RxGuide
Drug Comparison

Ibuprofen vs. Losartan Potassium

Compare Ibuprofen and Losartan Potassium: mechanism of action, indications, side effects, cost, and which may be right for you.

Drug A

Ibuprofen

good neighbor pharmacy ibuprofen

NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs)

Rx

Drug B

Losartan Potassium

Cozaar

ARBs (Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers)

Rx

Quick Comparison

CategoryIbuprofenLosartan Potassium
Drug ClassNSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs)ARBs (Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers)
Rx StatusRxRx
Generic AvailableNoNo
Typical Cost$4-$15/month$4–$15/month

Ibuprofen Overview

IBUPROFEN (brand name: good neighbor pharmacy ibuprofen) is a NSAIDs. Uses • temporarily relieves minor aches and pains due to: • headache • muscular aches • minor pain of arthritis • toothache • backache • the common cold • menstrual cramps • temporarily reduces fever

Full Ibuprofen guide →

Losartan Potassium Overview

Losartan potassium (Cozaar) is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) used to treat high blood pressure, protect the kidneys in type 2 diabetes, and reduce the risk of stroke in patients with hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy. Unlike ACE inhibitors, losartan does not cause a dry cough and carries a significantly lower risk of angioedema. It is also the only ARB with a clinically mean...

Full Losartan Potassium guide →

How Each Drug Works

Losartan Potassium

Mechanism of Action — AT1 Receptor Blockade

Losartan is a selective, competitive antagonist of the angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor. Unlike ACE inhibitors, losartan does not prevent the formation of angiotensin II — instead, it blocks angiotensin II from binding to its primary receptor.

Step-by-step mechanism:

  1. Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) activation: Renin converts angiotensinogen to angiotensin I; ACE converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II via multiple pat…

Approved Uses (Indications)

Ibuprofen

Uses

  • temporarily relieves minor aches and pains due to:
  • headache
  • muscular aches
  • minor pain of arthritis
  • toothache
  • backache
  • the common cold
  • menstrual cramps
  • temporarily reduces fever

Losartan Potassium

FDA-Approved Indications:

Hypertension (adults and pediatric patients ≥6 years):

  • Treatment of hypertension to reduce blood pressure and lower the risk of cardiovascular events
  • Can be used as monotherapy or in combination with other antihypertensives
  • Pediatric use: approved for children ≥6 years with eGFR >30 mL/min/1.73m²

Diabetic Nephropathy (type 2 diabetes with proteinuria and hypertension):

  • Reduces the rate of progression of nephropathy as measured by doubling of serum creatinine or ESRD
  • RENAAL trial: 25% reduction in doubling of serum creatinine, 28% reduction in E…

Side Effects

Losartan Potassium

Serious Side Effects

Hyperkalemia — can be severe (>6 mEq/L) in patients with renal impairment, diabetes, or concurrent use of potassium-sparing agentsAcute kidney injury — especially in patients with bilateral renal artery stenosis, solitary kidney, or severe heart failureHypotension — particularly in volume-depleted patients (diuretics, low-sodium diet, dialysis); first-dose effectAngioedema — rare (<0.1%), but can occur; 3–4× less common than with ACE inhibitors; may occur in patients with prior ACE inhibitor-induced angioedemaFetal/neonatal toxicity — can cause oligohydramnios, fetal renal dysfunction, skull hypoplasia, and death (Category D in 2nd/3rd trimester)

Common Side Effects

Dizziness (4–7%)Upper respiratory infection (8%)Fatigue (3–4%)Hyperkalemia (potassium >5.5 mEq/L, especially with renal impairment or diabetes)Hypotension (especially in volume-depleted patients)Elevated serum creatinine (reversible, especially with bilateral renal artery stenosis)Back pain (2–3%)Nasal congestion (2%)

Rare Side Effects

Hepatotoxicity (rare case reports)Rhabdomyolysis (rare, especially with concurrent statin use)Anemia (rare, especially in patients with renal impairment)Thrombocytopenia (rare)

Cost Comparison

Ibuprofen

$4-$15/month

Ibuprofen is widely available as an inexpensive generic, even without insurance. Discount cards can further reduce the cost at many pharmacies.

Losartan Potassium

$4–$15/month

Generic losartan potassium is available at most pharmacies for $4–$15/month, and is included on most $4 generic drug programs at major pharmacy chains (Walmart, Kroger, Costco). Brand-name Cozaar is significantly more expensive (~$200–$300/month) but is rarely prescribed. Hyzaar (losartan/hydrochlorothiazide combination) is also available generically at similar low cost. GoodRx and RxGo coupons can further reduce the price at most pharmacies.

Drug Interaction: Moderate

Concomitant use of ibuprofen and losartan can lead to a decrease in the antihypertensive effect of losartan and an increased risk of renal dysfunction, particularly in elderly, dehydrated, or renally impaired patients. This combination can also increase the risk of hyperkalemia.

Mechanism: Ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), inhibits prostaglandin synthesis, which can counteract the vasodilator effects of losartan and lead to sodium and water retention. In susceptible patients, this can impair renal perfusion and function when combined with the angiotensin receptor blockade of losartan.

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Medical Disclaimer

The information on RxGuide is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, pharmacist, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or medication. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.