Cozaar and its Uses
Generic Cozaar is in a class of drugs called angiotensin II receptor antagonists. Cozaar prevents the constriction (narrowing) of blood vessels (veins and arteries).
Generic Cozaar is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and to reduce the risk of stroke.
Generic Cozaar 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 Cozaar to reduce their chances of experiencing a stroke.
Generic Cozaar 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.
|| Top || Working Mechanism of Cozaar
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.
Cozaar 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 Cozaar is used to treat high blood pressure.
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Cozaar Dose
Missed Dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of Cozaar.
Excess Dose of Cozaar
Cozaar in excess dose may show symptoms such as dizziness, weakness, fainting, and fatigue.
Conditions for Storage of Cozaar
Store Cozaar at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Potencies of Cozaar
Cozaar Tablets: Cozaar 25 mg & Cozaar 50 mg
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Food and Drug Interactions with Cozaar
People taking high doses of diuretics, e.g. frusemide, may experience a large drop in blood pressure with the first dose of Cozaar. This may result in dizziness or fainting. Discuss this with your doctor.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as indometacin may oppose the blood pressure lowering effect of Cozaar.
- There may be an increased risk of raised blood potassium levels (hyperkalaemia) if Cozaar is taken with any of the following, particularly if you are elderly or have impaired kidney function:
- potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g. spironolactone, triamterene, amiloride)
- potassium supplements
- potassium-containing salt substitutes.
These medicines should generally be avoided while you are taking Cozaar.
- The antibiotic rifampicin may decrease the blood level of Cozaar.
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Contraindications with Cozaar
Cozaar is contraindicated in the following:
- Breastfeeding: It is not known whether Cozaar passes into breast milk. Do not take Cozaar without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
- Pregnancy: When used during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, Cozaar can cause injury and even death of the developing fetus. Do not take Cozaar if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
- Allergy to one or any of its ingredients
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Precautions with Cozaar
Cozaar should be used with caution in:
- Decreased fluid volume in the body, e.g. due to diuretic therapy, low salt diet, kidney dialysis, diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration
- Elderly people over 75 years
- History of decreased liver function
- History of swelling of the lips, face or tongue (angioedema) caused by an ACE inhibitor or other medicine
- Moderate to severely decreased kidney function
- Narrowing of the artery which supplies blood to the kidneys (renal artery stenosis)
- People receiving kidney dialysis
- People who have had a kidney transplant
- Severe heart failure
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Adverse effects with Cozaar
The adverse effects associated with Cozaar include:
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- High blood potassium level (hyperkalaemia)
- Dizziness
- Low red blood cell count (anaemia)
- Inflammation of the liver (hepatitis)
- Alteration in results of liver function tests
- Weakness or loss of strength (asthenia)
- Migraine
- Pain in the muscles and joints
- Rash or itching
- Severe swelling of lips, face or tongue (angioedema)
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