Cozaar

Cozaar Drug Information

• Cozaar Overview

  Losartan is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and to help protect the kidneys from damage due to diabetes. It is also used to lower the risk of strokes in patients with high blood pressure and an enlarged heart. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Losartan belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). It works by relaxing blood vessels so that blood can flow more easily.

• Cozaar Warnings

  Cozaar can cause serious (possibly fatal) harm to an unborn baby if used during pregnancy. Therefore, it is important to prevent pregnancy while taking Cozaar. Consult your doctor for more details and to discuss the use of reliable forms of birth control while taking Cozaar. If you are planning pregnancy, become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor right away.

• How to Use Cozaar

  Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking losartan and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Take Cozaar by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once daily with or without food. The Dosage of Cozaar is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. If you are using the liquid form of Cozaar, shake the bottle well before each dose. Carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. Use Cozaar regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. It is important to continue taking Cozaar even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens (for example, your blood pressure readings increase).

• Cozaar Precautions

  Before taking losartan, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. Cozaar may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using Cozaar, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,liver disease, severe loss of body water and minerals (dehydration). Cozaar may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis). Cozaar may increase your potassium levels. Before using potassium supplements or salt substitutes that contain potassium, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Cozaar is not recommended for use during pregnancy due to the risk for harm to an unborn baby. Consult your doctor for more details. () It is unknown if Cozaar passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

• Cozaar Misdose

  If you miss a dose of Cozaar, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

• Cozaar Interactions

  See also Precautions section. Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.aliskiren, lithium, drugs that may increase the level of potassium in the blood (such as ACE inhibitors including benazepril/lisinopril, birth control pills containing drospirenone). Some products have ingredients that could raise your blood pressure or worsen your heart failure. Tell your pharmacist what products you are using, and ask how to use them safely (especially cough-and-cold products, diet aids, or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen/naproxen).

• Cozaar Side Effects

  What are Cozaar side effects?

  Side effects are physical, mental or emotional symptoms which occur in addition to or outside of the desired effect of a therapeutic treatment such as an over-the-counter or prescribed drug or medication. Side effects from Cozaar may occur at the beginning or at the end of treatment and may also depend on the length of time an individual remains on the treatment. Side effects, also known as adverse effects, are generally more likely to occur when starting treatment. Individuals may also experience side effects from Cozaar as a result of an interaction with other medications.

  Side Effects of Cozaar

  The side effects of Cozaar may vary in number and intensity for many different reasons. Factors such as age, weight, gender and ethnicity may influence the side effects of Cozaar. Also, an individual’s state of general physical health and seriousness of the disease or illness as well as an increase or decrease in dosage may lead to side effects. Further, side effects from Cozaar may also occur as a result of an interaction with certain herbal supplements, foods or drinks.

  Prescription drug side effects can be serious and may cause patients to stop the treatment. However, when side effects from the use of a prescription drug, such as Cozaar, do occur a patient should consult their physician. A physician may prescribe an additional treatment in order to control the symptoms or an adjustment in the dosage may be made. In addition, changes to diet, exercise or other lifestyle activities may help to lessen the side effects of Cozaar.

  By understanding side effects and the factors which may influence the occurrence of side effects patients are empowered to take an active role in their care. Patients who have specific questions about the side effects of Cozaar, or any other medication, should contact their physician. General information about Cozaar and the side effects associated with Cozaar are described in the following:

  Common Cozaar Side Effects

  Severe

  • Upper Respiratory Infection
  • dizziness

  Less Severe

  • nasal congestion
  • muscle weakness
  • back pain
  • headache disorder

  Less Frequent Cozaar Side Effects

  Severe

  • chest pain

  Less Severe

  • fatigue
  • diarrhea
  • edema
  • abdominal pain with cramps
  • nausea
  • pharyngitis
  • dyspepsia
  • hypotension
  • orthostatic hypotension
  • hypoglycemic disorder
  • urinary tract infection
  • anorexia

  Rare or Very Rare Cozaar Side Effects

  Severe

  • hyponatremia
  • hyperkalemia
  • thrombocytopenic disorder
  • vasculitis
  • rhabdomyolysis
  • abnormal hepatic function tests
  • Anaphylaxis
  • angioedema
  • hepatitis
  • purpura

  Less Severe

  • Sinusitis
  • Erythema
  • myalgias
  • limb pain
  • cramps
  • insomnia
  • dysgeusia
  • cough
  • malaise

• Cozaar Storage

  Store tablets at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Store the suspension in the refrigerator between 36-46 degrees F (2-8 degrees C). Do not freeze. Discard any unused suspension after 4 weeks. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard Cozaar when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.