Cozaar (Losartan Potassium)

Do's: 

• Take Cozaar as prescribed by your healthcare provider, typically starting with one 50 mg tablet taken once a day. 
• Do consider starting with a lower dose for some patients, with adjustments based on blood pressure readings. Most patients take between 25 to 100 mg each day, either as a single dose or in divided doses. For type 2 diabetes mellitus with protein in the urine, the usual starting dose is one 50 mg tablet taken once a day, which may be increased to 100 mg once a day based on blood pressure.  
• Use Cozaar regularly at the same time each day to get the most benefit from it. 
• Take Cozaar by mouth with or without food as directed by your healthcare provider. 
• Shake the bottle well before each dose if using the liquid form. 
• Measure the dose carefully using a special measuring device/spoon. 
• Keep taking Cozaar even if you feel well, as high blood pressure often has no symptoms.

Don'ts: 

• Do not adjust the dosage of Cozaar without consulting your healthcare provider. 

Common Side Effects of Cozaar:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when you first start taking the medication or when the dose is increased
• Headache
• Stomach pain
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Upper respiratory infection (common cold)

Serious Side Effects:

• Low blood pressure, which can make you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or faint
• Kidney problems, including swelling of the hands and feet
• Allergic reaction, which can cause symptoms such as rash, itching, and swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Cozaar,  contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Here are some warnings and precautions to consider when taking Cozaar:

1. Pregnancy: Cozaar can cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women. Discontinue Cozaar as soon as pregnancy is detected. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare provider if you are planning to become pregnant.
2. Interactions: Cozaar may interact with other medications, including aliskiren and certain blood pressure medicines. Inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking to avoid potential interactions
3. Hypotension: Cozaar may cause low blood pressure, especially in patients who are volume- or salt-depleted..Monitor blood pressure regularly and adjust the dosage if necessary.
4. Renal Impairment: Cozaar should be used with caution in patients with renal impairment. Avoid coadministration of Cozaar with aliskiren in patients with renal impairment or those with a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) less than 60 mL/min
5. Bleeding Risk: Cozaar may increase the risk of bleeding. Monitor for signs of bleeding and inform your healthcare provider if you experience unusual bruising, nosebleeds, or blood in urine or stool.