Do you have hypertension? You’re not the only one. Luckily, there are plenty of options for managing your condition. One option that may be right for you is Losartan (Cozaar).
What is Losartan (Cozaar) and what does it do?
Losartan (Cozaar) is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). It inhibits a substance that causes blood arteries to constrict. Blood arteries relax and blood pressure falls when this chemical is blocked.
Losartan (Cozaar) is also an antihypertensive medicine. It can protect the kidneys, making it an excellent first-line treatment for those with both hypertension and diabetes.
What dosages of Losartan (Cozaar) are available?
Losartan (Cozaar) has the following dosage forms:
- 25 mg
- 50 mg
- 100 mg
The typical dosing for Losartan (Cozaar) is 50 mg to be taken once daily.
What side effects are common with taking Losartan (Cozaar)?
Some side effects of Losartan (Cozaar) are the following:
- Back, leg, or knee pain
- Cramping or weakening in the muscles
- Diarrhea
- Heartburn
- Reduced tactile sensitivity
Other, more serious side effects of Losartan (Cozaar) are the following:
- Swelling of some parts of the body
- Hoarseness of voice
- Breathing or swallowing difficulties
- Discomfort in the chest
If you experience other symptoms, tell your doctor at once.
Does Losartan (Cozaar) interact with other medications?
Combining Losartan (Cozaar) with other medications may weaken its effectiveness or sometimes may cause serious problems. Here are four medications you might not want to take with Losartan (Cozaar):
Drugs Increasing Serum Potassium
When Losartan (Cozaar) is used with other medicines that boost serum potassium levels (such as Ramipril, Spironolactone, etc.), it might cause hyperkalemia. In such cases, this may cause your heart to have extra beats or beat irregularly. In severe cases of hyperkalemia, patients may have a heart attack from potassium levels being too high for a sustained period of time.
Lithium
Increases in serum lithium concentrations and lithium toxicity have been recorded when lithium is used with ARBs.
When you have too much lithium in your body, you can experience some pretty nasty side effects, including severe nausea and vomiting, severe hand tremors, confusion, and vision changes. Moreover, lithium toxicity can result in permanent damage to your kidneys and central nervous system and may cause neurological or cardiovascular problems.
During combined use of Losartan (Cozaar) and lithium, keep an eye on serum lithium levels.
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) Including Selective Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibitors (COX-2 Inhibitors)
A combination of these three types of medications may result in renal function decline, including the possibility of acute renal failure. While uncomfortable, luckily, these effects are almost always reversible. In patients using losartan with NSAIDs, renal function should be checked on a regular basis. ARBs have an antihypertensive impact in humans.
Dual Blockade of the Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS)
When compared to monotherapy, dual RAS inhibition with ARBs, ACE inhibitors, or aliskiren is associated with an increased risk of hypotension, syncope, hyperkalemia, and abnormalities in renal function (including acute renal failure).
Who should NOT take Losartan (Cozaar)?
Not all people can take Losartan (Cozaar). This should not be taken by some specific groups.
Pregnant and Lactating Women
When Losartan (Cozaar) is given to a pregnant woman, it can harm the fetus. Taking this may lead to birth defects or miscarriage. It may also harm nursing infants.
Babies, Toddlers or Children
Losartan (Cozaar) has been shown to have antihypertensive effects in hypertensive pediatric patients aged 6 to 16 years. Pediatric patients under the age of six have not been studied for safety or efficacy.
What drugs are similar to Losartan (Cozaar)?
Other medications that are similar to Losartan (Cozaar) include:
Does Losartan (Cozaar) have a generic form?
Losartan is the generic form of Cozaar, both of which are used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).
What is the price of Losartan (Cozaar) without insurance?
How can I save money on Losartan (Cozaar)?
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