What is Losartan?

Cozaar (losartan) belongs to a group of drugs called angiotensin II receptor antagonists (sometimes called ARB blockers). It keeps blood vessels from narrowing, which lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow. Cozaar 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. Cozaar is also used to slow long-term kidney damage in people with type 2 diabetes who also have high blood pressure.

Always read the patient information and instructions carefully before using this medication.

• You may take Cozaar with or without food.
• Call your doctor if you are sick with vomiting or diarrhea, or if you are sweating more than usual. You can easily become dehydrated while taking Cozaar. This can lead to very low blood pressure, a serious electrolyte imbalance, or kidney failure.
• Your blood pressure will need to be checked often and you may need other blood and urine tests.
• It may take 3 to 6 weeks before your blood pressure is under control. For best results, keep using the medicine as directed. Talk with your doctor if your condition does not improve after 3 weeks of treatment.
• If you have high blood pressure, keep using this medicine even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life.
• Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Make sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist:

• If you have any drug allergies.
• Which other prescription and non-prescription medications you currently take.
• Your medical history, especially of: liver disease, severe loss of body water and minerals (dehydration).
• If you are breast-feeding.

Also be aware that:

• This drug 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).
• This medication may increase your potassium levels. Before using potassium supplements or salt substitutes that contain potassium, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
• This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy due to the risk for harm to an unborn baby.

Common side-effects may include but are not limited to:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness may occur as your body adjusts to the medication.

Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following side-effects:

• Fainting, symptoms of a high potassium blood level (such as muscle weakness, slow/irregular heartbeat).
• Any signs of kidney problems such as a change in the amount of urine.
• Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction such as rashes, itching, swelling especially of the face, tongue or throat, severe dizziness or trouble breathing.

Q: What special dietary instructions should I follow?

A: Do not use salt substitutes containing potassium without talking to your doctor. If your doctor prescribes a low-salt or low-sodium diet, follow these directions carefully.

Q: What should I do if I forget a dose?

A: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.