Print this page
Email a friendDrug Library
Generic Name: Losartan
Brand Name(s):
Information updated: April 1, 2000
Overview
Cozaar is the first of a new kind of blood pressure medicine, an angiotensin
II blocker.
Cozaar is prescribed for high blood pressure, alone or in
combination with other drugs. It appears to be less effective for
African-American patients.
Side Effects and Interactions
People on Cozaar have experienced dizziness,
insomnia, muscle cramps or pains, nasal congestion and sinusitis.
Other
side effects reported include faintness, low blood pressure, diarrhea,
indigestion, and chest pain.
Dizziness or faintness may be worse if a
person becomes dehydrated through excess sweating, diarrhea or vomiting. Report
any symptoms to the physician promptly.
Cozaar is not appropriate during
the second or third trimesters of pregnancy. If a woman taking Cozaar becomes
pregnant, she should consult her doctor as soon as possible. Nursing women
should not take this drug without first discussing potential risks and benefits
with their physician.
Tagamet may increase the level of Cozaar slightly,
while phenobarbital reduces it. Interactions with other drugs such as
erythromycin, Nizoral, or Sporanox have not been documented but are
theoretically possible.
Cozaar is metabolized by CYP enzymes in the
liver. As doctors gain more experience prescribing this medicine, more
interactions may come to light. Check with your doctor and pharmacist to make
sure Cozaar is safe in combination with any other drugs you take.
Special Precautions
People with liver disease may have trouble metabolizing Cozaar. The dose should be adjusted accordingly.
Taking the Medicine
Cozaar may be taken when convenient, with or without food.
It is taken once or twice a
day, according to the prescription.
Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist. Teresa Graedon holds a doctorate in medical anthropology and is a nutrition expert. Their syndicated radio show can be heard on public radio.
© 2000