Cozaar (active ingredient: losartan) is a prescription medication used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and to help protect kidney function in certain people with type 2 diabetes. It belongs to a class of medications known as angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs).
By relaxing and widening the blood vessels, Cozaar helps lower blood pressure, improve blood flow, and reduce the workload on the heart.
What Is Cozaar Used For?
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Cozaar is used to treat high blood pressure in:
- Adults
- Children 6 years of age and older
Lowering blood pressure helps reduce the risk of serious health problems, including:
- Stroke
- Heart attack
- Kidney damage
- Other cardiovascular complications
In people with hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy (thickening of the heart’s main pumping chamber), Cozaar may also help reduce the risk of stroke.
Diabetic Kidney Disease (Diabetic Nephropathy)
Cozaar is also prescribed to treat diabetic nephropathy in certain adults with:
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Elevated serum creatinine levels
- Proteinuria (protein in the urine)
In these patients, Cozaar helps protect kidney function by reducing the amount of protein lost in the urine and slowing the progression of kidney damage.
How Does Cozaar Work?
Cozaar belongs to a class of medications called angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs).
Angiotensin II is a naturally occurring hormone that causes blood vessels to narrow and tighten, increasing blood pressure. It can also place additional strain on the kidneys and heart.
Losartan works by blocking the action of angiotensin II, which allows blood vessels to:
- Relax
- Widen
- Improve blood flow
As a result, Cozaar helps:
- Lower blood pressure
- Reduce strain on the heart
- Improve circulation
- Protect kidney function in certain patients with diabetes
Benefits of Cozaar
When used as prescribed, Cozaar may help:
- Lower high blood pressure
- Reduce the risk of stroke in certain patients with hypertension
- Protect kidney function in people with type 2 diabetes and diabetic nephropathy
- Reduce protein loss in the urine
- Lower the risk of long-term cardiovascular and kidney complications
Important Reminder
Cozaar helps control high blood pressure and protect kidney function, but it does not cure these conditions. Continue taking the medication exactly as prescribed, even if you feel well, as high blood pressure often causes no noticeable symptoms.
Regular blood pressure checks and follow-up appointments are important to monitor your response to treatment.
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