Cozaar (Losartan) Drug Information

  • Why is this medication prescribed?

    Cozaar (losartan) is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure. Cozaar (losartan) is also used to decrease the risk of stroke in people who have high blood pressure and a heart condition called left ventricular hypertrophy (enlargement of the walls of the left side of the heart). Cozaar (losartan) may not decrease the risk of stroke in African Americans who have these conditions. This medication is also used to treat kidney disease in people who have type 2 diabetes (condition in which the body does not use insulin normally and therefore cannot control the amount of sugar in the blood) and high blood pressure. Cozaar (losartan) is in a class of medications called angiotensin II receptor antagonists. It works by blocking the action of certain natural substances that tighten the blood vessels, allowing the blood to flow more smoothly and the heart to pump more efficiently.

  • How should this medicine be used?

    Cozaar (losartan) comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once or twice a day with or without food. To help you remember to take Cozaar (losartan), take it at around the same time(s) every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Cozaar (losartan) exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

    Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of Cozaar (losartan) and gradually increase your dose.

    If your child can not swallow a tablet, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. The pharmacist can prepare a liquid form of this medication for your child.

    Cozaar (losartan) controls high blood pressure but does not cure it. Your blood pressure may decrease during the first week of your treatment, but it may take 3-6 weeks for you to notice the full benefit of Cozaar (losartan). Continue to take Cozaar (losartan) even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Cozaar (losartan) without talking to your doctor.

    Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.

  • Other uses for this medicine

    Cozaar (losartan) is also sometimes used to treat congestive heart failure (condition in which the heart is unable to pump enough blood to the rest of the body). Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this medication for your condition.

    This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

  • What special precautions should I follow?

    Before taking Cozaar (losartan):

    • tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Cozaar (losartan), any other medications, or any of the ingredients in Cozaar (losartan) tablets. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
    • tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), and selective COX-2 inhibitors such as celecoxib (Celebrex); diuretics ('water pills') including potassium-sparing diuretics such as amiloride (Midamor, in Hydroride, in Moduretic), spironolactone (Aldactone, in Aldactazide), and triamterene (Dyrenium, in Dyazide, in Maxzide); fluconazole (Diflucan); lithium (Eskalith CR, Eskalith, Lithobid); phenobarbital; potassium supplements; and rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
    • tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart failure or kidney or liver disease.
    • tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.
    • you should know that Cozaar (losartan) may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting when you get up too quickly from a lying position. This is more common when you first start taking Cozaar (losartan). To help avoid this problem, get out of bed slowly, resting your feet on the floor for a few minutes before standing up.
    • you should know that diarrhea, vomiting, not drinking enough fluids, and sweating a lot can cause a drop in blood pressure, which may cause lightheadedness and fainting. Tell your doctor if you have any of these problems or develop them during your treatment.
  • What special dietary instructions should I follow?

    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.

  • What should I do if I forget a dose?

    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.

  • What side effects can this medication cause?

    Cozaar (losartan) may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

    • dizziness
    • leg, knee, or back pain
    • muscle cramps or weakness
    • diarrhea
    • heartburn
    • decreased sensitivity to touch

    Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms or those listed in the SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS section, call your doctor immediately:

    • swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
    • hoarseness
    • difficulty breathing or swallowing
    • chest pain

    Cozaar (losartan) may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

    If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

  • What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

    Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat, light, and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

  • In case of emergency/overdose

    In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

    Symptoms of overdose may include the following:

    • dizziness
    • fainting
    • fast or slow heartbeat
  • What other information should I know?

    Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your blood pressure should be checked regularly to determine your response to Cozaar (losartan).

    Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

    It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

  • Brand Names

    • Cozaar®