Losardex / Cozaar / Ocsaar (losartan) is a vasodilator that keeps blood vessels from narrowing, and is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Losartan is a type of drug called an angiotensin II antagonist. Angiotensin II is a hormone that has the dual effect of causing peripheral blood vessels to narrow, as well as stimulating the production of aldosterone, which can cause salt and water to be retained by the kidneys, which increases the volume of fluid in the blood vessels. The combined overall effect of losartan is to lower the blood pressure and reduce fluid retention, which are both necessary to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events such as stroke and heart attack in patients with high blood pressure and a thickening of the left ventricle of the heart. Losartan also delays further damage to the kidneys in patients with type 2 diabetes who have protein in their urine (proteinuria).

Dosage

A doctor will determine the dosage and duration of the treatment with Ocsaar, depending on general conditions and whether other medicines are being taken.  Losartan should not be taken by women who are pregnant, or could become pregnant while being treated with it. The usual dosage for adults with high blood pressure as well as those with high blood pressure together with type 2 diabetes and proteinuria is one 50 mg tablet each day. Maximum benefit of lowered blood pressure may take 4-6 weeks. Adults with heart failure are usually started on 12.5 mg per day and then stepped up to the maximum prescribed dose on a weekly basis.