Indications
Cozaar (active ingredient: losartan) is a prescription medication indicated for the following:
- Hypertension: Cozaar is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) in adults and pediatric patients aged 6 years and older, to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of stroke in patients with hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy.
- Nephropathy in Type 2 Diabetes: It is also indicated for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy with an elevated serum creatinine and proteinuria in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and a history of hypertension.
Cozaar belongs to a class of drugs known as angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), which work by blocking the action of angiotensin II, a substance in the body that causes blood vessels to tighten and narrow, thereby lowering blood pressure and improving kidney function.
Uses and Dosage
Cozaar comes in the form of a tablet, which is to be taken by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once daily with or without food. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
- For hypertensive patients with left ventricular hypertrophy, the usual starting dose of COZAAR is 50 mg once daily. Hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg can be added to this dose, or the dose of COZAAR can be increased to 100 mg once daily, with an increase in hydrochlorothiazide to 25 mg once daily based on blood pressure response.
- For adult patients with hypertension, the usual starting dose of COZAAR is 50 mg once daily. The dosage can be increased to a maximum dose of 100 mg once daily as needed to control blood pressure. For patients with possible intravascular depletion, a starting dose of 25 mg is recommended.
- The usual recommended starting dose for pediatric hypertension patients (6 years and over) who are taking Cozaar is 0.7 mg per kg once daily (up to 50 mg total) administered as a tablet or a suspension. The maximum dosage should not exceed 1.4 mg per kg (up to 100 mg total) once daily.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects of Losartan Potassium:
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Insomnia or sleep problems
- Lightheadedness
- Stomach discomfort
- Tiredness
Serious Side Effects of Losartan Potassium:
- Blurred vision
- Difficult breathing
- Fainting
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Nausea or vomiting
- Numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips
- Stomach pain
- Symptoms of hyperkalemia or high potassium level in the blood (slow and irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness)
- Weakness or heaviness of the legs
Form and Strength
Cozaar (Losartan Potassium) is available in the following forms and strengths:
Cozaar: Tablet
- 25 mg
- 50 mg
- 100 mg
Losartan Potassium: Tablet
- 25 mg
- 50 mg
- 100 mg
Caution
- COZAAR can potentially cause harm to an unborn baby, consider this risk when deciding whether to take COZAAR. Additionally, COZAAR may pass into breast milk and could potentially cause harm to a nursing baby.
- Cozaar may cause dizziness, so avoid driving, using machinery, or any activity that requires alertness until you can do it safely. It is also important to limit alcohol consumption while taking Cozaar and to talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
- If you have an allergy to COZAAR or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet, do not take COZAAR and seek medical advice.
- If you have diabetes and are taking a medicine called aliskiren to reduce blood pressure, and the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering, replace the medication with a new one and seek medical advice.
- Before taking Cozaar, tell your doctor or pharmacist about any pre-existing medical conditions, especially those related to the liver, dehydration, or elevated levels of potassium in the blood. These conditions can affect the safety and effectiveness of Cozaar, and your doctor may need to adjust the dosage or take other precautions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does losartan cause weight gain or weight loss?
No, losartan is not known to cause weight gain or weight loss.
Does Cozaar interact with any other medications?
Yes, Cozaar may interact with other medications, such as diuretics, NSAIDs, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, and potassium-sparing diuretics. Tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking in order to reduce the risk of drug interactions.
How long does it take for Cozaar to start working?
It usually takes a few weeks for Cozaar to reach its full effect. It is important to note that some people may not feel the full benefits of Cozaar until after they have been taking it for several weeks.
Is Cozaar safe to take long-term?
Yes, Cozaar is generally safe to take long-term. However, it is important to talk to your doctor about the potential risks of taking Cozaar long-term, as well as the potential benefits.
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