Losartan is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist (sometimes called an ARB blocker).
Losartan is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults and children who are at least 6 years old. It is also used to lower the risk of stroke in certain people with heart disease.
Losartan is also used to slow long-term kidney damage in people with type 2 diabetes who also have high blood pressure.
Losartan may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
uses
What is Losartan (Cozaar) used for?
- Diabetic Nephropathy
- Hypertension
- Pre-eclampsia/Eclampsia
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Hypertensive Congestive Heart Failure
- Hypertensive Heart (w/ CHF) and Renal Disease
- Hypertensive Heart (w/o CHF) and Renal Disease
- Hypertensive Renal Disease
- Hypertensive Retinopathy
- Renovascular Hypertension
- Hypertensive Encephalopathy
- Hypertensive Heart Disease
warnings
What is the most important information I should know about Losartan (Cozaar)?
You should not use losartan if you are allergic to it.
If you have diabetes, do not use losartan together with any medication that contains aliskiren (a blood pressure medicine).
You may also need to avoid taking losartan with aliskiren if you have kidney disease.
Do not use if you are pregnant, and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Losartan can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your second or third trimester.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- kidney disease;
- liver disease;
- congestive heart failure;
- an electrolyte imbalance (such as high levels of potassium in your blood);
- if you are on a low-salt diet; or
- if you are dehydrated.
You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.
Losartan is not approved for use by anyone younger than 6 years old.
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Side Effects
What are the side effects of Losartan (Cozaar)?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
- pain or burning when you urinate;
- high potassium level–nausea, weakness, tingly feeling, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, loss of movement; or
- kidney problems–little or no urination, rapid weight gain, painful or difficult urination, swelling in your hands, feet, or ankles.
Common side effects may include:
- dizziness;
- back pain; or
- cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Can I take Losartan (Cozaar) if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
Do not use if you are pregnant, and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Losartan can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your second or third trimester.
You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.
Interactions
What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Losartan (Cozaar)?
Drinking alcohol can further lower your blood pressure and may increase certain side effects of losartan.
Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes, unless your doctor has told you to.
Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy.
Dosage Guidelines & Tips
How to take Losartan (Cozaar)?
Use Losartan (Cozaar) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
You may take losartan with or without food.
Call your doctor if you are sick with vomiting or diarrhea, or if you are sweating more than usual. You can easily become dehydrated while taking losartan. This can lead to very low blood pressure, a serious electrolyte imbalance, or kidney failure.
Your blood pressure will need to be checked often and you may need other blood and urine tests.
It may take 3 to 6 weeks before your blood pressure is under control. For best results, keep using the medicine as directed. Talk with your doctor if your condition does not improve after 3 weeks of treatment.
If you have high blood pressure, keep using this medicine even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
Overdose Signs
What happens if I overdose on Losartan (Cozaar)?
(800) 222-1222
911
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