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What is Cozaar
 Cozaar
is in a class of drugs called angiotensin II receptor antagonists.
Cozaar prevents the constriction (narrowing) of blood vessels
(veins and arteries).
Cozaar
is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and to
reduce the risk of stroke.
Cozaar
may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
General medical information about Cozaar
Do not take Cozaar if you are pregnant or could become
pregnant during treatment. When used during the second and
third trimesters of pregnancy, Cozaar can cause injury and
even death of the developing fetus. Notify your doctor immediately
if you think you might be pregnant.
Use caution when
driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous
activities. Cozaar may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If
you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
Also use caution when rising from a sitting or lying position.
Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may further lower
blood pressure and increase drowsiness and dizziness while
taking Cozaar.
What you should find out before taking
Cozaar
Before taking Cozaar, tell your doctor if you
-
have kidney disease;
- have liver disease;
-
are on a salt-restricted diet or have high levels of potassium
in the blood; or
- are taking a potassium supplement
(e.g., K-Dur, Klor-Con, others), or a potassium-sparing
diuretic such as amiloride (Midamor), triamterene (Dyrenium,
Dyazide, Maxzide), or spironolactone (Aldactone).
You may not be able to take Cozaar, or you may require a
dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment
if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Cozaar
is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that it is
known to be harmful to an unborn baby. When used during
the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, Cozaar can
cause injury and even death of the developing fetus. Do
not take Cozaar if you are pregnant or could become pregnant
during treatment.
It is not known whether Cozaar
passes into breast milk. Do not take Cozaar without first
talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should take Cozaar Take Cozaar exactly as directed by your doctor. If
you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist,
nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each
dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.
Cozaar
can be taken with or without food.
It is important
to take Cozaar regularly to get the most benefit.
Your doctor may want you to have blood pressure checks,
blood tests, or other medical evaluations during treatment
with Cozaar to monitor progress and side effects.
Do not stop taking Cozaar without first talking to your
doctor. If you stop taking the medication, your condition
could become much worse.
Store Cozaar at room temperature
away from moisture and heat.
If you miss a dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However,
if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed
dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do
not take a double dose of this medication.
What happens if you overdose: Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is
suspected.
Symptoms of a Cozaar overdose are not
well known but might include dizziness, weakness, fainting,
and fatigue.
Avoid while taking Cozaar Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or
performing other hazardous activities. Cozaar may cause
dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or
drowsiness, avoid these activities. Also use caution when
rising from a sitting or lying position.
Use alcohol
cautiously. Alcohol may further lower blood pressure and
increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking Cozaar.
Do not use salt substitutes or take potassium supplements
without first talking to your doctor. Cozaar can affect
potassium levels in the body.
Possible side effects of Cozaar If you experience any of the following serious side
effects, stop taking Cozaar and contact your doctor immediately
or seek emergency medical treatment.
- an allergic
reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling
of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); or
- little
or no urine.
Other side effects are less serious.
Continue to take Cozaar and talk to your doctor if you experience
- diarrhea or upset stomach,
- muscle pain
or cramps,
- dizziness, or
- insomnia.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur.
Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual
or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Cozaar Before taking Cozaar, tell your doctor if you
-
take a potassium supplement such as K-Dur, Klor-Con, and
others;
- take a potassium-sparing diuretic (water
pill) such as amiloride (Midamor), spironolactone (Aldactone),
or triamterene (Dyrenium, Dyazide, Maxzide); or
-
use a salt substitute.
Cozaar can affect potassium
levels in the body. You may not be able to take Cozaar,
or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring
if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
Tell your doctor about any other medicines you take to treat
high blood pressure or other heart conditions. Cozaar may
cause very low blood pressure if it is taken with other
heart medications.
Drugs
other than those listed here may also interact with Cozaar
or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist
before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines,
including herbal products. |
