Brand Name:
Cozaar®
Generic Name:
Losartan Potassium
FDA Drug Classification:
Antihypertensive
Action:
Losartan acts to block the action of angiotensin II which causes the body to retain fluid therefore increasing blood pressure. This action is similar to the ACE Inhibitor class of drugs.
Adverse Effects:
- Hypotension - blood pressure dropping too low, especially when standing from a sitting position. This would cause dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting. Usually a dose adjustment will help alleviate the problem.
- Gastro-intestinal upset, with nausea, indigestion or diarrhea. This effect usually passes once the body is adjusted to the medication.
- Cough, which may be troublesome enough for your doctor to consider stopping the drug.
Precautions:
Should not be used by:
- pregnant women
- those with low blood pressure
- those with conditions such as renal(kidney) disease or valular stenosis
- should be used with caution in nursing mothers as it may appear in the milk
Interactions:
Losartan should be used with caution with other blood pressure lowering drugs.
