Losartan Alternatives in 2025: 8 Modern Options for Blood Pressure Control

Losartan's been a go-to for millions trying to keep their blood pressure under control. But it's not one-size-fits-all—side effects, drug shortages, or just wanting something newer push people to look at other options. If you're wondering what else is out there in 2025, you're in the right place.

The good news? You don't have to feel stuck with just one drug. The world of blood pressure meds has seriously expanded, offering choices that fit different bodies, lifestyles, and even budgets. Whether you’ve had problems with side effects, want fewer doses per day, or just need something your insurance actually covers, there’s a lot more on the pharmacy shelf than you might realize.

Let's get real about what each alternative looks like—no confusing jargon, just facts, pros and cons, and what might actually work best for you. Before your next pharmacy run, here’s what you should know about eight solid alternatives to Losartan in 2025.

• Eprosartan
• Valsartan
• Olmesartan
• Irbesartan
• Candesartan
• Telmisartan
• Azilsartan
• ACE Inhibitors
• Comparison and Wrap-up

Eprosartan

If you're exploring losartan alternatives, Eprosartan might catch your eye. It's in the same family of meds as losartan, called ARBs (angiotensin receptor blockers), but it stands out for a few reasons.

Eprosartan blocks angiotensin II—the hormone in your body that tightens blood vessels and raises your blood pressure. By keeping those blood vessels relaxed, it helps lower your numbers. Fun fact: Eprosartan actually sticks to those angiotensin II receptors more strongly than some other ARBs, which can mean solid blood pressure control, especially if other meds didn't quite cut it.

Doctors often reach for Eprosartan when someone can’t handle ACE inhibitors because of the nasty cough they sometimes cause. It’s also good if obesity is part of your health picture, since it’s been shown to work well there too. Even better, it’s now out as a generic, so it’s budget-friendly if you’re worried about the cost of your hypertension treatment.

Pros

• Way less likely to cause that annoying dry cough that comes with ACE inhibitors.
• Available as a generic, which usually means a better price at the pharmacy.
• Effective for people with obesity-related hypertension, who sometimes need more than the standard approach.

Cons

• Sometimes needs to be taken twice a day, which isn’t as convenient as once-daily meds like losartan.
• There’s just not much research about how it works for kids—so pediatric doctors tend to pick other options if you’re younger than 18.

If you’re on the fence between sticking with losartan or trying something else, Eprosartan is worth asking your doctor about, especially if price, cough, or special health needs are top concerns.

Valsartan

When folks talk about losartan alternatives, valsartan comes up fast. It’s another angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB), used widely for high blood pressure, heart failure, and after certain heart attacks. If you’ve struggled with side effects from other meds, or just want to keep things simple, valsartan’s worth checking out.

One thing that sets valsartan apart is its track record. The FDA first approved it back in 1996, and it’s been used in tons of studies since. Doctors like it because it’s well-tested, safe for most folks, and often pretty affordable since the generic’s been out for years. More recently, generic valsartan made headlines due to some recalls from contamination, but by 2025 manufacturers have fixed those supply chain issues and increased quality checks, so it’s back to being easy to find.

Valsartan works basically the same way as losartan: it prevents a hormone called angiotensin II from tightening up your blood vessels. That lets your blood flow more freely, which keeps your pressure in check. People often see good results if they’re switching straight from losartan at similar doses, though you’ll need to talk to your doctor about exact numbers for your situation.

Pros

• Well-studied and trusted by cardiologists worldwide
• Available in both brand and generic forms—often affordable
• Once-daily dosing works for most adults, makes life easier
• Usually safe for people who can’t handle ACE inhibitors
• Recommended for some heart failure patients and for kidney protection in diabetes

Cons

• Past recalls made some patients wary, but 2025 supplies are steady
• Still not recommended during pregnancy or if you have severe kidney issues
• Can sometimes cause dizziness or tiredness, especially right after you start
• Rare but serious risk of high blood potassium

Want some numbers? Here’s how valsartan does for blood pressure compared to losartan and other ARBs, based on 2024 published clinical studies:

If your goal is simple, steady control and you want something proven and easy to fill at most pharmacies, valsartan’s a good pick to run by your doctor the next time you talk blood pressure options.

Olmesartan

If you’re not getting along with losartan, olmesartan might pop up on your doctor’s shortlist. Like losartan, it belongs to the ARB (angiotensin receptor blocker) family, which means it lowers blood pressure by blocking certain chemicals that tighten blood vessels. But olmesartan is known for its reliability: you take it once a day, and its effects last a full 24 hours, making it perfect if you hate remembering extra pills.

What else stands out? Olmesartan is especially good at controlling morning surges in blood pressure—those spikes that hit right after you wake up. That’s important, because strokes and heart attacks are more likely during those early hours. Plus, olmesartan’s generic is widely available now, so cost isn’t usually a roadblock.

Pros

• Long-acting, so just one daily dose—goodbye, mid-day reminders
• Effective at preventing early-morning blood pressure spikes
• Lower chance of dry cough compared to ACE inhibitors
• Generic options make it budget-friendly for most folks
• Safe for people with mild kidney problems (but always check with your doctor)

Cons

• Rare side effect: can sometimes cause severe diarrhea (a condition called "sprue-like enteropathy")
• Not recommended during pregnancy—like all ARBs
• May increase potassium levels, especially if combined with other meds
• Not much data for kids or younger teens

Recently, some real-world numbers show olmesartan can drop systolic blood pressure by about 15 mmHg and diastolic by around 10 mmHg in adults, lining up closely with other modern ARBs. If morning blood pressure control is a top priority for you, this med actually has some evidence to back up the claim that it smooths out those worrisome morning spikes better than a few of its cousins.

Bottom line: If you’re looking for something steady, simple, and convenient, olmesartan is a legit alternative worth chatting about with your doctor. Always keep your own health quirks in mind—no two blood pressure journeys are exactly alike.

Irbesartan

If you’re looking into losartan alternatives, you’ll hear a lot about Irbesartan. Like Losartan, it’s an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB). Doctors like to prescribe it for folks dealing with high blood pressure or certain kidney issues, especially if diabetes is also in the mix. The fact that it’s easily swapped for Losartan, with roughly comparable doses, makes the switch pretty straightforward for most people.

One thing that stands out: Irbesartan is super effective at slowing kidney damage in people with type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. According to data from the Irbesartan Diabetic Nephropathy Trial, it significantly reduced the risk of progressing to end-stage kidney disease. That’s a big deal if you’re worried about kidney health.

Irbesartan is usually taken once a day, which is handy for anyone who hates juggling pills. It does a good job lowering blood pressure and is typically gentle on side effects. You don’t see many folks complaining about a cough (a problem with some other blood pressure drugs, especially ACE inhibitors).

Pros

• Once-daily dosing keeps things simple for busy schedules.
• Good for kidney protection, especially with type 2 diabetes.
• Available in generic, so it’s usually affordable.
• Lower risk of a dry cough or swelling compared to ACE inhibitors.
• Well-tolerated even for older adults and those with liver concerns.

Cons

• Not always the best pick if you have trouble with your potassium—levels can go up.
• Shouldn’t be used during pregnancy.
• Rarely, may cause dizziness or fatigue at the start, just like other ARBs.

Here’s a quick look at how Irbesartan stacks up against Losartan when it comes to basic use and safety:

If you’re thinking about making the switch or just want shields up for your kidneys, Irbesartan is a legit option worth chatting about with your doc.

Candesartan

Candesartan is a standout option for people looking at losartan alternatives. Like losartan, it's part of the ARB family, but it packs a few unique advantages. It’s FDA-approved for both high blood pressure and heart failure, which is pretty handy if you have both. Candesartan tends to have a strong track record for lowering systolic and diastolic blood pressure—even in folks who haven’t had much luck with other meds.

Doctors sometimes recommend candesartan for patients who had nagging side effects with ACE inhibitors. You’re much less likely to deal with a persistent cough. Plus, candesartan has a long half-life, which means you usually take it just once a day, making it less of a hassle to remember.

Pros

• Usually works with a single daily dose—much easier for busy routines.
• Less likely to cause cough compared to ACE inhibitors like lisinopril.
• Approved for both hypertension and heart failure—useful if you need both covered.
• Can lower blood pressure even for people who didn’t respond to other ARBs.
• Generic versions available, which keeps costs down.

Cons

• Sometimes not the first pick for people with severe kidney issues—your doctor will want to monitor you closely.
• May not be suitable for pregnant women; just like all ARBs, it’s a no-go during pregnancy.
• Rarely, people report headaches or mild dizziness when starting the medication.

If you’re interested in the numbers, a head-to-head study showed candesartan reduced systolic blood pressure by an average of 13-15 points and diastolic by 8-10 points—solid stats compared to some other ARBs.

This makes candesartan a strong candidate if you want a losartan alternative that’s simple to take, easy on side effects, and does double duty if you have heart failure on top of high blood pressure.

Telmisartan

If you’re tired of taking pills more than once a day, Telmisartan is worth a closer look. It’s an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) just like Losartan, but Telmisartan is designed for once-a-day dosing and still keeps your blood pressure stable throughout the 24-hour window. No more worrying about that mid-afternoon dip when you forgot your meds.

Telmisartan's claim to fame is its super long half-life—almost twice as long as Losartan and even longer than some other ARBs. This means it sticks around in your system, offering steady protection without the rollercoaster effect some shorter-acting drugs can cause. And if you have trouble remembering your meds or just want less hassle, that’s a real perk.

But it’s not just about convenience. There’s also growing evidence that Telmisartan might be extra handy for people who have metabolic issues, like type 2 diabetes or high cholesterol, along with their hypertension. Recent data shows Telmisartan can help improve insulin sensitivity and even slightly lower triglycerides. That’s a big win if you’re battling more than just your blood pressure.

Insurance coverage for Telmisartan is generally good since several generics are on the market in the US and worldwide. But always double-check with your pharmacy, especially if you care about keeping your medication costs low.

Pros

• Once-daily dosing—easy to remember and fits busy schedules.
• Long half-life means smoother, more consistent blood pressure control.
• May benefit people with high blood sugar or cholesterol problems.
• Usually well-tolerated; cough is extremely rare.
• Generic options keep prices in check.

Cons

• Can’t use if you’re pregnant or planning to be.
• Some folks may experience dizziness, especially at the start.
• Kidney function needs to be monitored, particularly at higher doses.
• Not every insurance plan makes it the cheapest option, though it’s usually covered.

If your main struggle is finding a blood pressure med that’s both easy to remember and reliable around the clock, Telmisartan easily tops the shortlist of Losartan alternatives in 2025.

Azilsartan

If you've never heard of azilsartan, you're not alone. It’s one of the newer kids on the block when it comes to treating high blood pressure. Azilsartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), like losartan, but it stands out for being a little stronger in terms of impact. In head-to-head studies, azilsartan has lowered blood pressure more effectively than both losartan and valsartan for most people. That’s a pretty big deal if your numbers are stubbornly high.

You’ll usually find azilsartan under the brand name Edarbi. What’s cool about it? It works with a once-a-day dose, making it simple to remember whether you’re taking five other meds or just this one. Doctors notice that patients don’t experience the typical "first dose" low blood pressure drop (that dizzy, lightheaded feeling you sometimes get with new BP pills), so you can usually start it with less hassle.

Pros

• Superior blood pressure lowering compared to older ARBs like losartan and valsartan.
• Once-daily dosing makes it easy to stick to your routine.
• Less chance of causing a cough, like all ARBs, compared to ACE inhibitors.
• No major food restrictions or interactions.

Cons

• Can cost more, especially if your insurance sticks to generics.
• Not as much long-term safety data as older meds—still "the new kid."
• May cause high potassium, so you’ll need occasional blood tests.

If you care about numbers, azilsartan has been shown to bring down systolic blood pressure by about 15–20 mmHg for many folks, which is a touch better than most ARBs currently on the market. Not all pharmacies keep it in stock, so you might have to order it or check ahead.

If you're in a spot where blood pressure just won't budge, or you want the simplicity of once-daily dosing, azilsartan is worth asking your doctor about. Just keep in mind the insurance and blood test angle to avoid any surprises at the pharmacy or clinic.

ACE Inhibitors

When you’re talking about alternatives to losartan, ACE inhibitors are an old standby that still pack a punch. Meds like lisinopril, enalapril, and ramipril have been helping people manage high blood pressure for decades, and they’re everywhere—usually on insurance formularies and often super affordable as generics.

How they work is pretty simple: ACE inhibitors block an enzyme that the body uses to make angiotensin II, a chemical that narrows your blood vessels. Less angiotensin II means your vessels relax, your blood flows easier, and—boom—your blood pressure goes down. They’re also used for people with heart problems and diabetes, and there’s a lot of research showing they help protect kidneys, especially if you have diabetes.

Pros

• Usually available for just a few bucks a month—insurance plans almost always cover generics.
• Strong data for not just lowering blood pressure, but also protecting your heart and kidneys.
• Often just one pill once a day for full control.
• Great for people with diabetes or heart failure—sometimes doctors even prefer ACEs over ARBs like losartan here.

Cons

• That infamous dry cough—about 1 in 10 people get it and, honestly, it can be annoying enough to switch meds.
• A small risk of angioedema, which is swelling beneath the skin. It's rare, but if you get it, you can't use any drug in this family.
• Not great for folks with a history of severe kidney issues or those who are pregnant.
• Some users report a metallic taste in their mouth—though most people get used to it.

Here’s a quick table showing some common ACE inhibitors and their usual dosing schedules:

The takeaway: ACE inhibitors are a super practical option if you’re switching from losartan, especially if you’re looking for kidney protection, once-a-day dosing, and a wallet-friendly price. Just make sure you don’t get stuck with that cough—or worse, swelling. Your doctor will check on that early in treatment.

Comparison and Wrap-up

There’s clearly no single winner when it comes to losartan alternatives. Each blood pressure med has its own niche—some are better for certain medical issues, others for convenience, and a few stand out for side effect profiles or cost. If you’re looking to make the switch from losartan, matching your personal needs to these features makes all the difference.

Let’s lay out the main differences for quick reference:

*Some may get away with once-daily eprosartan, depending on dose and doctor’s opinion.

Here's what to take away: If you got a nagging cough or trouble with an ACE inhibitor, ARBs (like Eprosartan or Valsartan) are solid picks. If you want a med that lasts all day, Telmisartan could be your friend. Worried about kidney function? Irbesartan and sometimes Candesartan look promising—especially if diabetes is part of the picture.

Don’t sweat the choice alone. For anyone with hard-to-control blood pressure, talking things out with your doctor is smart because they know your entire health story. Bring this table, mention your priorities, and push for what matters most to you, like cost, dosing schedule, or staying away from certain side effects.

2025 is all about more options, not fewer. If losartan isn’t working for you, rest easy knowing lots of good alternatives are ready to try.