hydrochlorothiazide or with a calcium channel blocker like amlodipine.
The two listings
Losartan tablets and Cozaar are both tablets in 25mg, 50mg and 100mg, and both contain only losartan. Hyzaar, the combination of losartan with hydrochlorothiazide, is a different product and is not in this range. Lower strengths are chosen for a cautious start, and 100mg is the strongest tablet.
What else to know
The body adjusts to losartan within a few weeks, so dizziness on standing is mostly an early problem. Beyond that, the points that matter are the ones that change how the kidneys and potassium behave. Potassium can build up, particularly if kidney function is already reduced or if potassium supplements, salt substitutes or potassium-sparing water tablets are also being taken. Anti-inflammatory painkillers can reduce losartan's effect. Lithium levels can rise when it is taken alongside losartan.
Pregnancy is the firm exclusion, because ARBs can harm the baby, particularly in the second and third trimesters. Rare but serious reactions are angioedema (swelling of the lips, face or throat) and a sharp drop in kidney function in people with narrowed kidney arteries. Blood tests for potassium and kidney function are usual early on and after any dose change, because those are the two readings losartan moves most. Tablets keep best dry and at room temperature.
Sources
- Losartan: MedlinePlus Drug Information — National Library of Medicine
- High blood pressure - NHS — NHS
Where can I order Losartan for delivery in Hong Kong?
You can order Losartan online with delivery to Hong Kong. The page lists Losartan tablets and generic Cozaar, each in 25mg, 50mg and 100mg tablets. Tracked courier delivery to Hong Kong takes 5 to 9 business days and includes online tracking.
How much do Losartan products cost in Hong Kong?
It depends on the product, strength and pack size. Each of the two losartan products listed here shows its current prices in HKD or the currency you select.
Do I need a prescription to order Losartan?
PockDose does not ask you to upload a prescription when you order losartan. See the ordering FAQ for details.
What are the brand names for losartan?
Cozaar is a brand name of losartan, which is also sold as Losar and Repace. Here, losartan can be bought online as generic Cozaar and losartan tablets. These are generics, not the original brand.
How is losartan different from lisinopril or ramipril?
They both lower blood pressure through the same hormone system, but at different points. Lisinopril and ramipril cut production of angiotensin II, while losartan blocks its receptor. Losartan is less likely to cause the dry cough that ACE inhibitors are known for.
Can I use a salt substitute with losartan?
Most salt substitutes are potassium chloride, and with losartan that can push potassium too high. Ordinary salt used sparingly is the safer choice, and a low-sodium seasoning blend without potassium chloride avoids the problem.
Can losartan be taken with other blood pressure medicines?
Yes, and it often is. Losartan is commonly combined with a water tablet or a calcium channel blocker when one medicine is not enough. The exceptions are another ARB or an ACE inhibitor, and aliskiren in people with diabetes.