From the Guidelines
The typical starting dose of Cozaar (losartan) for blood pressure control is 50 mg once daily, with a possible lower starting dose of 25 mg once daily for patients who may be more sensitive to blood pressure-lowering effects. According to the most recent and highest quality study, 1, the target dose for losartan is 100 mg once daily. The medication can be taken with or without food at the same time each day to maintain consistent blood levels. If blood pressure remains uncontrolled after 2-4 weeks of treatment, the dose can be increased to this maximum of 100 mg once daily. Losartan works by blocking angiotensin II receptors, which relaxes blood vessels and lowers blood pressure. This medication typically takes 3-6 weeks to reach its full effect, though some blood pressure reduction may be seen within the first week.
Key Considerations
- Patients should continue taking all other prescribed blood pressure medications unless instructed otherwise by their healthcare provider.
- Blood pressure should be monitored regularly during dosage adjustments.
- Patients should be aware that common side effects may include dizziness, especially when standing up quickly, and occasional fatigue or headaches as the body adjusts to the medication.
Dosage and Administration
- The starting dose can be adjusted based on patient response and tolerance.
- The maximum dose of 100 mg once daily should not be exceeded.
- Losartan can be used in combination with other antihypertensive agents, but careful monitoring of blood pressure and potential side effects is necessary, as recommended by 1.
Monitoring and Follow-up
- Regular monitoring of blood pressure, kidney function, and electrolyte levels is essential during losartan therapy, as emphasized in 1.
- Patients should be educated on the importance of adherence to their medication regimen and regular follow-up appointments with their healthcare provider.
From the FDA Drug Label
The usual starting dose of losartan is 50 mg once daily. The dosage can be increased to a maximum dose of 100 mg once daily as needed to control blood pressure [see CLINICAL STUDIES (14.1)]. A starting dose of 25 mg is recommended for patients with possible intravascular depletion (e.g., on diuretic therapy).
The typical starting dose of Cozzar (Losartan) for blood pressure control is 50 mg once daily. However, for patients with possible intravascular depletion, the recommended starting dose is 25 mg once daily. The dosage can be increased to a maximum of 100 mg once daily as needed to control blood pressure 2.
- Key points:
- Starting dose: 50 mg once daily
- Maximum dose: 100 mg once daily
- Starting dose for patients with intravascular depletion: 25 mg once daily
From the Research
Typical Starting Dose and Usage of Cozzar (Losartan) for Blood Pressure Control
- The recommended dosage of losartan is 50 mg/day, which can be administered without regard to food 3.
- The maximum recommended daily dose of losartan is 100mg, which can be given as a once-daily dose or by splitting the same total daily dose into two doses 3.
- Losartan is effective as a once-daily antihypertensive agent, with similar efficacy to enalapril, atenolol, and felodipine extended release in mild to moderate hypertension 4, 5.
- Some studies suggest that the dose of 50 mg losartan is probably too low and that losartan should preferably be prescribed at the dose of 100 mg/day or higher to obtain the maximal benefits of the drug 6.
Usage in Specific Patient Groups
- Losartan appears to be effective in elderly patients 4.
- Losartan is well tolerated in mild, moderate, and severe essential hypertension, with dizziness being reported as the only drug-related adverse effect 4, 5.
- Losartan has been shown to provide important clinical benefits in patients with hypertension, congestive heart failure, and renal diseases 6.