Cozaar is an angiotensin II antagonist used to decrease high blood pressure.

Common use

Hypotension medication which specifically blocks angiotensin II receptors, decreases the total peripheral resistance, concentration of aldosteron in blood, arterial pressure, pressure in pulmonary circulation, and has a diuretic effect. Angiotensin, a protein, causes blood vessels to constrict, and drives blood pressure up, while Cozaar blocks its receptors and this way prevents high blood pressure. The medication is used to treat hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy (increase in muscle) and diabetic nephropathy.



Dosage and direction

Cozaar may be taken with or without food once a day or the total daily dose might also be divided for two intakes. Follow all your recommendations of your physician and do not change the prescribed dose.



Precautions

In patients with dehydration (for example those who were treated with high doses of diuretics) arterial hypotensia while in patients with cirrhosis concentration of Cozaar in blood plasma increases considerably. Let your doctor know if you have liver or kidney disease and congestive heart failure. Cozaar increases the level of potassium in the blood. Also inform your doctor if you are taking potassium supplements or using a salt substitute.



Contraindications

Hypersensitivity, pregnancy breastfeeding, infancy, arterial hypotension, hyperpotassemia.



Possible side effect

Diarrhea muscle cramps, dizziness, insomnia, nasal congestion, persistent cough, increased serum potassium, loss of appetite, dry mouth and angioedema. The medication is usually well tolerated but if some side effects develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor about it immediately.



Drug interaction

Cozaar may interact with diuretics that leave potassium in the body here by increasing the risk of hyperpotassemia at concurrent treatment with K+ medications and potassium sparing diuretics. Nizoral is known to decrease activity of Cozaar.



Missed dose

If you missed a dose take it as soon as you remember, but not if it is almost time of the next intake by your schedule. If so skip the missed dose. Do not try to compensate a missed dose by taking an extra one.



Overdose

If you suspect that you took too much of the medication and suppose that due to it heartbeat became extremely slow or rapid and blood pressure lowered considerably seek for immediate medical attention.



Storage

Save Cozaar in a dry place away from sunlight at room temperature.



Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.