{"id":58458,"date":"2024-02-27T18:37:00","date_gmt":"2024-02-27T18:37:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/medsname.com\/cosart\/"},"modified":"2026-05-01T10:49:14","modified_gmt":"2026-05-01T10:49:14","slug":"cosart","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/el\/cosart\/","title":{"rendered":"Cosart"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><!-- medsbase-tldr-answer --><\/p>\n<div style=\"background:#fff8e1;border-left:4px solid #f5a623;padding:18px 22px;margin:0 0 24px 0;border-radius:4px;\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin:0 0 8px 0;font-size:16px;font-weight:700;\">&#9889; Quick Answer &mdash; What is Cosart?<\/h3>\n<p style=\"margin:0;\"><strong>Cosart<\/strong> \u03b5\u03af\u03bd\u03b1\u03b9 <strong>25 mg losartan tablet<\/strong> from Abbott Healthcare &mdash; an <strong>angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB)<\/strong>. ARBs are <strong>first-line antihypertensive therapy<\/strong> alongside ACE inhibitors, CCBs, and thiazides per NICE, AHA\/ACC, and ESC\/ESH guidelines &mdash; and are the <strong>preferred alternative when an ACE inhibitor is not tolerated<\/strong> (usually because of the dry cough, which affects up to 20% of ACE-inhibitor users). The first ARB approved for clinical use (DuPont Merck 1995, as <strong>Cozaar<\/strong>) &mdash; the reference agent of the class. Losartan is a prodrug activated by CYP2C9 and CYP3A4 to its active metabolite E-3174 (EXP-3174). The parent drug has half-life ~2 hours; the active metabolite has half-life 6-9 hours. Typical hypertension dose: <strong>start 50 mg once daily (25 mg in elderly, volume-depleted, or hepatic impairment), target 50-100 mg once daily (divided into 50 mg twice daily in some patients)<\/strong>. Losartan has a modest <strong>uricosuric effect<\/strong> &mdash; it lowers serum uric acid (unique among ARBs; other ARBs are uric acid neutral or mildly raise it). Particularly useful in patients with hypertension <strong>AND gout or hyperuricaemia<\/strong>, where HCTZ-based combinations are problematic. <strong>Absolutely contraindicated in pregnancy<\/strong> (all trimesters &mdash; same teratogenic profile as ACE inhibitors: fetal renal agenesis, oligohydramnios, pulmonary hypoplasia), <strong>bilateral renal artery stenosis<\/strong>, \u03ba\u03b1\u03b9 <strong>concurrent sacubitril\/valsartan or aliskiren<\/strong>. Monitor potassium and creatinine.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"medsbase-trust-strip\" style=\"background:#f4f8fb;border:1px solid #d8e3eb;padding:12px 16px;margin:16px 0;border-radius:4px;font-size:14px;\">\n<strong>\u0391\u03c5\u03c4\u03cc \u03c0\u03bf\u03c5 \u03bb\u03b1\u03bc\u03b2\u03ac\u03bd\u03b5\u03c4\u03b5 \u03bc\u03b5 \u03c4\u03b7\u03bd MedsBase:<\/strong> \u03a0\u03b9\u03c3\u03c4\u03bf\u03c0\u03bf\u03b9\u03b7\u03bc\u03ad\u03bd\u03bf\u03c2 \u03ba\u03b1\u03c4\u03b1\u03c3\u03ba\u03b5\u03c5\u03b1\u03c3\u03c4\u03ae\u03c2 WHO-GMP \u00b7 \u0394\u03b9\u03b1\u03ba\u03c1\u03b9\u03c4\u03b9\u03ba\u03ae \u03c3\u03c5\u03c3\u03ba\u03b5\u03c5\u03b1\u03c3\u03af\u03b1 \u00b7 \u03a0\u03b1\u03b3\u03ba\u03cc\u03c3\u03bc\u03b9\u03b1 \u03b1\u03c0\u03bf\u03c3\u03c4\u03bf\u03bb\u03ae \u00b7 1,400+ \u03b5\u03c0\u03b1\u03bb\u03b7\u03b8\u03b5\u03c5\u03bc\u03ad\u03bd\u03b5\u03c2 <a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/el\/reviews\/\">\u03ba\u03c1\u03b9\u03c4\u03b9\u03ba\u03ad\u03c2 \u03c0\u03b5\u03bb\u03b1\u03c4\u03ce\u03bd<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"medsbase-reship-line\" style=\"font-size:14px;color:#444;margin:8px 0 18px;\">\ud83d\udce6 \u039a\u03ac\u03b8\u03b5 \u03c0\u03b1\u03c1\u03b1\u03b3\u03b3\u03b5\u03bb\u03af\u03b1 \u03ba\u03b1\u03bb\u03cd\u03c0\u03c4\u03b5\u03c4\u03b1\u03b9 \u03b1\u03c0\u03cc \u03c4\u03b7\u03bd <a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/el\/medsbase-re-shipment-assurance-policy\/\"><strong>\u03a0\u03bf\u03bb\u03b9\u03c4\u03b9\u03ba\u03ae \u0395\u03b3\u03b3\u03cd\u03b7\u03c3\u03b7\u03c2 \u0395\u03c0\u03b1\u03bd\u03b1\u03c0\u03bf\u03c3\u03c4\u03bf\u03bb\u03ae\u03c2<\/strong><\/a> \u2014 \u03b5\u03ac\u03bd \u03c4\u03bf \u03b4\u03ad\u03bc\u03b1 \u03c3\u03b1\u03c2 \u03b4\u03b5\u03bd \u03c6\u03c4\u03ac\u03c3\u03b5\u03b9 \u03b5\u03bd\u03c4\u03cc\u03c2 20 \u03b5\u03c1\u03b3\u03ac\u03c3\u03b9\u03bc\u03c9\u03bd \u03b7\u03bc\u03b5\u03c1\u03ce\u03bd, \u03c4\u03bf \u03b5\u03c0\u03b1\u03bd\u03b1\u03c0\u03bf\u03c3\u03c4\u03ad\u03bb\u03bb\u03bf\u03c5\u03bc\u03b5.<\/p>\n<h3>\u0393\u03b9\u03b1\u03c4\u03af \u03bd\u03b1 \u03c0\u03b1\u03c1\u03b1\u03b3\u03b3\u03b5\u03af\u03bb\u03b5\u03c4\u03b5 \u03b1\u03c0\u03cc \u03c4\u03b7 MedsBase<\/h3>\n<p>\u03a4\u03b1 \u03b3\u03b5\u03bd\u03cc\u03c3\u03b7\u03bc\u03b1 \u03c6\u03ac\u03c1\u03bc\u03b1\u03ba\u03ac \u03bc\u03b1\u03c2 \u03c0\u03c1\u03bf\u03ad\u03c1\u03c7\u03bf\u03bd\u03c4\u03b1\u03b9 \u03b1\u03c0\u03cc \u03ba\u03b1\u03c4\u03b1\u03c3\u03ba\u03b5\u03c5\u03b1\u03c3\u03c4\u03ad\u03c2 \u03c0\u03bf\u03c5 \u03c0\u03b9\u03c3\u03c4\u03bf\u03c0\u03bf\u03b9\u03bf\u03cd\u03bd\u03c4\u03b1\u03b9 \u03b1\u03c0\u03cc \u03c4\u03b7\u03bd WHO-GMP \u03ba\u03b1\u03b9 \u03b1\u03c0\u03bf\u03c3\u03c4\u03ad\u03bb\u03bb\u03bf\u03bd\u03c4\u03b1\u03b9 \u03c0\u03b1\u03b3\u03ba\u03bf\u03c3\u03bc\u03af\u03c9\u03c2 \u03c3\u03b5 \u03b4\u03b9\u03b1\u03ba\u03c1\u03b9\u03c4\u03b9\u03ba\u03ae, \u03b1\u03c0\u03bb\u03ae \u03c3\u03c5\u03c3\u03ba\u03b5\u03c5\u03b1\u03c3\u03af\u03b1 \u2014 \u03c7\u03c9\u03c1\u03af\u03c2 \u03cc\u03bd\u03bf\u03bc\u03b1 \u03c6\u03b1\u03c1\u03bc\u03ac\u03ba\u03bf\u03c5 \u03c3\u03c4\u03bf \u03b5\u03be\u03c9\u03c4\u03b5\u03c1\u03b9\u03ba\u03cc \u03c4\u03bf\u03c5 \u03b4\u03ad\u03bc\u03b1\u03c4\u03bf\u03c2. \u039f\u03b9 \u03c0\u03bb\u03b7\u03c1\u03c9\u03bc\u03ad\u03c2 \u03bc\u03b5 \u03ba\u03ac\u03c1\u03c4\u03b1 \u03b4\u03c1\u03bf\u03bc\u03bf\u03bb\u03bf\u03b3\u03bf\u03cd\u03bd\u03c4\u03b1\u03b9 \u03bc\u03ad\u03c3\u03c9 \u03c1\u03c5\u03b8\u03bc\u03b9\u03c3\u03bc\u03ad\u03bd\u03bf\u03c5 \u03b5\u03c0\u03b5\u03be\u03b5\u03c1\u03b3\u03b1\u03c3\u03c4\u03ae (\u03bf\u03b9 \u03c0\u03b5\u03c1\u03b9\u03b3\u03c1\u03b1\u03c6\u03ad\u03c2 \u03b5\u03ba\u03ba\u03b1\u03b8\u03ac\u03c1\u03b9\u03c3\u03b7\u03c2 \u03c0\u03b5\u03c1\u03b9\u03bb\u03b1\u03bc\u03b2\u03ac\u03bd\u03bf\u03c5\u03bd \u03c1\u03c5\u03b8\u03bc\u03b9\u03c3\u03bc\u03ad\u03bd\u03bf \u03b5\u03c0\u03b5\u03be\u03b5\u03c1\u03b3\u03b1\u03c3\u03c4\u03ae \u03c0\u03bb\u03b7\u03c1\u03c9\u03bc\u03ce\u03bd \u03bc\u03b5 \u03ba\u03ac\u03c1\u03c4\u03b1 \u2014 \u03c0\u03bf\u03c4\u03ad \u201cMedsBase\u201d \u03ae \u03bf\u03c0\u03bf\u03b9\u03bf\u03b4\u03ae\u03c0\u03bf\u03c4\u03b5 \u03cc\u03bd\u03bf\u03bc\u03b1 \u03c6\u03b1\u03c1\u03bc\u03ac\u03ba\u03bf\u03c5). \u0393\u03af\u03bd\u03bf\u03bd\u03c4\u03b1\u03b9 \u03b4\u03b5\u03ba\u03c4\u03ad\u03c2 \u03ba\u03b1\u03b9 \u03c0\u03bb\u03b7\u03c1\u03c9\u03bc\u03ad\u03c2 \u03bc\u03b5 \u03ba\u03c1\u03c5\u03c0\u03c4\u03bf\u03bd\u03bf\u03bc\u03af\u03c3\u03bc\u03b1\u03c4\u03b1 \u03ba\u03b1\u03b9 \u03c4\u03c1\u03b1\u03c0\u03b5\u03b6\u03b9\u03ba\u03ae \u03bc\u03b5\u03c4\u03b1\u03c6\u03bf\u03c1\u03ac SEPA. \u039a\u03ac\u03b8\u03b5 \u03c0\u03b1\u03c1\u03b1\u03b3\u03b3\u03b5\u03bb\u03af\u03b1 \u03ba\u03b1\u03bb\u03cd\u03c0\u03c4\u03b5\u03c4\u03b1\u03b9 \u03b1\u03c0\u03cc \u03c4\u03b7\u03bd \u03a0\u03bf\u03bb\u03b9\u03c4\u03b9\u03ba\u03ae \u0395\u03c0\u03b1\u03bd\u03b1\u03c0\u03bf\u03c3\u03c4\u03bf\u03bb\u03ae\u03c2 \u0395\u03be\u03b1\u03c3\u03c6\u03b1\u03bb\u03af\u03c3\u03b5\u03ce\u03c2 \u03bc\u03b1\u03c2.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Is Cosart?<\/h2>\n<p>Cosart is an oral 25 mg losartan tablet from Abbott Healthcare, supplied in 30-180 tablets. The first ARB approved for clinical use (DuPont Merck 1995, as <strong>Cozaar<\/strong>) &mdash; the reference agent of the class. Losartan is a prodrug activated by CYP2C9 and CYP3A4 to its active metabolite E-3174 (EXP-3174). The parent drug has half-life ~2 hours; the active metabolite has half-life 6-9 hours.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Losartan Lowers Blood Pressure<\/h2>\n<p>ARBs block the <strong>angiotensin II type 1 (AT<sub>1<\/sub>) receptor<\/strong> directly, preventing angiotensin II from binding and exerting its vasoconstrictor and aldosterone-releasing effects. This is one receptor downstream of where ACE inhibitors act (which block angiotensin II formation) and produces equivalent clinical effects:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Direct arterial vasodilation<\/strong> &mdash; lower systemic vascular resistance = lower blood pressure<\/li>\n<li><strong>Reduced aldosterone secretion<\/strong> &mdash; less sodium and water retention<\/li>\n<li><strong>Reduced sympathetic nervous system activation<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Improved endothelial function and reduced ventricular remodelling<\/strong> &mdash; the vascular-protective mechanism beyond simple BP lowering<\/li>\n<li><strong>NO bradykinin accumulation<\/strong> &mdash; this is the key clinical difference from ACE inhibitors. ARBs do NOT cause the dry cough that affects up to 20% of ACEi users, because they don&#8217;t interfere with bradykinin metabolism.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Clinical consequence of this mechanism: ARBs achieve equivalent BP control to ACE inhibitors with lower rates of cough (0-3% vs 20% for ACEi) and angioedema (roughly 30-50% lower than ACEi, though not zero).<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Approved and Evidence-Based Uses<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Hypertension<\/strong> &mdash; primary indication; first-line per international guidelines<\/li>\n<li><strong>Hypertension with gout or hyperuricaemia<\/strong> &mdash; uniquely uricosuric<\/li>\n<li><strong>Diabetic nephropathy in type 2 diabetes<\/strong> &mdash; RENAAL trial<\/li>\n<li><strong>Hypertension with left-ventricular hypertrophy<\/strong> &mdash; LIFE trial<\/li>\n<li><strong>Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction<\/strong> &mdash; alternative to ACE inhibitor when cough is intolerable<\/li>\n<li><strong>Intolerance to ACE inhibitors<\/strong> (cough, less commonly angioedema) &mdash; standard switch target<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Pivotal trial evidence:<\/strong> <strong>LIFE trial (2002)<\/strong> &mdash; losartan-based therapy reduced stroke, CV death, and MI by 13% vs atenolol-based therapy in hypertension with left-ventricular hypertrophy, establishing the modern preference for ARBs over older beta-blockers in HTN. <strong>RENAAL + IDNT<\/strong> &mdash; renoprotection in diabetic nephropathy. <strong>HEAAL<\/strong> &mdash; high-dose losartan (150 mg) vs low-dose (50 mg) in HF-REF; high-dose reduced hospitalisation.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cosart Dosage<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Hypertension:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>\u0391\u03c1\u03c7\u03b9\u03ba\u03ae \u03b4\u03cc\u03c3\u03b7:<\/strong> 50 mg once daily (25 mg in elderly, volume-depleted, or hepatic impairment)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Target dose:<\/strong> 50-100 mg once daily (divided into 50 mg twice daily in some patients)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Maximum:<\/strong> 100 mg\/day<\/li>\n<li>Titrate every 2-4 weeks; full antihypertensive effect at 3-6 weeks<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Heart failure:<\/strong> Start 12.5 mg once daily, titrate weekly to 50-150 mg once daily (HEAAL target)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Administration:<\/strong> once daily, with or without food. Take at the same time each day for stable BP control.<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u03a0\u03b1\u03c1\u03b1\u03ba\u03bf\u03bb\u03bf\u03cd\u03b8\u03b7\u03c3\u03b7:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Baseline: urea, electrolytes (particularly potassium), creatinine, eGFR. Home BP baseline.<\/li>\n<li>After 1-2 weeks: repeat U&amp;E. Small rise in creatinine (up to 30%) is expected and acceptable. Small rise in potassium is common.<\/li>\n<li>After dose increase: repeat U&amp;E at 1-2 weeks.<\/li>\n<li>Ongoing: annual U&amp;E once stable.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Stop and investigate:<\/strong> creatinine rise &gt;30%, eGFR fall &gt;25%, potassium &gt;5.5, symptomatic hypotension.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Discontinuation:<\/strong> no withdrawal syndrome; however, abrupt stop causes BP rebound over days. Taper over 1-2 weeks when stopping.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u03a0\u03b1\u03c1\u03b5\u03bd\u03ad\u03c1\u03b3\u03b5\u03b9\u03b5\u03c2<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Common (&gt;1%, usually mild):<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Dizziness, postural hypotension (usually mild; more common at start of therapy)<\/li>\n<li>Mild hyperkalaemia<\/li>\n<li>Expected small creatinine rise (up to ~30% is acceptable; intrarenal haemodynamic change, not nephrotoxicity)<\/li>\n<li>Fatigue, headache<\/li>\n<li>Upper respiratory symptoms, nasopharyngitis<\/li>\n<li>Back pain, muscle cramps<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u03a3\u03c0\u03ac\u03bd\u03b9\u03b1 \u03b1\u03bb\u03bb\u03ac \u03c3\u03b7\u03bc\u03b1\u03bd\u03c4\u03b9\u03ba\u03ac:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Angioedema<\/strong> &mdash; lower rate than with ACE inhibitors but still possible. Incidence ~0.1%. Do NOT use an ARB if the patient has a documented history of angioedema to an ACE inhibitor in the first 4 weeks; longer-term cautious use often acceptable.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Severe hyperkalaemia<\/strong> &mdash; particularly with potassium-sparing diuretics (spironolactone), potassium supplements, NSAIDs, or CKD<\/li>\n<li><strong>Acute kidney injury in bilateral renal artery stenosis<\/strong> &mdash; same mechanism as ACE inhibitors<\/li>\n<li><strong>First-dose hypotension<\/strong> in volume-depleted patients (e.g. on high-dose diuretics, severe HF)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u0391\u03bd\u03c4\u03b5\u03bd\u03b4\u03b5\u03af\u03be\u03b5\u03b9\u03c2<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Pregnancy &mdash; ABSOLUTE contraindication at all trimesters<\/strong>. Same teratogenic profile as ACE inhibitors. Stop immediately on pregnancy; switch to <a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/el\/labebet\/\">labetalol<\/a>, methyldopa, nifedipine, or hydralazine.<\/li>\n<li>History of angioedema with any ACE inhibitor or ARB (within 4 weeks)<\/li>\n<li>Bilateral renal artery stenosis or stenosis in a single functioning kidney<\/li>\n<li>Severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh C) &mdash; particularly for prodrug ARBs<\/li>\n<li>Hyperkalaemia &gt;5.5 mmol\/L at baseline<\/li>\n<li>Concurrent use of sacubitril\/valsartan (Entresto) &mdash; 36-hour washout required when switching<\/li>\n<li>Concurrent aliskiren in diabetes or CKD (ALTITUDE trial harm)<\/li>\n<li>Concurrent ACE inhibitor &mdash; ONTARGET trial harm without benefit<\/li>\n<li>Hypersensitivity to losartan<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Breastfeeding:<\/strong> avoid in the first weeks after delivery of a premature infant. Long-term use in established breastfeeding is generally considered acceptable given low milk transfer, but alternative antihypertensives (propranolol, nifedipine) are preferred when possible.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u0391\u03bb\u03bb\u03b7\u03bb\u03b5\u03c0\u03b9\u03b4\u03c1\u03ac\u03c3\u03b5\u03b9\u03c2 \u03a6\u03b1\u03c1\u03bc\u03ac\u03ba\u03c9\u03bd<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Potassium-sparing diuretics<\/strong> (spironolactone, eplerenone, amiloride, triamterene) &mdash; additive hyperkalaemia; monitor closely<\/li>\n<li><strong>Potassium supplements and salt substitutes<\/strong> &mdash; hyperkalaemia risk<\/li>\n<li><strong>\u039c\u03b7 \u03c3\u03c4\u03b5\u03c1\u03bf\u03b5\u03b9\u03b4\u03ae \u03b1\u03bd\u03c4\u03b9\u03c6\u03bb\u03b5\u03b3\u03bc\u03bf\u03bd\u03ce\u03b4\u03b7 \u03c6\u03ac\u03c1\u03bc\u03b1\u03ba\u03b1 (NSAIDs)<\/strong> &mdash; reduce antihypertensive effect and increase AKI risk (particularly the &#8220;triple whammy&#8221;: ARB + diuretic + NSAID)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Lithium<\/strong> &mdash; ARBs reduce lithium clearance; monitor levels<\/li>\n<li><strong>\u0391\u03bd\u03b1\u03c3\u03c4\u03bf\u03bb\u03b5\u03af\u03c2 ACE<\/strong> &mdash; do NOT combine (ONTARGET harm)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Sacubitril\/valsartan (Entresto)<\/strong> &mdash; do not combine; 36-hour washout<\/li>\n<li><strong>Aliskiren<\/strong> &mdash; avoid in diabetes or CKD (ALTITUDE harm)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Fluconazole<\/strong> &mdash; reduces losartan activation to E-3174 (CYP2C9 inhibition); may reduce BP effect<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">ARB Class at a Glance<\/h2>\n<table style=\"width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;margin:14px 0;\">\n<thead>\n<tr style=\"background:#2c7cb0;color:#fff;\">\n<th style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;text-align:left;\">ARB<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;text-align:left;\">Half-life<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;text-align:left;\">Distinguishing niche<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"background:#fff3cd;\">\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/el\/losar\/\">Losartan (Losar, Cosart)<\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">2 h \/ 6-9 h (metabolite)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Uricosuric (useful in gout); LIFE trial stroke reduction<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background:#f9f9f9;\">\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/el\/olmin\/\">Olmesartan (Olmin, Olmeheal, Olmesar)<\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">13 h<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Potent per mg; FDA sprue-like enteropathy warning<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/el\/telmaheal\/\">Telmisartan (Telmaheal, Cresar, Targit)<\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">24 h (longest)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Metabolic benefit (PPAR-&gamma;); ONTARGET CV protection<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background:#f9f9f9;\">\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/el\/diovan-160\/\">Valsartan (Diovan 160, Valent)<\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">6 h (24 h effect)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">HF evidence (Val-HeFT, VALIANT); ARNI precursor (Entresto)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/el\/irovel\/\">Irbesartan (Irovel)<\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">11-15 h<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Diabetic nephropathy (IRMA-2, IDNT)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background:#f9f9f9;\">\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Candesartan<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">9 h<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">HF evidence (CHARM); not stocked at MedsBase<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">ARB vs ACE Inhibitor &mdash; When to Choose an ARB<\/h2>\n<p>ACE inhibitors (<a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/el\/ramcor\/\">ramipril<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/el\/enapril\/\">enalapril<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/el\/lispro\/\">lisinopril<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/el\/coversyl\/\">perindopril<\/a>) and ARBs act on the same renin-angiotensin pathway and produce equivalent BP-lowering and cardiovascular protection. Choose an ARB when:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>ACE-inhibitor cough<\/strong> has appeared (up to 20% of users; most common reason for switch)<\/li>\n<li>Past ACE-inhibitor angioedema (use an ARB cautiously, not within 4 weeks of the angioedema episode)<\/li>\n<li>Some patients prefer the once-daily profile of long-acting ARBs like telmisartan for smooth 24-hour control<\/li>\n<li>Specific molecule indications &mdash; losartan for HTN+gout, irbesartan for type 2 diabetic nephropathy, valsartan as a precursor to ARNI in HF<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Do NOT combine ARB + ACE inhibitor.<\/strong> ONTARGET trial (2008) showed the combination produces MORE adverse events (hyperkalaemia, AKI, hypotension) without any additional cardiovascular benefit. If a patient is on both, stop one.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u0391\u03c0\u03bf\u03b8\u03ae\u03ba\u03b5\u03c5\u03c3\u03b7<\/h2>\n<p>Store Cosart below 25&deg;C in the original blister pack. Keep out of reach of children.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"faqs\">\u03a3\u03c5\u03c7\u03bd\u03ad\u03c2 \u0395\u03c1\u03c9\u03c4\u03ae\u03c3\u03b5\u03b9\u03c2<\/h2>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How long does Cosart take to lower blood pressure?<\/h3>\n<p>Initial BP drop within 1-2 hours; full antihypertensive effect at <strong>3-6 weeks<\/strong>. Measure home BP at the same time each day to track response. If BP has not come to target at 6 weeks, either increase dose or add a second-class agent (CCB or thiazide are the standard add-ons to an ARB).<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">I switched from an ACE inhibitor because of cough &mdash; will my cough go away?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes. The ACE-inhibitor cough is caused by bradykinin accumulation; ARBs do not raise bradykinin. The cough typically resolves within <strong>1-4 weeks<\/strong> of stopping the ACE inhibitor. If your cough persists beyond 6 weeks after switching to Cosart, investigate an alternative cause (reflux, postnasal drip, asthma).<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can I take Cosart in pregnancy?<\/h3>\n<p><strong>No &mdash; ARBs are absolutely contraindicated in pregnancy<\/strong>, same as ACE inhibitors. They cause fetal renal agenesis, oligohydramnios, pulmonary hypoplasia, and skull defects. Stop immediately if pregnancy occurs. Women of childbearing potential should use reliable contraception; for those planning pregnancy, switch to <a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/el\/labebet\/\">labetalol<\/a>, methyldopa, or nifedipine pre-conception.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">My creatinine went up a bit after starting Cosart &mdash; should I stop?<\/h3>\n<p>A creatinine rise of up to <strong>30%<\/strong> within the first 1-2 weeks is <strong>expected and acceptable<\/strong>. It reflects normal intrarenal haemodynamic adjustment as angiotensin-II-mediated efferent arteriolar tone is removed. A rise &gt;30% suggests bilateral renal artery stenosis, volume depletion, or NSAID interaction and requires investigation (stop the drug, get renal imaging, review concurrent medication).<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Should I avoid potassium-rich foods on Cosart?<\/h3>\n<p>Moderate intake of potassium-rich foods (bananas, oranges, spinach, avocado, potatoes) is fine for most users. Avoid potassium supplements (slow-K) and potassium-containing salt substitutes unless specifically prescribed &mdash; these can cause dangerous hyperkalaemia when combined with ARBs, particularly in CKD or with potassium-sparing diuretics.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can I combine Cosart with my other BP medications?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes &mdash; ARBs combine well with <strong>calcium-channel blockers<\/strong> (<a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/el\/amlode\/\">amlodipine<\/a>), <strong>thiazide diuretics<\/strong> (<a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/el\/aquazide\/\">HCTZ<\/a>), and <strong>beta-blockers<\/strong> (<a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/el\/concor\/\">bisoprolol<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/el\/betablock-xl\/\">metoprolol succinate<\/a>). <strong>Do NOT combine an ARB with an ACE inhibitor<\/strong> (ramipril, lisinopril, etc.) &mdash; ONTARGET trial showed harm without benefit.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can I take ibuprofen with Cosart?<\/h3>\n<p>Occasional short-term use is usually acceptable; <strong>chronic daily NSAIDs<\/strong> (ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen) reduce the antihypertensive effect of ARBs AND substantially raise the AKI risk &mdash; particularly when combined with a diuretic (the &#8220;triple whammy&#8221;). For chronic pain, paracetamol is safer; for inflammation, discuss alternatives.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is Cosart lifelong?<\/h3>\n<p>For most patients with essential hypertension, yes &mdash; antihypertensive therapy is lifelong because stopping returns BP to pre-treatment levels within days to weeks. Some patients lose their hypertension through significant weight loss, reduced alcohol intake, or better sleep; their physician may then trial a careful taper under BP monitoring. Never stop Cosart without medical advice.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u03a4\u03b9 \u03b3\u03af\u03bd\u03b5\u03c4\u03b1\u03b9 \u03b1\u03bd \u03c7\u03ac\u03c3\u03c9 \u03bc\u03b9\u03b1 \u03b4\u03cc\u03c3\u03b7;<\/h3>\n<p>Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it is nearly time for the next dose &mdash; in that case skip the missed dose and continue your normal schedule. Do not double up. A single missed dose will not meaningfully affect long-term BP control.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where can I buy Cosart online?<\/h3>\n<p>You can buy Cosart (losartan 25 mg, 30-180 tablets) from MedsBase with discreet packaging and worldwide shipping.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Related Antihypertensives on MedsBase<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/el\/cresar\/\">Cresar &mdash; Telmisartan 20 mg<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/el\/diovan-160\/\">Diovan 160 &mdash; Valsartan 160 mg<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/el\/irovel\/\">Irovel &mdash; Irbesartan 150\/300 mg<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/el\/olmeheal\/\">Olmeheal &mdash; Olmesartan 20\/40 mg<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/el\/olmezest-am\/\">Olmezest-AM &mdash; Olmesartan + Amlodipine<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/el\/telmaheal\/\">Telmaheal &mdash; Telmisartan 20\/40\/80 mg<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/el\/high-blood-pressure-medication\/\"><strong>Browse all High Blood Pressure Medications<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div style=\"background:#fff3f3;border-left:4px solid #d9534f;padding:16px 20px;margin:24px 0;border-radius:4px;\"><strong>\u2695 \u0399\u03b1\u03c4\u03c1\u03b9\u03ba\u03ae \u0391\u03c0\u03bf\u03c0\u03bf\u03af\u03b7\u03c3\u03b7 \u0395\u03c5\u03b8\u03cd\u03bd\u03b7\u03c2.<\/strong> This page is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. Hypertension, heart failure, and arrhythmias require diagnosis, monitoring, and dose individualisation by a doctor &mdash; always use beta-blockers under medical guidance.<\/div>\n<p><!-- medsbase-related-alts-v1 --><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u03a3\u03c7\u03b5\u03c4\u03b9\u03ba\u03ad\u03c2 \u0395\u03bd\u03b1\u03bb\u03bb\u03b1\u03ba\u03c4\u03b9\u03ba\u03ad\u03c2<\/h3>\n<p>\u0386\u03bb\u03bb\u03b1 \u03c0\u03c1\u03bf\u03ca\u03cc\u03bd\u03c4\u03b1 \u03c3\u03b5 <strong>\u03a7\u03c1\u03cc\u03bd\u03b9\u03b5\u03c2 \u03a0\u03b1\u03b8\u03ae\u03c3\u03b5\u03b9\u03c2<\/strong> \u03c0\u03bf\u03c5 \u03bf\u03b9 \u03c0\u03b5\u03bb\u03ac\u03c4\u03b5\u03c2 \u03b5\u03be\u03b5\u03c4\u03ac\u03b6\u03bf\u03c5\u03bd \u03b5\u03c0\u03af\u03c3\u03b7\u03c2:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/el\/concor\/\">Concor<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/el\/anacin\/\">Anacin<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/el\/glide\/\">Glide<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/el\/isentress\/\">\u0399\u03c3\u03b5\u03bd\u03c4\u03c1\u03b5\u03c2<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/el\/loratin\/\">Loratin<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Cosart is losartan 25 mg tablets from Abbott \u2014 low-starter dose for the first ARB class. Useful for elderly patients, those with hepatic impairment, or anyone in volume-depleted states. Titrate to 50-100 mg once daily for maintenance hypertension control. Unique uricosuric effect in the ARB class.<\/p>","protected":false},"featured_media":58459,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":[],"product_brand":[],"product_cat":[3141,3223,3342,3260,3356],"product_tag":[4496,3384],"class_list":{"0":"post-58458","1":"product","2":"type-product","3":"status-publish","4":"has-post-thumbnail","6":"product_cat-category-overview","7":"product_cat-chronic-conditions","8":"product_cat-general-health","9":"product_cat-heart-blood-pressure","10":"product_cat-high-blood-pressure-medication","11":"product_tag-cosart","12":"product_tag-losartan","14":"first","15":"instock","16":"shipping-taxable","17":"purchasable","18":"product-type-variable","19":"has-default-attributes"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/el\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product\/58458","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/el\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/el\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/product"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/el\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=58458"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/el\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/58459"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/el\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=58458"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"product_brand","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/el\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product_brand?post=58458"},{"taxonomy":"product_cat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/el\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product_cat?post=58458"},{"taxonomy":"product_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/el\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product_tag?post=58458"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}