Information about Losartan (Generic Cozaar) :


Losartan is in the class of angiotensin-2 receptor antagonists. It effects by blocking the action of angiotensin-2 in the body, than as the result blood vessels relax and the kidneys eliminates extra sodium and fluids. It may also be used for reducing the risk of stroke in patients with high blood pressure and for the treatment of kidney disease in certain patients with type 2 diabetes.

You should not use Losartan in the following cases: you are allergic to any ingredient in it; you are pregnant; it is to be used in a child with severely decreased kidney function.
In such cases it is obligatory to consult with your doctor before taking this medicine.

Before using Losartan:
Be aware that Losartan may interact with some medical conditions. Consult with your doctor in case you have any medical conditions listed below: if you are planning to become pregnant or are breast-feeding; if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement; if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances; if you have kidney problems, liver problems, congestive heart failure, blood electrolyte problems (eg, low sodium levels or high potassium levels), or low fluid volume (eg, dehydration).

Be aware that Losartan may interact with some medicines. Consult with your doctor in case you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the next: Potassium or potassium-sparing diuretics (eg, spironolactone) because the risk of irregular heartbeat due to high blood potassium levels may be increased; Indomethacin because it may decrease Losartan's effectiveness; Lithium because the risk of its side effects may be increased by Losartan.
This may not be a complete list of all interactions with other drugs. To prevent any complications you should check with your doctor before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Losartan:
Take Losartan according to the prescription of your doctor. Losartan is to be taken orally with or without food. Losartan works better when taken regularly at the same time. Continue taking Losartan even if nothing bothers you.

You should take the missed dose as soon as you remember and then follow your usual schedule. Nevertheless, if it is near to the time for your next dose, do not take an extra tablet to catch up for the dose you forgot. Wait and take your next tablet at the regular time. Do not take a double dose.

Important safety information:
Losartan may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting, so be careful when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. You should avoid such activities if you experience dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting. Sit up or stand slowly. Sit or lie down in case you experience these. Contact your doctor if you faint. Alcohol may increase such symptoms. Avoid taking alcohol and other medicines.

Do not use a salt substitute or a product that has potassium in it without medical consultation.

You may feel tired or run down for a few weeks after the treatment is started if you take medicine for high blood pressure. Continue taking your medicine even if no symptoms bother you. Consult with your doctor if you suffer any symptom.

There is no reliable data whether Losartan reduces the risk of stroke or other heart problems in black patients who have high blood pressure.

Losartan may affect blood sugar in diabetes patients. Do check blood sugar levels closely. Do not change the dosage of your diabetes medicine without medical consultation.

LAB TESTS, including blood pressure, liver function and kidney function monitoring, may be performed to monitor your progress.

Do not use Losartan in CHILDREN younger than 6 years old; there is no reliable data about safety and effectiveness in children.

Do not use Losartan in CHILDREN who experience severely decreased kidney function.

PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING:
Stop taking Losartan after the third month of pregnancy. It may cause injury or death to the fetus. Stop taking Losartan as soon as possible if you become pregnant. There is no reliable data whether Losartan passes into breast milk. You are not recommended to breast-feed when being treated with Losartan.

Possible side effects of Losartan:
Not everyone experience side effects; however consult with your doctor if you have any of the most COMMON side effects: diarrhea; dizziness; tiredness; weakness.

Seek emergency if you experience any of these severe side effects: severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain; dark urine; decreased amount of urine; hoarseness; irregular heartbeat; muscle pain or tenderness; stomach pain; yellowing of the eyes or skin.

What is the expiration date of the pills?
This information is mentioned on each blister. The expiration date is 2 years from the date of manufacture.