Cozaar

The active ingredient in Cozaar is losartan potassium, which is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). It works similarly to angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, but with fewer side effects. Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor.

The mechanism of action is that the drug blocks the actions of angiotensin II, a hormone that is naturally produced in your body, from binding to its receptors. Consequently, you will have lower blood pressure in several ways:

Causes your blood vessels to relax, facilitating easier blood flow.

Prevents the release of aldosterone, a hormone that often makes your body

Stops the kidneys from returning salt (sodium) and water to the body.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide, before using Cozaar. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Cozaar:

• Cozaar can be taken with or without food.
• If you have diarrhea or vomiting, or if you are perspiring more than normal, call your doctor. Dehydration is a common side effect of using Cozaar. Kidney failure, a severe electrolyte imbalance, or extremely low blood pressure might result from this.
• You may require frequent blood tests and regular blood pressure checks.
• Even if you feel good, continue taking Cozaar if you have high blood pressure. Symptoms of high blood pressure are frequently absent.

The most common side effects of losartan seen in clinical trials include:

• Back pain.
• Stuffy nose.
• Upper respiratory infections.
• Dizziness.
• Tiredness or sleepiness.
• Stomach pain.
• Swelling in the hands and feet.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Cozaar. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Pale skin, lightheadedness, dizziness, and a faint feeling are signs of dangerously low blood pressure (hypotension).
• Severe kidney disease or renal function problems include: unexplained weight gain; edema in your hands, ankles, or feet; and less frequent urination than usual.
• High potassium levels in the blood (hyperkalemia) can cause heart palpitations, increased heart rate, chest pain, muscle weakness, and nausea.
• An allergic reaction to the medication, such as hives or a skin rash, trouble breathing, and swelling of your face, tongue, or throat.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Cozaar. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Cozaar, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including whether you have:

• Congestive heart failure or heart disease.
• An imbalance in electrolytes, like having too much potassium in your blood.
• A diet low in salt or you use a salt substitute.
• Liver disease.
• Kidney problems.
• A losartan allergy, you should avoid using Cozaar.
• Any medications that contain the blood pressure medication Aliskiren, and you have type 2 diabetes.

Used along with aliskiren (Tekturna) in those with diabetes (high blood sugar).

Usually, Cozaar gets to work in a few hours. However, it may take a few weeks for the medicine to see the full antihypertensive effects.

When Cozaar is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• A diuretic or "water pill" that may increase blood potassium, such as spironolactone, triamterene, or amiloride.
• NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) - aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.
• Other heart or blood pressure medications.
• Fluconazole.
• Rifampin.
• Creatinine.
• Lithium, as Cozaar increases the risk of lithium toxicity.
• Potassium supplements or salt substitutes.

Your age, the reason you need losartan (Cozaar), your other medical conditions, and your other medications will all be taken into consideration by your cardiologist or primary care physician when determining your dose.

Depending on how well you're taking the drug and whether you're experiencing any side effects, they'll change your dosage. If you are using diuretics (water pills) or have liver issues, your dosage may change.

Ages 18 and up: 50 mg taken orally once daily is the usual starting dose. One dose of 100 mg per day is the maximum amount that is advised.

Ages 6 to under 18: Your child's body weight determines the dosage. 0.7 mg/kg of body weight (up to 50 mg) taken orally once daily is the usual starting dose. Once daily, the maximum dosage is 1.4 mg/kg (up to 100 mg).

Store Cozaar at room temperature and out of reach of children.

Organon LLC is the company that manufactures Cozaar.

Yes, there are several lower-cost generic versions available of Cozaar.

Even if Cozaar is successful in lowering your blood pressure, you should continue taking it. Your blood pressure may increase once more if you stop taking it. You may need to take blood pressure medications for the rest of your life.

If you become pregnant, stop taking Cozaar and notify your doctor immediately. If you take losartan throughout your second or third trimester, it may harm or even kill the unborn baby.

Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.