COSART (Losacar, Cozaar, Losartan) is used in the treatment of high blood pressure. It is effective
when used alone or with other high blood pressure medications, such
as diuretics that help the body get rid of water.
COSART (Losacar, Cozaar, Losartan) is also used to slow the progress of kidney disease caused
by type 2 diabetes (the type of diabetes that doesn't require insulin
shots). It is the first of a new class of blood pressure medications
called angiotensin II receptor antagonists. COSART (Losacar, Cozaar, Losartan) works, in part,
by preventing the hormone angiotensin II from constricting the blood
vessels, which tends to raise blood pressure. Most important fact about COSART (Losacar, Cozaar, Losartan)
You must take COSART (Losacar, Cozaar, Losartan) regularly for it to be effective. Since blood
pressure declines gradually, it may be several weeks before you get
the full benefit of COSART (Losacar, Cozaar, Losartan), and you must continue taking it even if
you are feeling well. COSART (Losacar, Cozaar, Losartan) does not cure high blood pressure; it
merely keeps it under control. How should you take COSART (Losacar, Cozaar, Losartan)?
COSART (Losacar, Cozaar, Losartan) can be taken with or without food.
Take it at the same time each day. For example, if you take the medication
every morning before or after breakfast, you will establish a regular
routine and be less likely to forget your dose.
Why should COSART (Losacar, Cozaar, Losartan) not be prescribed?
Do not take COSART (Losacar, Cozaar, Losartan) when you are pregnant. Avoid it if you have ever
h
ad an allergic reaction to it. Special warnings about COSART (Losacar, Cozaar, Losartan)
COSART (Losacar, Cozaar, Losartan) can cause low blood pressure, especially if you are also taking
a diuretic. You may feel light-headed or faint, especially during the
first few days of therapy. If these symptoms occur, contact your doctor.
Your dosage may need to be adjusted or discontinued. Be sure you know
how you react to COSART (Losacar, Cozaar, Losartan) before you drive or operate machinery.
Excessive sweating, dehydration, severe diarrhea, or vomiting could
make you lose too much water, causing a severe drop in blood pressure.
Call your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.
Be sure to tell your doctor about any medical conditions you have,
especially liver or kidney disease and congestive heart failure. In
very rare cases, COSART (Losacar, Cozaar, Losartan) has triggered fatal kidney problems in people
with heart failure.
COSART (Losacar, Cozaar, Losartan) tends to increase the level of potassium in the blood. Check
with your doctor before taking potassium supplements or using a salt
substitute. Possible food and drug interactions when
taking COSART (Losacar, Cozaar, Losartan)
If COSART (Losacar, Cozaar, Losartan) is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either
could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important
to check with your doctor before taking COSART (Losacar, Cozaar, Losartan) with the following:
Diuretics that leave potassium in the body, such as Aldactone,
triamterene, and amiloride
Indomethacin (Indocin)
Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
Troleandomycin (Tao)
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Drugs such as COSART (Losacar, Cozaar, Losartan) can cause injury or even death to the unborn
child when used in the second or third trimester of pregnancy. Stop
taking COSART (Losacar, Cozaar, Losartan) as soon
