What Is Losartan Used For?

Many people wonder, "What is losartan used for?" Losartan is used for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy and high blood pressure. It has proven to be effective in significantly reducing both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, as well as slowing the progression of diabetic nephropathy. Losartan can be used in children ages six and older for high blood pressure control.

Losartan Potassium

What Are the Uses for Losartan?

Losartan potassium (Cozaar^®) is a prescription medication that has been licensed to treat several conditions related to the heart and blood vessels. These losartan uses include:

Controlling high blood pressure (hypertension)
Treating diabetic nephropathy.

Losartan for High Blood Pressure

A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers, for example: 120/80. The top number is known as the systolic blood pressure, and the bottom number is the diastolic blood pressure. High blood pressure is defined as an average blood pressure higher than 140/90 with multiple blood pressure readings.

Based on clinical studies, losartan has been shown to significantly lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The higher the dose of losartan, the greater the drop in blood pressure tended to be. By lowering blood pressure, losartan can also decrease the risks that occur with long-term high blood pressure (see Effects of High Blood Pressure). This includes a stroke or heart attack. Losartan is not a cure for high blood pressure.

Diabetic Nephropathy and Losartan

Diabetic nephropathy is a condition where the kidneys become damaged due to the effects of diabetes. Over time, diabetic nephropathy can progress to kidney failure, a serious condition in which the kidneys fail to rid the body of wastes.

In clinical studies, losartan has been shown to slow the progression of diabetic nephropathy, resulting in less kidney damage and a decreased chance for developing serious complications, such as the need for kidney dialysis.

(Click Diabetes and Kidney Disease for more information on the impact of diabetes on the kidneys.)

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