Hypertension, or elevated blood pressure, may occur when blood vessel gets narrow (vasoconstriction) due to powerful substance angiotensin, formed by angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE). Angiotensin receptors are found in vascular smooth muscle and other tissues. They are blocked by Losartan and its primary metabolite.
It doesn't matter how to take Losartan - with food or without it. Cytochrome P450 enzymes metabolize Losartan in the liver to an active metabolite. If liver function is poor, then dose is reduced by 50%.
When you have missed a dose of drug, you must take it immediately. If too much time passed and it's time to take the next dose, you may skip missed dose and return to your regular schedule, but you never take 2 doses at once if you got no other directions from your doctor.
Store the tablets in protected from light, tightly closed container at room temperature.
Cozaar Safety information
- Caution: be careful when driving, operating machinery, or doing something as dangerous if you do not know your reaction to Cozaar because drowsiness and dizziness caused by Losartan may become significant obstacle. If so, avoid these activities.
- When rising from a sitting or lying position be careful too. Alcohol may further lower blood pressure, so it should be taken cautiously, such as not to increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking Losartan.
- Salt substitutes or potassium supplements may be used only after talking to your doctor. Losartan can change potassium levels. Losartan should not be given to pregnant women and nursing mothers. In the second or third trimester of pregnancy Losartan can cause fetus injury or even death.
- In animal studies, Cosaar was present in rat milk and was toxic to rat neonates. Therefore it should not be used while breastfeeding.
Cozaar Side effects
Studies were carried out over 1200 patients treated for over 6 months and 800 for over 1 year, total 4000 patients. Side effects were reported similar to placebo effects. Losartan is well tolerated as a whole, and side effects registered were dizziness, diarrhea, muscle cramps, nasal congestion and insomnia.
If you have any of the following: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); or little or no urine, stop taking Cosaar and seek emergency medical help.
If other less serious side effects occur (muscle pain or cramps, diarrhea or upset stomach, dizziness, insomnia), go on taking Losartan but talk to your doctor necessarily. Some other side effects may occur too; if so, talk to your doctor about everything unusual or bothersome you are feeling.
