Cozaar – Information, Uses, Side Effects and Dosage

Drug trade name: Cozaar

Category: Angiotensin II Receptor Antagonists

Generic name: losartan                                          

Introduction and Quick Information of Cozaar:

Cozaar is an angiotensin II receptor antagonists. It actually prevents the blood vessels from narrowing, which can further reduce the blood pressure as well as decrease the circulation of blood. Cozaar can be taken to treat high blood pressure. It is also used to lower the chances of stroke in certain individuals who have heart disorders. Also, this medication can reduce the long-term effects of kidney damage in the people who have type-2 diabetes or high blood pressure.

Is Cozaar Approved by U.S. FDA?

The U.S. FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has approved Cozaar to treat hypertension.

Usage and Benefits of Cozaar:

Cozaar is one of the effective prescription medicines, which has been proven to treat several sorts of conditions associated with blood vessels and heart. Cozaar actually works by preventing the action of a hormone known as angiotensin II present inside the body. Some of its other benefits include:

Cozaar for high blood pressure:  Cozaar is supposed to reduce diastolic and systolic blood. The higher the dosage of Cozaar, the greater the drop in blood pressure.

Cozaar for diabetic nephropathy: In diabetic nephropathy, kidneys are damaged due to diabetes. Cozaar prevents the development of diabetic nephropathy, thereby leading to less kidney damage and decreased risk of having severe complications related to kidneys.

Cozaar Side Effects:

Various side effects might occur with the use of this medication. Some of these side effects are:

• Nausea
• Burning sensation or pain with urination
• Pale skin
• Feeling short of breath or light-headed
• Trouble concentrating
• Rapid heart rate
• Chest pain
• Muscle weakness
• Dizziness
• Wheezing
• Irregular heart rate
• Diarrhea
• Weak pulse
• Dry cough
• Cold or flu symptoms like sneezing, stuffy nose, fever, sore throat
• Muscle cramps
• Stomach pain
• Tingly feeling
• Headache
• Back or leg pain
  
• Sleep problems (insomnia)
• Tired feeling

General Recommended Dosages of Cozaar:

Cozaar should be taken as prescribed by the healthcare provider. Your medical practitioner might change your dose schedule occasionally to make sure whether you are getting the desired results.

You can use Cozaar without or with your meals. The benefit can be seen in 3-6 weeks of using Cozaar in the form of controlled blood pressure. To get the perfect results, keep on using the drug as directed by the doctor, even when you feel fine.

In Case I Miss My Dose?

In case the dose is missed, take it as soon as you recall. If, it the time for the next dose then skip the missed dose. You may ask your doctor for further assistance.

In Case I Take Overdose?

Some of the common overdose symptoms may include dizziness, slow or fast heartbeat. If you find any of these symptoms, seek medical help.

Drug Interactions With Cozaar:

• diuretic (water pill);
• celecoxib (Celebrex);
• lithium (Lithonate, Lithobid, Eskalith);
• Aspirin or some other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), etodolac (Lodine), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), nabumetone (Relafen), indomethacin (Indocin), meloxicam (Mobic), piroxicam (Feldene), etc.

Lifestyle and Food Habits You Must Follow When on Cozaar:

A healthy lifestyle can enhance the efficacy of your medication. However, the use of alcohol with this drug can prove dangerous and also result in many severe health complications. So avoid alcohol intake during this treatment.

Moreover, you should not use this medication in case you are allergic to losartan. Inform your doctor if you have liver disease; congestive heart failure; kidney disease or if you are dehydrated. Always follow the instructions of your general practitioner carefully.

How Safe Is Cozaar for Pregnant Women or Nursing Mothers?

Pregnancy category: D (Use in life-threatening emergencies when no safer drug available and positive evidence of human fetal risk)

Lactation: Unknown if excreted in milk; not recommended

Complications and Conditions Possible Due to Prolonged Use of Cozaar:

The continuous use of Cozaar can make you addicted. If you stop taking Cozaar suddenly after using it for long, this might result in various adverse effects. Thus, you need to discuss with your doctor first before you stop taking medicine completely.

Availability of Cozaar:

This drug is available only by prescription.