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Losartan Potassium

 

Losartan Potassium (generic Cozaar) Review

brand name: Cozaar
generic names: hydrochlorothiazide, Losartan potassium, Losartan

How does it work?

Cozaar tablets contain the active ingredient losartan potassium, which is a type of medicine called an angiotensin II antagonist. It works by preventing the action of a hormone in the body called angiotensin II.

Angiotensin II normally acts on special receptors in the body, with two main results. Firstly, it causes the peripheral blood vessels to narrow, and secondly, it stimulates the production of another hormone called aldosterone. Aldosterone causes salt and water to be retained by the kidneys, which increases the volume of fluid in the blood vessels.

Losartan blocks the receptors that angiotensin II acts on, and so prevents its actions. The main result of this is that the peripheral blood vessels are allowed to widen, which means that there is more space and less resistance in these blood vessels. This is the main mechanism by which the pressure in the blood vessels is lowered.

Blocking the actions of angiotensin II also reduces the action of aldosterone on the kidneys. The result of this is an increase in the amount of fluid removed from the blood by the kidneys. This decreases the amount of fluid in the blood vessels, which also lessens the resistance and pressure in the blood vessels.

The combined overall effect of these changes is to lower the blood pressure, hence losartan is used to treat high blood pressure.

Losartan has been shown to reduce the risk of stroke in people who have high blood pressure together with an enlargement in the left side of their heart (left ventricular hypertrophy). People with both these conditions may therefore be prescribed losartan to reduce their chances of experiencing a stroke. However, this medicine is not effective for this particular use in black patients.

Losartan has also been shown to delay the progression of kidney disease in people with type 2 diabetes who have related kidney complications. If you have diabetic kidney disease you may be prescribed losartan for this reason, regardless of whether or not you also have high blood pressure.

Most important fact about Cozaar

You must take Cozaar regularly for it to be effective. Since blood pressure declines gradually, it may be several weeks before you get the full benefit of Cozaar, and you must continue taking it even if you are feeling well. Cozaar does not cure high blood pressure; it merely keeps it under control.

What does my medication look like?

Losartan (Cozaar) is available with a prescription under the brand name Cozaar. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

• Cozaar 100 mg--dark green, teardrop-shaped, film-coated tablets
• Cozaar 50 mg--green, teardrop-shaped, film-coated tablets
• Cozaar 25 mg--light-green, teardrop-shaped, film-coated tablets

• Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, allergic reactions, drug interactions, warnings, precautions, directions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
• Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children. Never share your medicines with others and use this medication only for the condition prescribed.

Copyright 1996-2006 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 5.03. Revision Date: 11/13/06 8:54:35 AM.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•previous swelling of the tongue, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, or lips with difficulty breathing, face.g. low or high levels of potassium in the blood)
•if you are on a special diet, such as a low-salt diet (e.g. using potassium substitutes)
•an unusual or allergic reaction to Losartan (Cozaar), dyes, foods, other medicines, or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding

Warning!

• You should have regular blood tests to monitor the amount of potassium in your blood while you are taking this medicine, particularly if you are elderly or have any problems with your kidneys.
  
  
• Dizziness and weariness may occasionally occur during treatment with blood pressure lowering medicines. This may be made worse by drinking alcohol. If you are affected, caution is required when driving or operating machinery.
  
  

Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately. Information concerning Cozaar overdosage is limited. However, hypotension (low blood pressure) and abnormally rapid or slow heartbeat may be signs of an overdose.