Cozaar

Cozaar

     * 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
   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 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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