* Generic Name: losartan potassium
* Brand Name: Cozaar
* What is losartan (Cozaar)?
* What are the possible side effects of losartan (Cozaar)?
* What is the most important information I should know about
losartan (Cozaar)?
* What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
losartan (Cozaar)?
* How should I take losartan (Cozaar)?
* What happens if I miss a dose (Cozaar)?
* What happens if I overdose (Cozaar)?
* What should I avoid while taking losartan (Cozaar)?
* What other drugs will affect losartan (Cozaar)?
* Where can I get more information (Cozaar)?
What is losartan (Cozaar)?
Losartan is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist. Losartan
keeps blood vessels from narrowing, which lowers blood pressure and
improves blood flow.
Losartan is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in
adults and children who are at least 6 years old. It is also used to
lower the risk of stroke in certain people with heart disease.
Losartan is used to slow long-term kidney damage in people with
type 2 diabetes who also have high blood pressure.
Losartan may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication
guide.
What are the possible side effects of losartan (Cozaar)?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction:
hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or
throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
* a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
* pain or burning when you urinate;
* pale skin, feeling light-headed or short of breath, rapid heart
rate, trouble concentrating;
* chest pain;
* high potassium--nausea, slow or unusual heart rate, weakness,
loss of movement; or
* kidney problems--little or no urination, painful or difficult
urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short
of breath.
Common side effects may include:
* dizziness;
* dry cough;
* back pain; or
* cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore
throat.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about losartan (Cozaar)?
Do not use if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant, stop taking
this medicine and tell your doctor right away. Losartan can cause
injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your
second or third trimester.
If you have diabetes, do not use losartan together with any medication
that contains aliskiren (Amturnide, Tekturna, Tekamlo).
Cozaar Patient Information including How Should I Take
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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking losartan
(Cozaar)?
You should not use losartan if you are allergic to it.
If you have diabetes, do not use losartan together with any medication
that contains aliskiren (Amturnide, Tekturna, Tekamlo).
You may also need to avoid taking losartan with aliskiren if you have
kidney disease.
Do not use if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant, stop taking
this medicine and tell your doctor right away. Losartan can cause
injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your
second or third trimester.
To make sure losartan is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
* kidney disease;
* liver disease;
* congestive heart failure;
* an electrolyte imbalance (such as high levels of potassium
in your blood);
* if you are on a low-salt diet; or
* if you are dehydrated.
It is not known whether losartan passes into breast milk or if it could
harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this
medicine.
Losartan is not approved for use by anyone younger than 6 years old.
How should I take losartan (Cozaar)?
Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may
occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do
not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than
recommended.
You may take losartan with or without food.
Call your doctor if you have ongoing vomiting or diarrhea, or if
you are sweating more than usual. You can easily become dehydrated
while taking this medication, which can lead to severely low blood
pressure or a serious electrolyte imbalance.
Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. You may need other
blood and urine tests at your doctor's office.
It may take 3 to 6 weeks of using this medicine before your blood
pressure is under control. For best results, keep using the medication
as directed. Talk with your doctor if your condition does not improve
after 3 weeks of treatment.
If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this
medication even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no
symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of
your life.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
Cozaar Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
High Blood Pressure: Learn About Hypertension
High Blood Pressure Slideshow Pictures
RxList
Take the Salt Quiz!
Lowering Blood Pressure:Exercise Tips for Getting Started
Lowering Blood Pressure Exercise Tips Pictures
What happens if I miss a dose (Cozaar)?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if
it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra
medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose (Cozaar)?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking losartan (Cozaar)?
Drinking alcohol can further lower your blood pressure and may increase
certain side effects of losartan.
Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes while you are
taking losartan, unless your doctor has told you to.
Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may
feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.
What other drugs will affect losartan (Cozaar)?
Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or
stop using, especially:
* a diuretic or "water pill";
* other blood pressure medications;
* lithium;
* celecoxib; or
* aspirin or other NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve),
celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.
This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with losartan,
including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and
herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this
medication guide.
Where can I get more information (Cozaar)?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about losartan.
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