Cozaar

Medically Reviewed by Harshi Dhingra, M.D.

Last Reviewed: Jun 21, 2022

Warnings


What are the risks of taking Cozaar (losartan)?



Cozaar can cause serious health problems, especially in certain high-risk groups

Some of the serious risks of Cozaar use include:
  • Birth defects: Cozaar can cause birth defects or serious damage to the fetus if taken during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, tell your doctor before starting Cozaar. If you become pregnant while taking Cozaar, stop taking the medicine immediately and contact your doctor.

  • Low blood pressure: Cozaar can cause your blood pressure to drop below normal levels. This is more likely if you are receiving other prescription drugs for hypertension, such as water pills. If you experience lightheadedness or dizziness on Cozaar and these symptoms do not improve after a few days, talk to your doctor about changing the dose or trying another anti-hypertensive medication.

  • Worsening kidney function: Although Cozaar protects the kidneys by lowering blood pressure, it can occasionally worsen kidney function. This risk is higher in people with a history of kidney problems. Therefore, your doctor will check your kidney function before starting Cozaar and at least once a year after that while you remain on treatment with this medication.

  • Heart problems: Cozaar can lead to high potassium levels in the body, which can cause heart problems. This risk is higher in people with kidney problems and those who take other medications that can increase potassium


Your doctor or pharmacist can prescribe other treatments for high blood pressure if you are at risk of complications from Cozaar use.


What should I tell my doctor before starting Cozaar (losartan)?

Tell your healthcare professional about all your medical conditions. Cozaar tablets may not be suitable for people with certain medical conditions, such as heart failure, kidney disease, or liver disease.

Also, tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, dietary supplements, vitamins, and herbal products. This can help avoid serious drug interactions.

Be sure to tell your doctor if you have previously had an allergic reaction to this medicine or any of the other ingredients in Cozaar tablets. Your pharmacy can give you a list of ingredients. 

Cozaar is not for women who are pregnant. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant in the near future, or breastfeed.

What precautions should I take while on Cozaar (losartan)?

  • Keep your Cozaar out of reach of children and pets. Do not share your prescription medicine with anyone. 
  • Keep all appointments with your healthcare professionals. Your doctor may order blood tests to keep an eye on your kidney function while you’re on Cozaar.
  • Cozaar can harm the unborn baby if it is used during pregnancy. Contact your doctor without delay if you become pregnant while on Cozaar. 
  • Taking Cozaar can cause lightheadedness, dizziness, and fainting if you get up too quickly from a lying position. This problem is more likely to occur when you first start taking the medicine. To prevent this problem, get out of bed slowly and remain seated for a few minutes before standing.
  • Diarrhea, vomiting, excessive sweating, and dehydration can drop blood pressure, causing fainting and lightheadedness. Contact your doctor if you develop these symptoms during Cozaar treatment.  
  • Call your doctor immediately or go to the emergency room if you experience symptoms such as swelling of the face, throat, mouth, tongue, lips, hands, lower legs, or feet; chest pain; or difficulty breathing or swallowing. 

What drugs can interact with Cozaar (losartan)?

The list below may not describe all possible drug interactions with lisinopril. Be sure to give your health care provider a complete list of all your medications, including prescription drugs, and over-the-counter products. Also tell them if you smoke, consume alcohol, or use recreational drugs, as they may interact with lisinopril. 

Taking Cozaar with some other medications can affect how well it works. Drug interactions can also increase the risk of serious side effects. Your physician may choose a different blood pressure-lowering medicine for you, change the dose or frequency of one or both medications, or monitor you carefully for side effects if there are known drug interactions between Cozaar and any of your other medicines. 

Using Cozaar with a medication called aliskiren (Tekamlo, Tekturna) is not recommended in patients with diabetes. Your doctor will not advise you to take Cozaar with aliskiren if you have kidney disease.

There can also be interactions between Cozaar and the following medicines:





This list does not describe all possible Cozaar interactions. Give your health care provider a complete list of your medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, dietary supplements, and herbal products. Also, tell your health care provider if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use recreational drugs because some of these substances can cause serious health complications when used with Cozaar.