Brand Name

Cozaar {Merck}

Generic Name

losartan, pronounced loe SAR tan

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Drug Guide

The information contained in the following drug guide is intended as an educational resource only. This guide is not exhaustive and does not contain all available information about this drug.This guide is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment.

The information provided in this guide does not replace the need for the advice and services of medical professionals or the need for medical examination. Always talk to your physician or pharmacist before taking any prescription medication or over the counter drugs (including any supplements) or before making any changes to your treatment. Only your doctor, nurse or pharmacist can provide you with safe and effective advice regarding your drug treatment.

The use of the information in this guide is at your sole risk. This information is provided "AS IS" with no warranties to accuracy or timeliness.

**All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

What is Cozaar?

Cozaar is the brand name of a prescription drug made by Merck. The generic name of the drug is losartan. It is pronounced as loe-sar-tan. The medicine is also referred to as losartan potassium. Cozaar is prescribed to adults to cure hypertension.

It is also prescribed to adults who have high blood pressure. The drug can prevent the narrowing of blood vessels. This helps in lowering the blood pressure and eases the natural blood flow. Cozaar is often prescribed to adults who are at a risk of suffering stroke and those who have a heart disease.

The drug has also been proven to be effective at slowing down the long term damage to kidneys in adults who have high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes.

Cozaar may also be used for purposes not described in this medication guide.

Key Facts About Cozaar

Cozaar belongs to a group of medicines categorized as angiotensin II receptor antagonists. These medicines can prevent the narrowing of blood vessels. It is common for doctors to prescribe this drug along with other medications for high blood pressure.

Cozaar has been classified in pregnancy category D by the United States Food and Drug Administration. This makes Cozaar absolutely unsuitable for pregnant women. Any woman who gets pregnant while on a course of Cozaar must immediately stop taking it. Cozaar can cause death or injury to fetus, especially in the second and third trimesters. Women are recommended to use birth control if they are on Cozaar.

Anyone on Cozaar should avoid alcohol consumption. Alcohol consumption lowers the blood pressure and this can increase the intensity and frequency of the side effects caused by the drug. It is best to avoid alcohol. Those who indulge in alcoholic beverages must strictly limit it to one or two drinks. You should not drink regularly if you are taking Cozaar.

Cozaar can interact with potassium or salt supplements and substitutes. You should not mix them, unless you have been advised otherwise by your doctor. Do not stop taking Cozaar without the approval of your doctor and don’t alter anything in the course or dosage. Go for regular checkups so you can monitor your blood pressure.

You should always report any serious side effect you might be experiencing while taking Cozaar. You may have diarrhea. Vomiting is common. You may sweat excessively and you might be dehydrated. Severe dehydration will lead to an electrolyte imbalance. You should consult your doctor before the side effects get worse.

Cozaar takes up to six weeks to have a noticeable impact. You will feel the difference in the third week. Symptoms of high blood pressure and hypertension would subside in the third week and onward. Share your experience with the doctor if you want to ascertain whether or not the drug is working.

The medicine is not prescribed to children. Temporary high blood pressure or transient hypertension does not warrant the prescribing of this medicine. Only those who suffer from chronic hypertension should be prescribed Cozaar. High pressure can fluctuate during activity. It can be a transient problem.

Hypertension is common and natural in stressful situations. Both hypertension and high blood pressure are serious problems only when they persist in the absence of any external stimuli or when someone is in absolute restful state. One must get diagnosed for chronic high blood pressure and hypertension to be eligible for this prescription drug.

Before You Take Cozaar

Cozaar should not be prescribed to anyone who has had allergic reactions to losartan. Pregnant women must never consume the medicine. Breastfeeding women should not take the drug. Anyone with prevailing kidney or liver disease and congestive heart failure should report the same to their doctor before starting a course. Those who consume alcohol regularly should share this important fact with their doctor.

It is common for anyone taking Cozaar to feel a little dizzy when moving too fast or getting up promptly after sitting or lying. It is best to be a little calm and cautious while initiating any quick motion. A sense of falling is also common in the initial days. Anyone taking water pills or diuretics and undergoing dialysis should consult their doctor before starting the course.

If you suffer from dehydration or an electrolyte imbalance you should tell your doctor before starting treatment with Cozaar.

Until you know how you will react to Cozaar you should avoid getting up too fast from a lying or sitting position, as you may experience dizziness. Be sure to get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall, especially when you first begin your treatment with Cozaar.

You need to be aware that certain conditions can cause low blood pressure, and make the effects of Cozaar more pronounced for you. Tell your doctor right away if you experience diarrhea, heart disease, intense sweating, vomiting, dialysis, or if you are on a low salt diet or taking diuretics (water pills).

Cozaar Drug Interactions

Cozaar interacts with Celebrex or celecoxib, Arthrotec or diclofenac, diuretics, Advil or ibuprofen, Indocin or indomethacin, Mobic or meloxicam, Eskalith or lithium and Aleve or naprozen. There are other brand names of these drugs and you should avoid them all while taking Cozaar. This is not a comprehensive list. There are other medicines that may interact and interfere with Cozaar. It is best to share the medications you are on right now with your doctor so you can be proactively safe.

Cozaar may interact with all kinds of health supplements, vitamins and any type of herbal products. You should consult your doctor before consuming any such product. You should not start any new course of medication without the approval of your doctor. If you have to resume any old medication, your doctor must be made aware of it and should approve.

You should inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following:

• celecoxib (Celebrex)
• diclofenac (Arthrotec, Cambia, Cataflam, Voltaren, Flector Patch, Pennsaid, Solareze)
• diuretics or water pills
• ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
• indomethacin (Indocin), meloxicam (Mobic)
• lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid, Lithonate)
• meloxicam (Mobic)
• naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, Naprelan, Treximet)

Other drugs you take that are not listed may interact with Cozaar. You should tell your doctor about all of the medications you use. This includes prescription drugs, vitamins, supplements and herbal products, and over the counter medications. You should not begin taking a new medication without telling your doctor first.

Directions for Taking Cozaar

Your doctor will provide you with all the instructions including course details, dosage and when & how to take Cozaar. Follow these instructions stringently. Do not make any changes to the course, dosage or timing of taking the drug. In most cases, the medicine must be taken every day and at the exact same time, without or with food.

Cozaar can be prescribed for the long term as high blood pressure is usually a chronic condition and hence hypertension needs a prolonged treatment. Keep the medicine in a dry place away from heat. Refrigeration is not necessary. You should not miss a dose of Cozaar. If you do, try to take it whenever you remember but you should not combine two doses. There can be serious side effects if you overdose on Cozaar.

Cozaar Side Effects

Cozaar has many side effects including allergies such as hives, breathing problems and swelling of the lips, face, tongue or throat. You may experience a loss or change in appetite, pain in your chest, drowsiness, weak pulse, slow heart rate, weakness in muscles, tingly feelings, dehydration and increased thirst, feeling lightheaded or akin to fainting, mood swings, swollen feet and hands, nausea, urinary problems such as burning or painful sensations, wheezing and vomiting. Some milder side effects of the drug are back pain, diarrhea, symptoms of flu or cold, stuffy nose, fever, sore throat, dizziness, exhaustion, dry cough, insomnia, headache, stomach pain and muscle cramps. You may experience other side effects. Any time you feel anything severe, contact your doctor or seek emergency medical care.

If you experience any of the following adverse effects you should stop taking Cozaar and seek emergency medical help immediately.

• allergic reaction including hives, swelling in your face, lips, throat or tongue and trouble breathing
• appetite loss
• chest pain
• difficulty breathing
• drowsiness
• high potassium symptoms, such as a slow heart rate, weak pulse, muscle weakness, or a tingly feeling
• increased thirst
• faint feeling or lightheadedness with pale skin
• fast heart rate
• mood changes
• nausea
• swelling in your hands and feet
• urinary difficulties including pain or burning, urinating less than normal or not at all
• vomiting
• wheezing

Less serious side effects of Cozaar may include:

• back pain
• cold or flu symptoms, such as a stuffy nose, sore throat or fever
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• dry cough
• exhaustion
• headache
• insomnia
• mild muscle cramps
• stomach pain

It should be noted that this is not a complete list of possible side effects of Cozaar. You should contact your physician for a complete list and medical advice regarding these effects.

Cozaar Description and Dosing

Cozaar is a tablet coated with film. It is usually available in three strengths: 25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg.

You may be prescribed the white and oval 25 mg tablets with one plain side and another having the code 951 or the 50 mg tablets that look similar but have one scored side and the code 952 on the other. 100 mg Cozaar tablets are also white but shaped like teardrop. Every capsule of the highest strength has 960 coded.

Do not reduce your dosage. Do not opt for a higher dosage, unless your doctor has prescribed so. You may need emergency medical care if you overdose on Cozaar.

Cozaar is available as a film coated tablet in 25mg, 50mg or 100mg strengths.

The 25mg tablets of Cozaar are white, oval, film-coated and have the code 951 on one side and are plain on the other side.

The 50 mg tablets of Cozaar are white, oval, film-coated and have the code 952 on one side and are scored on the other side.

The 100 mg tablets of Cozaar are white, teardrop-shaped, film-coated and have the code 960 on one side and are plain on the other side.

Consult with your doctor for specific dosing pertaining to you. Do not attempt to alter or change your dose of Cozaar without your physician’s consent.

If you suspect that you have overdosed with Cozaar you should seek emergency help immediately.

Ingredients in Cozaar

Cozaar contains losartan potassium. Inactive ingredients in the tablets include microcrystalline cellulose, lactose hydrous, pregelatinized starch, magnesium stearate, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hypromellose, and titanium dioxide.

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The information contained in this drug guide is intended as an educational resource only. This guide is not exhaustive and does not contain all available information about this drug.This guide is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment.

The information provided in this guide does not replace the need for the advice and services of medical professionals or the need for medical examination. Always talk to your physician or pharmacist before taking any prescription medication or over the counter drugs (including any supplements) or before making any changes to your treatment. Only your doctor, nurse or pharmacist can provide you with safe and effective advice regarding your drug treatment.

The use of the information in this guide is at your sole risk. This information is provided "AS IS" with no warranties to accuracy or timeliness.

**All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.