Losartan

CAUTION:
Do not take losartan if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking losartan, call your doctor without delay. Losartan may harm the fetus.

General Information and Indications:

Losartan is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure. Losartan is in a class of medications called angiotensin II receptor antagonists. It works by blocking the action of certain chemicals that tighten the blood vessels so blood flows more smoothly.

Information For Users:

Losartan comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once or twice a day with or without food. To help you remember to take losartan, take it around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label, ask your doctor or pharmacist If you have any questions. Take losartan exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your health care provider.

Losartan controls high blood pressure but does not cure it. Continue taking losartan even if you feel well. Do not discontinue taking losartan without informing your doctor.
Other uses for this medicine

Losartan is also used sometimes to treat congestive heart failure. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this medication for your condition.

special precautions:

o Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have allergy to losartan or any other medications.
o Inform your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: diuretics ('water pills'), indomethacin (Indocin), and potassium supplements. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
o inform your doctor if you are breast-feeding heart failure or kidney or liver disease.
o Inform your doctor if you plan to become pregnant or are breast-feeding.

Possible Adverse Effects:

Losartan may cause adverse effects. Inform your doctor if any of the following symptoms are severe or do not go away:

o dizziness
o runny nose
o sore throat

Some adverse effects could be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor without delay:

o swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
o hoarseness
o difficulty swallowing or breathing
o fainting

Possible Symptoms of Overdose:

o dizziness
o fainting
o rapid or pounding heartbeat

Brand Name(s):

o Cozaar®

Other Name(s):

o Hyzaar® containing Losartan Potassium and Hydrochlorothiazide