Cozaar Side Effects

From Pharmacy Drug Guide

Cozaar (losartan) is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist prescribed to treat hypertension and lower the risk of stroke in those with high blood pressure and left ventricular hypertrophy. However, it may not be effective in stroke prevention among African Americans. Cozaar is also prescribed to treat long-term kidney damage in people with type 2 diabetes.^[1]

Cozaar has a number of side effects, including tiredness, chest pain, diarrhea, high blood potassium, dizziness and low blood pressure.^[2] People who suffer from liver or kidney disease, congestive heart failure, an electrolyte imbalance or are dehydrated will need to consult their physician before using Cozaar.^[1]

Contents 1 Common Cozaar Side Effects 2 Drug Side Effects 3 Cozaar Allergic Reactions 4 Cozaar Precautions and Warnings 5 References

Common Cozaar Side Effects

Common side effects of Cozaar include dizziness, low blood pressure, high blood potassium, diarrhea, chest pain, low blood sugar, tiredness, dry cough, muscle cramps, cold or flu symptoms, pain in the legs or back and decreased sensitivity to touch.^[1]

Side effects may vary according to the condition a patient is being treated for. For example, among those with diabetes-related kidney disease, Cazaar is more likely to cause high blood potassium. Patients taking Cozaar for high blood pressure are more likely to experience colds or upper respiratory infections.^[2]

Serious side effects of Cozaar include swelling of face or lower limbs, chest pain, hoarse throat and constricted breathing.^[1]

Drug Side Effects

Cozaar Allergic Reactions

Some patients may be allergic to Cozaar's active ingredient, losartan. Reaction can also occur from inactive ingredients in Cozaar, such as microcrystalline cellulose, lactose hydrous, pregelatinized starch, magnesium stearate, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hypromellose, and titanium dioxide. Signs of an allergic reaction include swollen lips, throat, tongue or face. Merck recommends seeking the aid of a medical professional at once if these symptoms occur.^[2]

Cozaar Precautions and Warnings

• Cozaar can cause interactions with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen (Advil and Motrin), naproxen (in Aleve and Naprosyn), potassium-sparing diuretics such as spironolactone (Aldactone, in Aldactazide), phenobarbital, potassium supplements and fluconazole (Diflucan).^[1]
• Standing up too quickly from a sitting or lying position may cause dizziness while on Cozaar. To avoid this, medical professionals recommend that Cozaar users take extra time when moving into an upright position from a reclining one, and sitting with both feet on the floor for a while before getting up from bed.^[1]
• Patients who do not drink enough water or who allow themselves to become dehydrated through excessive sweating, vomiting or diarrhea are more prone to low blood pressure, and are therefore more likely to feel dizzy or pass out on Cozaar.^[1]
• Cozaar can be fatal to the fetus when used by pregnant women. Therefore, women of childbearing age who take Cozaar are instructed to use a dependable form of birth control, and to seek a doctor if pregnancy is suspected.^[3]
• Cozaar may not be right for patients with history of liver and kidney disease.^[3]
• Side effects of Cozaar are exacerbated with alcohol use.^[3]
• The elderly are more likely to have side effects with Cozaar, particularly those that affect the kidneys.^[3]
• Cozaar users are instructed not to use any salt substitutes that have potassium.^[1]
• If a patient is instructed to follow a low-sodium or reduced-salt diet plan, it is very important that they adhere to it.^[1]
• It is not safe to double up on Cozaar, even if a patient misses a dose.^[1]

Also See: Drug Side Effects, Prescription Drugs, Merck Patient Assistance Programs, Diovan Free Samples, Yaz Side Effects, Marijuana and High Blood Pressure, Lisinopril Coupons

References

1. ↑ ^{1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12} http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0000958/
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4} http://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/c/cozaar/cozaar_ppi.pdf
3. ↑ ^{3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3} http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-11528-Cozaar+Oral.aspx?drugid=11528&drugname=Cozaar+Oral