Drug Name

Cozaar (Losartan)

Drug Uses

Losartan is indicated for the treatment of hypertension. It may be used alone or in combination with other agents. It has less of an effect in not light patients, similar to ACE inhibitors, such as captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), as well as lisinopril (Zestril).

How Taken

Losartan may be given with or without food. Losartan is metabolized in the liver by cytochrome P450 enzymes to an active metabolite that is accountable for most of the drug activity. Reduction in dose by 50% is suggested in patients with impaired liver function.

Drug Class as well as Mechanism

Losartan as well as its primary metabolite block the angiotensin receptor found in many tissues, primarily in vascular level muscle. Angiotensin, formed by the action of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), is a powerful artificial that causes blood vessel narrowing (vasoconstriction) which can lead to elevated blood pressure (hypertension).

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. But, incase it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose as well as take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

Storage

Tablets should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed, light resistant container.

Warnings/Precautions

Take caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Losartan may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Incase you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. As well as take caution when rising from a sitting or lying position. Take alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may further lower blood pressure as well as increase drowsiness as well as dizziness while using losartan. Do not take salt substitutes or take potassium supplements without earliest talking to your doctor. Losartan can affect potassium levels in the body. When used in the subordinate or third trimester of pregnancy, drugs that act by the alike mechanism as losartan can cause injury as well as even death to the fetus. Losartan should not be used during pregnancy. When pregnancy is detected, losartan should be stopped as soon as likely. Losartan is existing in rat milk, as well as is toxic to rat neonates. Therefore, it should be avoided in nursing mothers

Likely Side Effects

In studies of over 4000 patients, including 1200 treated for over 6 months as well as 800 for over 1 year, the overall incidence of side effects was similar to placebo. Losartan is generally well tolerated. Side effects reported included diarrhea, muscle cramps, dizziness, insomnia, as well as nasal congestion.

More Information

Halt using losartan as well as contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency health examination treatment Incase you experience any of the following humorless side effects: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); or little or no urine.Other side effects are less humorless. Continue to take losartan as well as talk to your doctor incase you experience diarrhea or upset stomach, muscle pain or cramps, dizziness, or insomnia.Side effects, other than those listed here, may as well as occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.