Cozaar (Losartan)

What is Cozaar?

Cozaar (losartan) belongs to a family of drugs known as angiotensin II receptor antagonist.

What is Cozaar used for?

Cozaar is indicated for the treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension). It reduces long term kidney damage in patients suffering from high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. The drug also reduces the risk of stroke in patients with heart disease.

How does Cozaar work?

Cozaar works by blocking the angiotensin hormone. It keeps blood vessels from narrowing and thus reduces blood pressure and improves blood flow.

How to use Cozaar

Cozaar should be taken in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Taking it for longer periods or in larger amounts than recommended can cause health problems.

The drug is usually taken with a full glass of water. It can be taken with or without food. Remember to take the medicine at the same time each day.

Get your blood pressure checked on a regular basis while using Cozaar.

Cozaar warnings and precautions

Do not use this drug if you are allergic to losartan.  It can result in the breakdown of skeletal muscular tissue and may lead to kidney failure.

Prior to taking Cozaar, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium in blood), congestive heart failure or if you are dehydrated.

Avoid drinking alcohol as it can further decrease your blood pressure and may increase some side effects of the drug. Do not take potassium supplements or salt substitutes without consulting your doctor.

Avoid getting up too fast from a lying or sitting position to prevent a fall.

Pregnant women must not use this drug as it could cause serious injury or death to an unborn child. Lactating women should consult their doctors prior to taking the medication.

What do I do if I have missed a Cozaar dose?

If you have missed your Cozaar dose you can take the missed dose as soon as you remember but do not take it if it is time for your next dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Cozaar overdose?

If you have taken a Cozaar overdose you should seek emergency medical attention.

Cozaar interactions

Before taking Cozaar, consult your doctor if you are taking drugs like celecoxib (celebrex); diuretic (water pill); aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam), etodolac (Lodine), nabumetone (Relafen), indomethacin (Indocin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), piroxicam (Feldene), meloxicam (Mobic), or lithium (Eskalith, Lithonate, LithoBid).

Also, do not take any other medicine without consulting your doctor.

Cozaar side effects

Cozaar side effects include hives; breathing difficulty; swelling of face, tongue, lips or throat, hives and other allergic reactions. If you get any of these side effects after using Cozaar, contact your doctor. In rare cases, the drug can cause breakdown of skeletal muscular tissue, which can lead to kidney failure. Consult your doctor if you have muscle pain or tenderness, muscle weakness, fever, nausea, vomiting or dark colored urine.

Chest pain, pain or burning while urinating, pale skin, concentration problems, rapid or irregular heart rate, tingly feeling, weak pulse, or wheezing are also side effects from Cozaar.

Cold or flu symptoms such as sneezing, stuffy nose, sore throat, dry cough, fever; pain in stomach or back, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, insomnia, tired feeling, muscle cramps or pain in legs are some less serious side effects of Cozaar.