Cozaar

Cozaar is often prescribed for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy and high blood pressure. Although the medicine cannot cure either condition, it is effective in slowing down the progression of diabetic nephropathy and controlling high blood pressure. Cozaar comes in tablet form and is available in a number of strengths. Potential side effects include dizziness, back pain, and nasal congestion.

 

What Is Cozaar?

Cozaar® (losartan potassium) is a prescription medicine that has been licensed to treat several conditions related to the heart and blood vessels. It is part of a class of drugs called angiotensin II receptor blockers, or ARBs for short.
 

Who Makes It?

Cozaar is manufactured by Merck & Co.
 

What Is Cozaar Used For?

Uses of Cozaar include:
 
The medication is not a cure for high blood pressure or diabetic nephropathy. It has also been approved for use in children ages six and older to treat high blood pressure.
 
(Click Cozaar Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

How Does Cozaar Work?

Cozaar is part of a class of drugs called angiotensin II receptor blockers.
 As the name of the drug class implies, the medication blocks angiotensin II receptors. This decreases the effectiveness of a chemical known as angiotensin II, which normally causes blood vessels to narrow (constrict). By blocking the effects of angiotensin II, Cozaar causes blood vessels to relax, which can lower blood pressure.
 

Effects of Cozaar

A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers -- for example: 120/80. The top number is known as the systolic blood pressure, and the bottom number is the diastolic blood pressure. During clinical studies in people taking Cozaar, systolic blood pressure decreased, on average, by 5.5 to 10.5 mmHg. Diastolic blood pressure decreased by 3.5 to 7.5 mmHg, on average. Certain factors, such as dosage, affected how much the blood pressure dropped.
 
By lowering blood pressure, Cozaar can decrease the risks that are seen with long-term high blood pressure (see Effects of High Blood Pressure). This includes a stroke or heart attack.
 
For people with diabetic nephropathy, the effects of Cozaar have been shown to slow down the progression of diabetic nephropathy, resulting in less kidney damage and a decreased chance for developing serious complications (such as the need for kidney dialysis).
 

When and How Do I Take It?

Some general considerations for when and how to take Cozaar include:
 
  • The medication comes in tablet form. It is usually taken once or twice a day.
     
  • Cozaar may be taken with or without food.
     
  • Do not break, chew, or crush the tablets unless your healthcare provider instructs you to do so.
     
  • The medication should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level in your blood.
     
  • For Cozaar to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. The medication will not work if you stop taking it.
     

Dosing Information

The dose of Cozaar your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • The medical condition being treated
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may be currently taking
  • How you respond to the drug.
     
As with any medication, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Cozaar Dosage for more information.)
 

Side Effects of Cozaar

As with any medicine, side effects can occur with Cozaar. However, not everyone who takes the medicine will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it well. If side effects do occur, they are often minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
The most common side effects in people with high blood pressure include:
 
In people with diabetic nephropathy, common side effects include:
 
(Click Cozaar Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report to your healthcare provider.)
 
You can also read about specific side effects in the following eMedTV articles:
 

Drug Interactions

Cozaar can potentially interact with a number of medicines (see Cozaar Interactions for more information).
 

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Cozaar?

Prior to taking this drug, you should tell your healthcare provider if you have:
 
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
Tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are currently taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
Do not take any potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium without first consulting your healthcare provider.
 
(Click Cozaar Precautions and Warnings for more information, including information on who should not take the drug.)
 

What If I Take an Overdose?

People who take too much Cozaar may have overdose symptoms that could include an extremely low blood pressure or increased heart rate.
 
If you happen to take too much, seek immediate medical attention.
 
(Click Cozaar Overdose for more information.)
 

How Should Cozaar Be Stored?

Cozaar should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat, in an airtight container. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

If you do not take your Cozaar as scheduled, take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and continue with normal dosing. Never take a double dose!
 

Available Strengths

Cozaar tablets are available in several strengths, including:
 
  • Cozaar 25 mg
  • Cozaar 50 mg
  • Cozaar 100 mg.
     

Generic Cozaar

Cozaar is not currently available in generic form (see Generic Cozaar for more information).
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;