Generic Name : Losartan Potassium
Brand Names : COZAAR-H
Cozaar-H is a combination of two drugs Losartan Potassium + Hydrochlorothiazide (an angiotensin receptor blocker and a thiazide "water pill"/diuretic). Losartan blocks the hormone angiotensin thereby relaxing blood vessels, causing them to widen. The thiazide diuretic increases the amount of urine you make, therefore decreasing excess water and salt in your body. Cozaar-H (Losartan + Hydrochlorothiazide) is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).
Cozaar-H (Losartan + Hydrochlorothiazide) is indicated in high blood pressure (hypertension). This drug may also be used for other conditions by a health care professional. Cozaar-H (Losartan + Hydrochlorothiazide) may also be used to treat congestive heart failure and to help protect the kidneys from damage due to diabetes. Losartan has been used to lower the risk of strokes in patients with high blood pressure and an enlarged heart.
The dosage of Cozaar-H (Losartan + Hydrochlorothiazide) is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. For the treatment of high blood pressure, it may take 3 to 6 weeks before the full benefit of this drug occurs.
You may experience dizziness, lightheadedness, blurred vision, or a stuffy nose as your body adjusts to Cozaar-H (Losartan + Hydrochlorothiazide). If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist immediately.
If any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: unusual thirst, weakness, confusion, fast heartbeat, fainting, decreased sexual ability, unusual change in the amount of urine (not including the normal increase in urine when you first start this drug), seizures, stomach/abdominal pain, severe nausea, yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, unusual fatigue, muscle pain then contact your doctor immediately. An allergic reaction to Cozaar-H (Losartan + Hydrochlorothiazide) is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling (especially of the face, lips, tongue, or throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This drug should not be used if you are on Dofetilide medication because very serious interactions may occur. Therefore, if you are currently using this medication, tell your doctor before starting losartan/hydrochlorothiazide. Also, before using Cozaar-H (Losartan + Hydrochlorothiazide), tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: cisapride, corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), diazoxide, digoxin, drugs which can increase dizziness (e.g., phenobarbital, narcotic analgesics), drugs which are affected by the acid level in the urine (e.g., amphetamine, methenamine, quinidine), fluconazole, lithium, probenecid, rifampin.
Overdose symptoms of this medication may include fast or slow heartbeat, feeling light-headed, or fainting. Seek immediate medical help if you suspect overdose.
Do not use Cozaar-H (Losartan + Hydrochlorothiazide) if you are allergic to hydrochlorothiazide or losartan, or if you are unable to urinate. Before using hydrochlorothiazide and losartan, tell your doctor if you have: kidney disease; liver disease; congestive heart failure; asthma or allergies; low or high levels of potassium in your blood; gout; lupus; diabetes; or an allergy to sulfa drugs.
Cozaar-H (Losartan + Hydrochlorothiazide) can cause serious (possibly fatal) harm to an unborn baby if used during pregnancy. Therefore, it is important to prevent pregnancy while taking this medication. Consult your doctor for more details and to discuss the use of reliable forms of birth control while taking this medication.